Obituary of Sister Elizabeth Corry

Born: Elizabeth Ann Corry on April 26, 1923 in Jersey City, NJ Died: February 7, 2015 in the Healthcare center of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY Daughter of John and Ellen Doherty Corry of Jersey City, NJ She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1949 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1956. Sister Elizabeth faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 65 years. She attended grade school in her hometown at St. Michael's from 1928-36, followed by her high school years at St. Michael's, graduating in 1940. She began her college education in business at St. Peter's College in Jersey City, NJ, attending from 1944-47. She entered the Novitiate to become an Allegany Franciscan Sister in 1943, completing her early assignments at St. Claire's and St. Elizabeth's Hospitals in New York City and then St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston. She served as the Chief Executive Officer at St. Elizabeth's in New York from 1958-61 and at St. Elizabeth's in Boston from 1961-64. After receiving an advanced degree in business administration from Fordham University and a Master's degree in Hospital Administration from Columbia University, Sister Elizabeth was appointed Assistant Administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden, NJ in 1966. From 1969-95, with the exception of 1983-87 when she was appointed Regional Minister for her religious congregation, Sister Elizabeth served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lourdes. It was under her leadership that Lourdes went from a general community hospital to a highly respected and recognized tertiary care referral center. She initiated such regional programs as chronic dialysis, renal and pancreatic transplantation, cardiovascular invasive and open heart surgery, Level III perinatal care and regional rehabilitation. Extensive community programs such as the Osborne Family Health Center (housed in the ambulatory care center named in her honor) and The Bridge were products of her leadership. Although retiring from her full time position in 1995, Sister Elizabeth remained involved for several years as respected advisor to the hospital board and CEO. In 2007, she moved to St. Elizabeth's convent in Tampa, FL and in 2008, was welcomed home by her sisters at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, New York. Sister Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents and sisters, Eileen Short, Mary Falsey, and Kathleen Corry, as well as her brother, John. She is survived by a niece, Maureen Young, DDS and nephews, Michael and Corry Short. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2015 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, New York. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.