Sister Ann Keefe, beloved Providence activist, dies at 62

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Providence residents and state officials are remembering Sister Ann Keefe of St. Michael the Archangel Church as a dedicated and beloved community activist who advocated for peace and social justice.

Roman Catholic Church officials said Keefe died Sunday at her South Providence home from brain cancer. She was 62.

Gov. Gina Raimondo, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and other officials praised Keefe for her extraordinary commitment to peace, justice and the poor.

Keefe was noted for fighting gang violence with the Providence-based Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, her work with children in the arts education program Providence CityArts for Youth and her efforts with a variety of other groups.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Elorza ordered all city flags lowered to half-staff in Keefe's memory.