Lest We Forget
Sister Anne Conlon, CSJP (1925-2010)
Sr. Anne Conlon described her life’s ministry as “one of presence, assisting where there is a need.” That presence was experienced and loved by those who were fortunate enough to have known Anne.
Anne was one of four children born to Patrick and Catherine Conlon in Co. Longford, Ireland.
In 1942 Anne went to Cabra, Co. Down to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She completed her novitiate in Nottingham, England and following that she provided child-care for handicapped children at St. Charles, Carstairs, Scotland. She came to the United States in 1945.
Anne served in a variety of ministries, and many of us remember her from our Novitiate days, where she was cook, shopper and organizer in the kitchen which she ruled with an iron fist! She was a perfectionist and everything that came from her kitchen was perfect. She was not always patient with the clumsy novices who were assigned to help. She was intolerant of novices who did not follow directions. Ann Jordan’s apple pie full of salt and devoid of sugar went to the dining room. Someone else’s pineapple upside down cake, minus baking powder or soda and looking like unleavened bread also went to the dining room. Needless to say, they were untouched! Never-the-less, we all learned valuable lessons from watching Anne. As we all know, she was the master scone maker and they were always a welcomed treat.
From her earliest days, Anne had a special love for children and in 1968 she was assigned to the Senior Girls’ Cottage in Rockleigh. Her years there were happy but challenging. She said her only hope was to make a difference in the lives of these young dependent girls. When Rockleigh closed in 1973, Anne opened St. Mary’s Home in Newark, a home that provided warmth and security for young girls. Through the years, many of these girls remembered Anne’s kindness and compassion.
For three years Anne worked for Holy Name Hospital as an outreach worker, visiting patients who had been discharged from the hospital. Again she loved this work. She said, “I love sitting and chatting and holding their hands.”
She was then called to Stella Maris Retreat Center where she was responsible for the coordination and fulfillment of all dietary services at the retreat center. She daily produced culinary masterpieces and I think some people really came on retreat just to savor Anne’s food!
Following a Sabbatical Year, her love for those less able to live independently brought her to Harbor House in Jacksonville, Florida. There she supervised a family-centered group home for developmentally disabled adults. Anne was truly at home here. Of her time at Harbor House she wrote:
“During this time, my life has been graced by generous and inspiring people. I have been abundantly blessed by the core members, those who may be called handicapped, but those whose wisdom has lead me to discover what it means to truly live the Beatitudes.”
It was a sad day for Harbor House and her many friends there and for Anne herself, when ill health required her to return to St. Michael’s.
Anne was blessed with many friends. She cared deeply and was loyal to the end, as her dear friends Sheila and Mary very well know. During these last weeks of Anne’s life, despite her suffering, she said over and over, “I’m at peace, all my life I have prayed for peace in the world, in the church, in the Congregation, and God has heard my prayers.”
On the occasion of her 60th anniversary, Anne wrote:
“Since I have entered so many years ago, my CSJP Community continues to be the highlight of my life. I am forever grateful for the great women who have gone before me. They have always been and inspiration to me.”
Now another great woman has gone before us. We pray that this woman of peace, compassion and generosity is now enjoying the fruits of a life well lived.