Sister Constance Rose Ladd, a Delaware native who was the longtime superior general of the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, died June 22 at the Stansell Hospice House in Ocean Pines, Md. She was 85.
Sister Connie was the only girl among the seven children of John Palen Wilkinson Jr. and Ilona Marie Wilkinson. She was raised in Glen Burnie, Md., and became a teacher in Maryland for 15 years.
Over time, her Catholic faith became increasingly important to her, according to her community. She received a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and University and entered the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary shortly thereafter. She became local superior of the Baltimore mission in 1988 and was superior general of the community from 2002-17. She also served as the vocation director.
Sister Connie was known for her generous heart and hospitality, especially to the poor, the community said. She was witty and an excellent cook.
Sister Connie was married as a young woman and is survived by a son, Daniel Jr. (Lurleen), and a daughter, Susan, as well as grandchildren Caroline and Daniel III. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brothers John and Robert Wilkinson.
She is also survived by her religious community and brothers Louis (Loc), Stephen (Susan), William (Sarah), and James (Ann), along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held June 30 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Salisbury. Interment was in Parsons Cemetery, also in Salisbury. Donations in Sister Connie’s name can be made to Joseph House, P.O. Box 1755, Salisbury, MD 21802.
