Age 80
Sister Mary Ann Peters lived and died faithful to the motto she chose at her profession: “Christ, My Life, My Joy, and Only Way.”
Born in Newark, New Jersey, she attended Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey. Following graduation from high school, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgian Court College in Lakewood, New Jersey, a master’s degree in reading from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, and a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University in New York, New York.
Sister Mary Ann’s first ministry assignments were to teach in parish grammar schools in the Trenton and Metuchen, New Jersey dioceses. After 21 years of teaching, she was drawn to explore other ministries and found an opportunity to train in health care at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in the Bronx. She started as a technician in Central Medical Supply for a year, became a social work assistant for five years and advanced to clinical social worker.
She developed her skills in calligraphy and produced lovely, illuminated copies of poetry and prose works. In later years, she reflected on how each step along the way had fallen into place for her and how the simple faith of many of her patients offered sustenance through difficult journeys. She felt it was a privilege to share their struggles, and she was inspired by their courage as she faced challenges herself.