Sister Anne Connelly, O.P., of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill entered eternal life on January 27, 2025, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill. She was 99.
Born in the Bronx 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 bachelor’s degree in English from Manhattan College in 1953, a master’s degree in Latin from St. John’s University in 1956, and a master’s degree in religious studies from Providence College in Rhode Island in 1972. She received certification in sacred Scripture and spiritual direction.
Sister Anne ministered at the following schools: St. Rose of Lima, New York City (1946-50); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Richmond Hill (1950-59); Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia (1959-66); and Holy Trinity High School, Hicksville (1966-71). She served in the Archdiocese of New York in various ministries: director of adult religious education/catechists (1971-75, 1986-91); director of catechetical formation (1977-80); regional catechetical consultant, Orange County (1984-86); vicar for religious (1998-2002); auditor, Metropolitan Tribunal (2003-05); and the Rockland County Catechetic Office, regional director (2005-06), and consultant (2007-09). From 1975-79, Sister Anne was in congregational ministry as a formation team member and administrator of Dominican Convent (1980-84). From 2009, Sister Anne was involved in community service at Dominican Convent.
Sister Anne was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Grace Forster Connelly; her sister, Rose; and brothers Henry and David. She is survived by cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel in Sparkill on Monday, February 3, at 11 a.m. Visitation is Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dominican Convent, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dominican Sisters at the above address, attention: Sister Irene Ellis, prioress.