Anne Croghan, CSJP (1924-2024)

Anna Brigid Croghan entered this world on February 19, 1924, in Roxboro, County Roscommon, Ireland, the fourth of seven children born to Thomas Croghan and Anne (Purcell) Croghan. From an early age, she dreamed of going to the United States to enter religious life and care for orphans. In 1942, while visiting Dublin, she met Sister Regina Marie Sweeney, CSJP, who “inspired [her] to pray for guidance and direction to enter religious life.” In January 1943, Sister Anne left home for Cabra, County Down, Northern Ireland. Because World War II made transatlantic travel unsafe, she journeyed to Nottingham, England, where she spent her novitiate years and pronounced first vows on February 2, 1946.

Shortly after the war ended, she and ten sisters set sail for the United States on the Argentina, a former warship. On May 2, 1946, they arrived at St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, where they were warmly welcomed by Mother Athanasius Power, CSJP, and the sisters.

Sister Anne earned both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Education and Administration from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 1982, she also attained a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Over her 80 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace, Sister Anne’s ministries were many and varied. Starting in 1948, she began teaching children at elementary schools throughout Northern New Jersey. After receiving her second master’s degree in 1982, she became a Pastoral Associate at Holy Rosary Parish, Edgewater, New Jersey. Holy Rosary Parish held a special place in her heart as she responded to the call to work with families, the poor, the sick, the dying, and the homeless. In 1989, she took her pastoral ministry to Stella Maris Retreat Center in Elberon, New Jersey. Ten years later, she retired to St. Michael Villa, where she continued serving through music and prayer ministry.

Sister Anne Croghan passed away peacefully at St. Michael Villa on October 12, 2024. She was predeceased by her brothers, Luke, Brendan, Charles and Thomas Croghan, and her sisters, Maureen Maloney and Kathleen Phillips. She is survived by nieces and nephews.

A combined wake service and Liturgy of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. Michael Villa. Sister Anne was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey.

Sister Anne will be missed for her love of music, her beautiful singing voice, and her warm smile.