In Loving Memory Of Sister Angela Smith, SSF
-
Sister Angela Theresa Smith, daughter of Ida T. Hawkins Smith and the late Arthur Frazier Smith, Jr. of Alexandria, LA (former Superintendent of the Rapides Parish School District) entered eternal life on September 22, 2019. She was 67 years of age. Sister Angela was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Family on September 8, 1971, made her first vows on August 15, 1974, and Perpetual Vows on August 15, 1974!
Sr. Angela was introduced to the Sisters of the Holy Family through Sr. Charlotte Rubit, S.S.F. who was ministering in Alexandria. Sr. Angela inquired about religious life, and that very day she called Mother Rose de Lima Hazeur, the Superior General, and accepted an invitation to come and learn more about the congregation.
Sr. Angela served in ministry to the people of God primarily as an educator in Louisiana and Texas. She began her teaching career at Holy Family Catholic School in Lafayette, Louisiana. After three years, she returned to New Orleans and ministered for five years at St. Raymond Catholic School and three years at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. She taught at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School and St. Philip Neri Catholic School in Houston, Texas. For 24 years, Sr. Angela served as principal of Holy Ghost Catholic School in New Orleans. During her many years at the school, she was unwavering in her dedication to students, parents, and staff. When Holy Ghost School closed in 2013, she was assigned to St. Mary’s Academy where she continued her devoted service to the students as assistant principal of the elementary division and as campus minister until her death.
Sr. Angela was a motivating force at St. Mary’s Academy. She truly left an imprint on the hearts of the students, faculty, and staff. She would be at every game, every academic event, every social event, every dance, really…she was everywhere. Sr. Angela provided encouragement and had positive words for everyone she encountered. She prayed with the students when they were down, laughed with the students when they were feeling good, and always went the extra mile to let them know she loved them and wanted the best for them. In the morning, her voice could be heard by all, setting the tone for the day “…do your best, be respectful.” Everyone at St. Mary’s was touched by Sr. Angela. The halls are silent, but the message is clear, Sr. Angela Smith will be missed beyond measure.
Sr. Angela was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, Ida T. Hawkins Smith, Kenneth Smith, Dr. Jasmine Smith, Marsha Smith, and Henry Butler. She will be truly missed by faculty, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Academy, and former faculty, staff, parents, and students of Holy Ghost Catholic School.
