Sister Anne Connelly, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on January 27, 2025, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 98 years old and in her 81st year of religious life.
Born in the Bronx, NY on December 25, 1926, Anne was the daughter of Henry and Grace Forster Connelly. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1944, and received the name Sister Anne Dolores. She professed her first vows in 1946 and final vows in 1951.
Sister Anne earned a BA in English from Manhattan College, in 1953, an MA in Latin from St. John University, in 1956, and an MA in Religious Studies from Providence College, RI, in 1972. She received certification in Sacred Scripture and Spiritual Direction.
Sister Anne ministered at the following schools: St. Rose of Lima, NYC (1946-1950); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Richmond Hill, NY (1950-1959); Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia, NY (1959-1966); Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY (1966-1971). She served in the Archdiocese of New York in a variety of ministries: Director of Adult Religious Education/ Catechists (1971-1975, 1986-1991); Director of Catechetical Formation (1977-1980); Regional Catechetical Consultant, Orange County (1984-1986), Vicar for Religious (1998-2002); Auditor, Metro Tribunal (2003-2005); and the Rockland County Catechetic Office, Regional Director (2005-2006) and Consultant (2007-2009). From 1975-1979, Sister Anne was in congregational ministry as a Formation Team Member (1975-1979) and Administrator of Dominican Convent (1980-1984). From 2009, Sister Anne was involved in Community Service at Dominican Convent.
Sister Anne is predeceased by her parents Henry and Grace Forster Connelly, her sister Rose and brothers Henry and David. She is survived by beloved cousins.
Sister Anne Connelly made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in education ministry, pastoral ministry, administration, and service to our Congregation and the Archdiocese of New York. For more than 80 years she carried forth the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill to proclaim the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for God’s creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sr. Anne Connelly! You have enriched our lives! May you be held in the palm of God’s hands.
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, February 3, 2025
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service 10:00 am
Click here for the wake livestream link.
Mass at 11:00 am
Click here for the Funeral livestream link.