October 19, 2009     

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Sister Mary Grace Ayotte APB, 87, of 400 Pratt St., died Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s Motherhouse while under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.  

Sister Mary Grace was born Mary Elizabeth Ayotte on July 31, 1922, in Concord, Mass., a daughter of Cham Albert and Margaret Mary Brennan Ayotte. She was baptized at Saint Bridget’s Church in Maynard, Mass. She attended Maynard schools and worked briefly for Raytheon Manufacturing Co. as a secretary clerk. 

Sister Mary Grace entered the Precious Blood Monastery in 1945 in Manchester, NH, made profession of vows in 1948 and came to Watertown as a Foundress of the local monastery in 1963.  

She served the community as superior for many years and also served as past president of the American Federation of Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood. Since July, Sister has lived at the infirmary of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse.  

She was an avid reader.   

Surviving are a sister and her husband, Constance and Vincent Stigliani, Maynard, Mass.; a sister in-law, Betty Ayotte, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.  

A brother, Joseph, and two sisters, Regina Nee and Joanne Engel, died before her.   

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Precious Blood Monastery.  The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Sisters of the St. Joseph’s Motherhouse with Monsignor Paul Whitmore, chaplain, officiating and Monsignor R.J. McCarthy, founder of the monastery and Reverend Arthur LaBaff Concelebrating. 

Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.





Information provided by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.