Sr. Ana Virginia Figueroa, who worked to fight poverty and end homelessness in Dorchester for more than three decades, died on June 15 in Marlborough, Massachusetts at age 94.

Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico on June 6, 1923, Sr. Ana entered the Little Sisters of the Assumption in 1953. She made her final vows in Paris, France, in 1961.

In her 64 years of religious life Sr. Ana served in Philadelphia, New York, and Dorchester. Prior to moving to Marie Esther Health Center in 2013, Sr. Ana spent 38 years in Dorchester. A beautiful, gentle woman, Sr. Ana brought her love and compassion to the families she served at Uphams Corner Health Center and to those she encountered at Project Hope. Sr. Ana was a vibrant and active member of St. Paul Church, re-named Holy Family Church.

Sr. Ana embraced and shared the wonder of creation through her avid gardening and love of all creatures. She worked alongside neighbors to create a beautiful community garden. She could be found nurturing plants, nursing an abandoned kitten or hurt bird. She took great delight in her dog Abby, a long time companion.

Her passing leaves a “hole” in the hearts of many families in the Dorchester/Roxbury community.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m. at Marie Esther Health Center in Marlborough, Mass. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the health center.