By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
ST. AUGUSTINE | Sister Grace Marie Parker, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine who dedicated decades of her life to Catholic education, parish ministry and religious service in Florida, died May 21, 2026, in St. Augustine. She was 87.
Born in Boston June 22, 1938, Sister Grace Marie was educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Mary’s School and Notre Dame Academy in Miami. Inspired by the religious sisters who taught her, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1956.
Throughout her ministry, Sister Grace Marie served in Catholic elementary and high schools across Florida, where she spent many years as an educator and mentor to students.
Later in her religious life, she worked in business and finance for South Florida parishes and also served her congregation as general treasurer.
After retiring from active ministry, Sister Grace Marie remained active through a crocheting ministry, continuing a life centered on service and care for others.
Founded in France in 1650, the Sisters of St. Joseph were established to serve the “dear neighbor” through education, health care and outreach to those in need. The congregation eventually spread throughout the United States, with communities serving in schools, hospitals, social ministries and parish life.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine trace their Florida roots to 1866, when Bishop Augustin Verot invited the sisters to the state shortly after the Civil War to educate newly freed slaves. Arriving in St. Augustine during a time of deep poverty and racial division, the sisters opened schools and ministries that would expand throughout Florida over the following decades.
Over the years, the Sisters of St. Joseph became known for their longstanding commitment to Catholic education in Florida, particularly in underserved communities. Their ministries later expanded into parish work, health care, administration and social outreach across the state.
The funeral liturgy will be celebrated Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. in the Motherhouse chapel, 241 St. George St. in St. Augustine, followed by interment at San Lorenzo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph, P.O. Box 3506, St. Augustine, FL 32085.
