Age 82
Sister Anne Louise was grounded by her deep faith in a loving God and exuded a spirit of joy evident in her laughter and Irish smile.
She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland, Maine, in 1959, and entered the Sisters of Mercy the same year in the same city. Anne began her religious and college studies graduating from St. Joseph’s College, Standish, Maine, and earned a master’s degree in theology from Providence College, Rhode Island.
She taught in many parochial schools in the Portland diocese and served as director of religious education in several parishes before taking the position as director of Region One in the Diocesan Office of Catechetics. She also ministered in her religious community as director of novices and formation, director of Mercy associates and was a member of the General Council.
In 1980, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disability she never let define or defeat her. She worked hard at maintaining a positive attitude and was grounded by her deep faith in a loving God. As the disease progressed, Sister Anne adjusted to a life of confinement to her wheelchair. With her powered wheelchair, she was able to attend Mass, visit other residents, conduct a women’s spirituality group, attend her book club, and other indoor and outdoor activities, allowing her more independence.
Sister Anne received the Remember ME Award from the State of Maine in recognition of her ministry and kindness with the nursing home residents at St. Joseph’s Rehab and Residence in Portland. Though confined, she knew no boundaries. Her voice-activated computer provided her the means of staying connected. She inspired others by living her favorite quote, “To live is holy, to be is a blessing.”