Sister Ann Mary

SISTER ANN MARY                ND 4939                     ⇒ PDF Download
(Formerly Sister Mary Kenan)

Ann Jane McLAUGHLIN

Christ the King Province, Chardon, Ohio, USA

Date and Place of Birth: December 25, 1935 Elyria, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1956 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: July 3, 2013 University Hospital, Cleveland
Date and Place of Funeral: July 10,2013 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: July 11, 2013 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio

Born on Christmas Day, Ann was truly a gift to her family. She treasured her parents, James Patrick and Ann Marie (Ross) McLaughlin, and her five brothers and three sisters. Her Irish father and Italian mother nurtured strong, lasting family bonds. As the years passed, Ann became the aunt to 54 nieces and nephews and innumerable grandnieces and grandnephews. Her family and friends were a source of energy and life as she held their joys and concerns in her daily prayer.

After graduation from Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, Ohio, Ann entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on September 8, 1953, from Christ the King Parish. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Kenan (later changed to Sister Ann Mary). Sister received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from St. John College, Cleveland. She ministered as an intermediate and junior high teacher for forty years in elementary schools in Ohio, Virginia and Florida. Sister Ann Mary’s firm and business-like manner was always tempered with love as she encouraged the children to reach their full potential.

In 1997, Sister Ann Mary transitioned from education into the ministry of pastoral care in community and then in several parishes as pastoral associate and pastoral minister. She received certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister for the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio. In 2004, Sister Ann Mary traveled to India for a renewal, spending time with our sisters and immersing herself in the spirituality and culture of the people. Her compassion made her a faithful friend and a good community member. Her outreach and concern extended to those she met as a volunteer at the Hospice of the Western Reserve as well as to her family and the families of the sisters. She formed a bond of friendship with all she touched—meeting and greeting, listening and praying.

Sister Ann Mary loved light in all its manifestations, sunrise to sunset, and was fascinated by the image of the heart, uncovering it in all aspects of creation. Always on the go, walking, hiking or camping, she recognized and experienced God’s abiding presence and love.

After complications from aortic surgery and a fall, Sister Ann Mary’s earthly journey was transformed into eternal life and light. We are grateful for the gift of her life as she reflected God’s goodness and provident care to all she encountered each day. We rejoice as Sister now rests in the heart of God.