Religion - Lighting the Way, Historic Women of the SouthCoast

A Photograph Of Rubye Finger- A Black And White Mid Shot Of A Woman With Thick Cirular Rimmed Glasses And A Sweater Vest Sitting And Looking To The Camera

Rubye Haffer Finger

Rubye Haffer Finger (1924-2012) was a compassionate woman of Jewish faith who was an active member in her community.

A longtime member of the Sisterhood of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Sylvia (Levy) Finger (1895-1982) worked hard to keep the Jewish community flourishing by building on Jewish rituals, values and customs.

Anna Elizabeth White

Much of the history of Rochester that we have access to today is due to the efforts of local historian Anna Elizabeth White (1927-2017).

Elizabeth Payson Prentiss

Faith in suffering was the life theme of author Elizabeth Payson Prentiss (1818-1878). Elizabeth lived in New Bedford for over five years as a compassionate pastor’s wife who gave comfort to those in need.

Rita Lopes

From Wareham’s cranberry bogs to New Bedford’s Aerovox assembly line, Rita Alice Lopes (1915?-1999) emerged as a community activist who advocated for children, the elderly and Cape Verdeans.

Mary Schwartz

As first chair of the Holocaust Education and Memorial Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford, Mary Schwartz (1920-2015) led efforts that created the Holocaust Monument at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford in 1998.

Sister Rosellen Gallogly

Considered a living saint in New Bedford, Sister Mary Rosellen Gallogly (1930-2018) was a pioneer in developing services for the homeless, notably as director of Market Ministries Meals and Shelter, known today as Sister Rose House.

Maria (Maja) Capek

Unitarian church leader Maja Capek (1888-1966) served New Bedford’s North Unitarian Church, where daughters of immigrant mill workers from Central Europe could meet for games and classes in sewing, millinery, and cooking.