Age 77
Sister Ann O’Connell was a Sister of Mercy for 58 years. Each day, Sister Ann lived her motto (Fiat Laetitia: A joyful Yes), joyfully expressing gratitude for God’s gifts. Ann greeted everyone she encountered in her many ministries with a vibrant joy throughout the years, fully living her yes.
From her beginning ministries as an elementary teacher and principal to her teaching in secondary school, Ann repeated her yes over and over. Ann generously responded to God’s invitation when called to Community Leadership as Ministry Director and a member of the Merion Leadership Team. She was always open to new challenges; Ann transitioned her leadership ministry to Health Care as Vice President of Mission Services at Mercy Suburban Hospital and later at Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia.
Finally, consonant with Ann’s love of nature and the seashore, God’s call and the invitation of the community-led her to become the Director of the vacation house at Sea Isle City, New Jersey, where she joyfully greeted all with her gracious hospitality.
Ann was greatly loved by her family: her loyal friends and her Community of Mercy.