In Memoriam: Alice L. Laffey

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Alice L. Laffey, associate professor emerita of religious studies at College of the Holy Cross, passed away on July 30, 2023 after a brief illness. Prof. Laffey was a distinguished biblical scholar and a beloved member of the Holy Cross community. She taught in the Religious Studies Department for 35 years, from 1981-2016.

Elected to CBA in 1976, Alice joined a cadre of 14 women with active membership in the association. She was a pioneer in her field, being the first woman to receive her Doctorate of Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (1981). Alice served as CBA Consultor (1988-90), on the Program Committee (1989-95) the Visiting Professor Committee (1992-2008, as Chair 1995-2008).

She was one of the first scholars to bring feminist theology to Holy Cross students, before it was a well-established discipline.
A generous and tireless mentor to her students, Alice was the inaugural recipient of Holy Cross’ Marfuggi Award for Academic Advising, practicing inclusive excellence as a natural expression of her own sense of justice and compassion.

A Mass celebrating Alice's life will be held at St. Brigid's Catholic Church, 59 Main St. Millbury, MA,
on Tuesday, August 8, at 11:00 am.  There will be a visiting hour at the church beginning at 10:00 am. 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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