Mary Hawkins Obituary

Mary Hawkins, SP

March 4, 1940 - June 16, 2024

Seattle, Washington - Sister Mary Frances Hawkins (Sister Francine Marie), age 84, a Sister of Providence for 63 years, died June 16, 2024 at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA. Vigil: Monday, July 15, 2024, 6:30 pm at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Ave SW, Seattle, WA. Funeral Mass: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 11:00 am at St. Joseph Residence. Bonney Watson Funeral Home oversees arrangements.

Sister Mary was born a twin with her brother Larry (Lawrence) on March 4, 1940 in Tacoma, WA to parents Albert and Magdelena (Weiss) Hawkins. She was the first born of four children, including brothers Steve and Don. Her father was a teacher and later a smelter worker during World War II. Her mother, known as "Mack" was a homemaker who loved to read and learn, and ran a small neighborhood grocery store. Sister Mary grew up in a family full of love, instilled with religion, community and learning. Sister Mary once reflected, "If I could be half as loving as my mother was, and is, and my father continues to be, I would consider my life a success." The family first lived on a small farm in Tacoma and had a horse, a couple of cows, chickens and rabbits, and later when Sister Mary was in grade school the family moved across the street from Sacred Heart School in Tacoma, where the Sisters of Providence became a part of her daily life.

After high school graduation in 1958 from St. Leo High School in Tacoma, Sister Mary worked at Boeing for a year as she reflected on her life. She enjoyed attending Mass, and recognizing feast and holy days, which created a peace within her and a calmness that was a special grace. She entered the Sisters of Providence community in 1959, became a Novice in 1960, received First Vows in 1963 and Final Vows in 1967.

Other educational achievements: in 1967 she received a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Education, Seattle University, a teacher certificate in 1969, and in 1972 a MA (Master of Arts) in Education/Curriculum from University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. She furthered her learning by receiving educational certificates in counseling, spiritual theology and ministry, and clinical pastoral education, and attended extensive workshops and programs.

Sister Mary had a love of education and learning. She ministered as a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School, Vancouver, WA (1963-64); Holy Family School, Seattle, WA (1964-65); St. Catherine School, Seattle, WA (1965-68, 1970-71); St. Finbar School, Burbank, CA (1968-70); and Providence High School, Burbank, CA (1971-78). As an Assistant Vice-Principal, Providence High School (1972-78); and as an Academic Vice-Principal, Providence High School (1990-2008). She ministered on the Sisters of Providence Formation Team (1979-82) and served in community leadership (1983-89). After ministering at Providence High School, Sister Mary moved from Burbank to Seattle in 2009 and continued to serve on the Board of Regents for Providence High School and on the Community Ministry Board for Providence St. Joseph Health.

Sister Mary will be remembered fondly for her compassion, loving presence, wonderful sense of humor, intelligence, and as a mentor and an unwavering advocate for young people, social justice, the poor, and her Providence community. She was thankful for her community and knew being a Sister of Providence was a way of life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Magdelena, her brothers Lawrence and Steve. She is survived by her brother Don and sister-in-law, Judye, Joanne Hawkins, sister-in-law, many loving nieces and nephews, and her religious community.

To view Sister Mary's obituary and picture and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com