Annamaria on Monday
A woman who was a great inspiration to many has passed a few days ago.
Here is how the people who worked with her describe her:
With both heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share with you the passing of our beloved Founder and Director, Sr. Mary Vertucci, MM, on April 30, 2026.
Sr. Mary was more than a leader—she was a guiding light, a mentor, and a steadfast advocate for the dignity and potential of every young woman. For over five decades in Tanzania, she devoted her life to ensuring that girls, especially from pastoralist and hunter-gatherer communities, could access education and discover their own worth.
Through her vision, the Emusoi Centre became a place of hope—where young women are nurtured, empowered, and given the opportunity to build a brighter future. Her legacy is alive in every life she touched and in every dream she helped make possible.
Decades ago, a brief article in the Alumna News of the College of St. Elizabeth, our shared Alma mater, introduced me to her work. We had not know each other in school; she arrived there the fall after I graduated. I got in touch with her then because I have cousins named Vertucci. Little did I know that, though we did not share genes, she would change my life in significant ways.
Mary's work in Tanzania awakened me to the importance of her goals. Before long, I had the great pleasure and privilege to visit her in Arusha. There at the base of Kilimanjaro, I saw first hand the importance and urgency of her efforts, but also of how much joy Mary and her fellow missionary sisters took in their work. Visiting there then and afterwords aways also filled me with joy.
Some readers of MIE may remember my story of the Italian who carved his name on a rock in Tanzania. Sister Mary was the one who made it possible for me and my friend Nicoletta see that monument in person.
Mary's work lives on in Emusoi in Tanzania and also in the generations and the progeny of Sister Mary's students. As they go our into the world, her efforts and devotion continue to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. The Emusoi girls become role models and champions for all the people of Tanzania and beyond.
If you would like to contribute to the continuance of Mary's work, you can do so here.
Every girl saved from a life of misery, who has instead a chance to develop and make something of herself may then go on to inspire others. You can help them along.
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