Sister Anne Gerard Foley of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on January 9, 2023 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. Sister was 89 years old and in her 71st year of religious life.
Born in New York City on July 4, 1933, Catherine Mary was the daughter of Jeremiah and Anne Cuddy Foley. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 7, 1952 and received the name Sister Anne Gerard. She professed her first vows in 1954 and final vows in 1959.
Sister Anne received a BS in Education from Fordham University, NYC, 1959 and an MS in Religious Education from Fordham University in 1976.
Sister Anne’s teaching ministries include St. Brendan School, Bronx, NY (1954-1960) and Holy Family School, Hicksville, NY (1960-1961). In 1961 Sister Anne responded to missionary needs in the Diocese of Multan, Pakistan. She taught at St. Joseph School, Multan (1961-1967), served as principal at St. Dominic School, Multan (1967-1970) and Catechetical Coordinator at Loreto Chak, Multan (1970-1974). Upon her return to the United States, Sister Anne attended Fordham University, learned Spanish in the Dominican Republic, attended programs at Wellsprings, Glens Falls, NY and Calvary Hospital, NYC. She served in pastoral ministry at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish, NYC from 1976-1989 and Program Director at Thorpe Village, Sparkill, NY from 1990 -2019.
Sister Anne was predeceased by her parents Jeremiah and Anne Cuddy Foley, her brother John and sister Elizabeth Rice. She is survived by nieces and nephews and her Dominican Sisters and Associates.
Sister Anne made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in her educational and pastoral ministry in the United States in Pakistan. She faithfully and joyfully proclaimed the Word of God through a ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. We thank God for Sister Anne’s life and commitment as she was welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Anne Foley, OP. May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be at your back and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand!