PORTLAND – Sister Cecilia Dostie (Mary Isidore), RSM, 93, a lover of life, intellectual pursuits and most especially her natural and religious family, died peacefully Wednesday, March 22, after a long courageous battle with multiple health problems.

Sister was born and educated in Winthrop. She entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Sister was known for her dedication to the task at hand, whether it be sewing for a fair, mending for someone in need, tending to plants, making puzzles, letter writing, reading, studying course work, visiting with numerous friends, and most especially getting together with family members on a yearly basis.

Sister attended St. Joseph’s College, Standish, and received certification to minister in primary and religious education. She continued her formal education after retiring by faithfully attending the University of Southern Maine program for seniors called Osher Life Long Institute (O.L.L.I.), where she met and treasured many new friends.

Sister ministered in the field of education and parish ministry at the former St. Louis Home, Scarborough; St. John’s, Bangor; St. Joseph’s, Old Town; St. Joseph’s, Gardiner; St. Mary’s, Bath; Madigan Hospital, Houlton; Cathedral and St. Dominic’s Elementary Schools, Holy Innocents and St. Elizabeth’s, Portland; and St. Mary’s, Presque Isle.

She then returned to her first ministry, which was so dear to her heart, of preparing altar breads to be used throughout the diocese for liturgy for 34 years. During this time, she visited the homebound and taught religious education at Pineland Hospital in Pownal on a weekly basis.

In 1972, she became a charter member of SURGE (a retirement program for sisters) and actively participated in its (pre)retirement programs, which included providing numerous articles for its annual fair due to her multi-talented skill base.

She is survived by her siblings, Leo of Winthrop, Rosaire and Gerard of Greene, Joseph of Sebring, Fla., Clara Rheaume and Elizabeth Dostie of Winthrop, and Dolores Kepchar of Stamford, Conn.; more than 75 nieces and nephews; and her sisters in religion.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dolar A. and Eva Dorval Dostie; and her siblings, Francis, Robert, Mathilda Poulin, Rose Rousseau, Therese and Theresa Dostie.