Obituary of Sr. Anne Clare Gallagher

Born: Ethel Frances Gallagher on September 6, 1920, Newton, MA Died: May 23, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY, of natural causes Daughter of: James and Ella Mabel Thompson Gallagher, Newton, MA Sister Anne Clare entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1945, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1945, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1952. As an Allegany Franciscan Sister for 75 years, she joyfully lived her call to reflect God’s love and mercy to all with whom she came in contact. Sister attended St. Mary of the Assumption Grammar School in Brookline, MA, and in 1937 graduated from St. Mary High School, also in Brookline. She attended Mt. St. Joseph Teacher College, Buffalo, NY, and St. Elizabeth Teacher College in Allegany, NY, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University. Sister Anne Clare served various roles in congregational schools in and around Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY, serving as principal at St. Patrick School in Buffalo and St. Pius X School in Delevan, NY. In addition to her role in education, she was administrator of Grace House, Alden, NY. Sister ministered to senior citizens in Rhode Island, New York and Florida, using her sign language skills when necessary. At St. Mary of the Angels Convent in Haddonfield, NJ, Sister Anne Clare served the Sisters as local coordinator and administrator, followed by assisting with staff duties until she retired to St. Raphael Convent in West Medford, MA, from 1993-2009. In 2009, Sister Anne Clare was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse where she enjoyed being with the Sisters, helping them in any way she could. She loved participating in activities at the Motherhouse and would greet everyone she encountered with her warm and loving smile. She had a charming Irish wit. Sister is predeceased by her parents, James and Ella Gallagher, and three sisters: Edna Gallagher, Marion Burke and Helen “Chickie” Gowen. She is survived by a sister, Agnes Rogers, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister Anne Clare is also survived by Sister Elaine Cote, OSF, and her family. Sister Elaine was her caregiver and best friend for over 50 years. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date at the convenience of family members and the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Burial will be on May 27, 2020 at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.