Remembering Sr. Ann Lynch, CCVI

As we take time to remember Sr. Ann’s life story, the scripture reading from 1 John 3 reminds us that we see what great love God has lavished on her. Sr. Ann treasured the idea reflected in one of her favorite hymns, there’s a time for remembering. Yes, there is a time to be grateful for the moments so blessed, the jewels of our memory where love is our guest. March is now the most significant month in Sr. Ann’s life having been born on March 1 and entered life eternal with immense peace on March 27th during her favorite liturgical season, Holy Week and the dawning of Easter!

 

Welcomed by her proud parents Denis Lynch and Deborah O’Sullivan, Sr. Ann grew up as Anna Lynch in the lovely countryside of Dooneen in Co. Kerry, a place complete with daffodils in March and under the majesty of a famous heather-filled mountain with its signature Stations of the Cross erected in the late 1800s. Anna’s home with her parents and a family of nine was a house of music, dance, and song. For those of us who find “the two-step” vs. “the three-step” difficult, all of Anna’s family were experts and to be envied sliding across the floor easily with it.

Anna very sincerely responded to the call of the Incarnate Word to her when she had many other options, and began her journey at St. Michael’s Convent, Co. Clare, continued here at Villa de Matel, Houston, Texas, and made her perpetual profession of vows as a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston on August 6th, 1976.
 

Sr. Ann was a gifted individual both intellectually and practically. She was also creative and ingenious. At one point, she and I being recent college rookies now teaching together in one of our schools, but full of new ideas and boundless energy set up a new approach to teaching and learning. One of our revered senior Sisters, now in heaven, found it disconcerting, to say the least! She would ask, “What class is coming to me now and what book am I using?” Basic enough questions! Sr. Ann and I would respond, “Oh, but Sister, it could be a mix of various aged students depending on what they need to learn next and you would have the opportunity to

use whatever material you’d choose that would optimize their learning!” Err! Wrong answer! A big shift and a challenging new paradigm!

 

Sr. Ann easily obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from Dominican College, Houston, and a master’s degree in theology from Loyola University, New Orleans. She learned Spanish excellently and was a fluent speaker. She had a great memory for the Spanish language even in very recent times. In ministry, Sr. Ann enjoyed teaching at St. Francis of Assisi School and Incarnate Word Academy, Houston; Our Lady of Fatima School, Texas City; Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Big Spring, and in Guatemala. She also enjoyed parish ministry here in the U.S. In addition, Sr. Ann taught English as a second language very successfully and served on numerous committees, especially in the area of peace and justice.

Sr. Ann continued to respond creatively to life even with significant health challenges in recent years. Music became her avenue of expression. A favorite of hers was that beautiful Easter message, I know that my Redeemer lives; what joy the blessed assurance gives. Through listening and joining in with songs she enjoyed, Sr. Ann reminded each of us that morning does break, “Morning has Broken, despite the night, that one never walks alone, ”You’ll Never Walk Alone,” that we have to take one day at a time, “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus,” that you, God, raise us up, “You Raise Me Up,” that grace is amazing “Amazing Grace,” and that we can “Be Not Afraid!” Her love of Our Lady was evident in her joining in regularly and with gusto on Queen of the May and Our Lady of Knock.
 

Hearing “Nearer My God to Thee” and “Going Home,” great favorites of Sr. Ann, was sobering for all of us as time went on. We were also touched and inspired by Sr. Ann’s sister, Mary, and her husband, Scott’s, constant presence and care for years including up to Sr. Ann’s very last breath, and by the visits and constant being in touch of her loving family.

Now, Ann, we will walk forward taking your song message with us, God be with you all ‘til we meet again! Farewell for now, Ann, and may you rest in peace.