Obituary of Ann Perpetua Keady

Born: Barbara Marie Keady on August 13, 1919 in Westbrook, ME. Died: January 19, 2015 in the Healthcare Center of the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Peter and Delia Flaherty Keady of Norwood, MA. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1939 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1946. Sr. Ann Perpetua faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 75 years. Sister attended the Shattuck grade school and Norwood Junior and Senior High in Norwood, MA. Just one day after her 19th birthday, and with full heart, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Over the years to follow, in addition to her ministry work, Sr. Ann Perpetua diligently pursued her studies, earning both her B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY. Sister�s years of ministry were spent in the field of education. Religious education was always a part of her teaching. Sister had a special interest in and talent for teaching small children. In between teaching assignments, there were times when she was asked to assume other tasks, such as working toward her master�s degree, acting as principal at St. Bonaventure parochial school or being appointed Directress of Junior Professed at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Most of Sr. Ann Perpetua�s assignments centered in New York State: St. Joseph�s, Niagara Falls; St. Mary�s, Cortland; St. Helen�s, Rochester; Christ the King, Snyder; St. John�s, Olean; St. Bonaventure, Allegany and St. Patrick�s, Catskill. In 1957, a new school, St. Francis in Triangle, VA, opened, where Sister ministered in administration and also taught. On the side, she offered remedial reading to students, at one time trained altar boys, took her turn cooking at the convent, and was vocation moderator. In 1992, Sr. Ann Perpetua retired to the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, where in her quiet way, she continued to serve. Always a source of cheerful hospitality and community, she loved to prepare small goodie bags for individual sisters on special feast days and holidays. She was ever an example of Franciscan simplicity and prayerful devotion. Sr. Ann Perpetua was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Sr. Mary Cordia, Margaret, and Josephine, as well as a brother, Peter. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.