Obituary of Sister Veronica Marie Lonergan

Born: Margaret Ann Lonergan on July 5, 1924 in Utica, NY. Died: October 30, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY Daughter of: Nora Flynn Lonergan and Patrick Lonergan formerly of Utica, NY Received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1946, and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1953. Sister Veronica Marie faithfully lived the Mission and charism of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Her ministry in the area of education began at St. Margaret Mary School in Rochester, NY where Sister taught second grade from 1947 - 1950. For the next eighteen years Sister taught first grade at St. Francis School, Fort Myers, FL; St. Paul's School, St. Petersburg, FL; Holy Cross School, Bronx, NY; St. Aloysius School, Oaklyn. In 1968, Sister Veronica Marie taught English at St. Paul's High School, St. Petersburg, FL. From 1969 - 1974 she taught in the education department of St. Bonaventure University. Sr. Veronica returned to Utica in 1974 to care for family members as well as to teach at Blessed Sacrament School where she remained until 1985. For the next two years Sister taught second grade in Catskill, NY. After retiring from the teaching profession, Sister served as a receptionist at Villa Mary Immaculate nursing home in Albany, NY and at a home for the aged in Catskill. In 1992 Sister moved to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse and served as Region I secretary for three years. For the subsequent three years, Sister Veronica resided in Rochester, NY where she worked on a part time basis in the Winton Road Library and assisted with a program for the aged. Since 1999, Sister Veronica has lived at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse where she served as a part time clerical assistant in the Generalate. Sister received her B.S. degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University, her M.A. degree in Education from Cortland State College and a CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) from Syracuse University. Sister was predeceased by her parents and her four brothers David, James, Frank and Joseph. In addition to her Franciscan Sisters of Allegany her survivors include nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled on, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse at 4:00 PM Monday, Nov. 3, 2008. Interment will follow 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.