Sr. Ann Francis Mahany, SA passed away on May 8, 2023 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota after a recent illness. She was born Ann Bernice Mahany on July 31, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her family later moved to
Santa Clara and then settled in San Jose, California. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Francis Michael Mahany and Rita Maxine Lovett Mahany, and her sister, Mary Mahany Costa (Manuel). She is survived by her three brothers,
Metropolitan Moses (John) Mahany, Thomas and Mark (Patty), as well as her many Franciscan Sisters. She is also survived by a niece, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins from Missouri, California and Washington.
She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in San Jose, California, attended Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio, and received her BS in Art Therapy from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In May of 2012, she received an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the then Dominican Center for Religious Development.
She entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement in Garrison, New York in November of 1975 and professed her First Vows on May 20, 1978. Her Final Profession of Vows was on August 11, 1984. She was missioned in Scotia, New York,
Assisi, Italy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Burlington, Vermont, and she served as Temporary Professed Directress. Summer assignments included Children’s Vacation House in Hull, Massachusetts and St. Cecelia’s Day Nursery in East Harlem, New York.
In August of 1995, Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary Hackett, SA, with the approval of their religious congregation began the process to co-found The Franciscan Project, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan which was incorporated in 1997. They opened The Discovery Learning Center, Children’s Organic Garden, Summer Enrichment Program for Children and Adult Computer Component.
The Sisters relocated to Chelsea, Michigan in 2008, at the invitation of V. Rev. William J. Turner, who welcomed them to St. Mary. Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary initiated the Martha/Mary Contemplative Outreach Ministry inclusive of the Lavender Grace Group for women, spiritual direction, hermitage opportunities, presentations, and retreat days. While at Mayo Clinic, she developed the groundwork for the new “Sisterhood of Women,” to be launched in September of 2023.
Sr. Ann was a joyful, reflective, and always approachable woman with a radiant smile that drew others to her. Her peace, compassion and empathy evidenced her beautiful contemplative spirit. She was a multi-gifted woman and artist who shared her gifts freely with others. She enjoyed music, creating beauty and learning new things. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Parish in Chelsea, Michigan.
She was cremated on May 9, 2023 in Rochester, Minnesota. Memorial Masses and a Celebration of Life will be held at Graymoor, Garrison, New York, and San Jose, California at a later date.
On July 22, 2023, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan at 10:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. (Canon) William J. Turner, PhD, KCHS, Pastor celebrating.
Interment will be in a family plot at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.
Donations in memory of Sr. Ann may be made to The Franciscan Project, Inc. P.O. Box 9, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.
