Age 86
Born in Washington, D.C., Sister Anne O’Donnell was the daughter of Irish immigrants, and her Irish heritage was always important to her.
Sister Anne’s first ministry was at St. Michael’s School in Pensacola, Florida. She later taught at St. Joseph School in Cockeysville, Maryland, then in Bethesda, Maryland, and in Columbus, Georgia. In 1971, Sister Anne was sent back to St. Joseph School, which would become her home and her passion for 40 years. After one year of teaching there, she became principal.
Sister Anne’s innovations helped the school thrive. She initiated a reading program in partnership with area colleges and a new math program focused on algebra. In addition, she oversaw St. Joseph’s movement into the world of high tech, along with establishing a new science lab and an up-to-date science program.
After retiring from St. Joseph in 2011, Sister Anne began volunteering at Stella Maris in Timonium, Maryland. At the time of her death, she was still volunteering weekly in the hospice there.