Sister Richard Maria Allen (Beatrice M. Allen), 89, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph for 70 years, died at Mont Marie Health Care Center in Holyoke, Mass. on August 27, 2011. A native of Webster, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Ethan and Carolyn (Mogee) Allen. Sister Richard Maria received her early education at St. Louis School, Webster and was graduated from St. Louis High School in 1940. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from St. Louis Parish, Webster in 1941. She earned an A.B. degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee, Mass.
Sister ministered in the Springfield Diocese in Immaculate Conception School, Easthampton, St. Matthew, Indian Orchard and St. Joseph, Pittsfield. In the Worcester Diocese she taught in Sacred Heart School, Gardner and for many years in St. Mary’s, Southbridge. In 1980 she became a Nurse’s Aide and worked in Liberty Nursing Home and Providence Home in Southbridge. She retired in Southbridge in 1994.