Sister Maria Natividad Aponte, SSND
February 22, 1925 – September 2, 2024
Sister Maria Natividad Aponte, 99, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, at Villa Assumpta, Baltimore, Maryland. Ana Luisa Aponte was born on February 22, 1925, in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico to Flora (Diaz) and Juan Aponte. She spoke of her two older brothers, one younger brother, her parents and herself as a “happy family of six.”
Ana Luisa celebrated her First Communion and Confirmation in the local parish church. In her autobiography, she said, “I always desired to be a sister, even when I was a little girl.” She belonged to a sodality called Las Hijas de Maria (The Daughters of Mary) and encouraged others to join the sodality. She also helped prepare children for Holy Communion.
After only a few years of education in public school, Ana Luisa helped her mother at home, developing her skills, especially as a seamstress. By her early twenties, she had gone to work making rugs. At about this same time, she focused her attention on preparing to enter the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
On Oct. 7, 1951, she received the Candidate’s Bonnet in the chapel of the Industrial School Convent. After completing the Candidature and Postulancy in Baltimore, she became Novice Maria Natividad on July 10, 1954. Profession of first vows followed on August 1, 1955.
For 70 years, Natividad served the SSND mission in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. Her ministries took various forms, including as Prefect for Junior Girls at St. Vincent’s Orphanage, Nurse’s Aide in the Occupational Therapy room at Villa Maria, the Spanish Apostolate at St. Boniface parish, Community Service in Caguas, PR, in Pastoral Ministry and later as Director of Hospitality at Villa Assumpta and in Prayer and Presence at Villa Assumpta and Rosary Communities.
During her years serving the Spanish people in St. Boniface parish, Natividad was once again involved in Las Hijas de Maria. As moderator of their meetings, projects and creative sessions, Natividad encouraged the girls to “be aware of their dignity as persons, to be responsible young Christians, and to use their talents to serve others.”
Sister Bernice Feilinger, Community Representative with the sisters when Natividad was providing pastoral ministry, remembered her perceptiveness and generosity. She described how Natividad sensed and responded to the needs of the sisters while supporting the work of others in countless, quiet ways. “She was always in the right place at the right time, ministering gracefully and peacefully.”
Sister Mary Beth Buettner recalled Natividad’s use of her skills as a seamstress, preparing sisters’ clothing for Jubilees and other special occasions. Natividad was noted for her bulletin board and door decorations to help celebrate the seasons and holidays. She attended to all details to provide a warm welcome for guests and visitors. Natividad accompanied many sisters during their final days and hours, quietly praying the rosary at their bedsides.
Natividad’s nieces and dear friends spoke with deep affection of their Titi Luisa. They treasured her love and care for them and loved her dearly.
A funeral Mass for Sister Natividad was celebrated September 10, in the Chapel at Villa Assumpta, with Father Charles Borges, S.J. presiding. Visitation and sharing of memories preceded the Liturgy. Burial at Villa Maria Cemetery in Glen Arm, Maryland followed the liturgy. We continue to thank God for the gift of Natividad and celebrate her entrance into eternal life.
By Atlantic-Midwest Communications Staff September 10, 2024
