Obituary Notice

"The Sisters of Charity of Providence, Province of the Sacred Heart, Nesqually, recommend to your pious suffrages, the soul of their beloved Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, nee Esther Pariseau, Foundress of their Missions of the Northwest, who departed this life at their Provincial House, Vancouver, Washington, on the 19th of January 1902, fortified by the Sacraments of Our Holy Mother the Church, in the 79th year of her age and the 59th of her religious life. Requiescat in Pace [Rest in Peace].

"A service will be celebrated in the Convent Chapel on Wednesday, 22nd. inst [of this month], at 8 A.M. The funeral from St. James' Cathedral, Thursday, the 23rd at 10 A.M. You are respectfully requested to attend."

Mother Joseph's death was announced in this obituary notice, which was mailed to 300 friends and benefactors, as well as the houses of the religious community and her family. This custom is retained today, although in a slightly simpler format. This copy of the notice was placed in the 1909 Cornerstone Box of St. Joseph Hospital, Vancouver, Washington, and transferred to the archives after the box was opened in 1972.

(13) Personal Papers of Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart:
Biography, Death, 1902: Obituary and Memorial Cards
Providence Archives, Seattle, WA