Sister Ann Cecilia Regan, OP of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died July 22, 2017 at Brandywine Senior Living Facility in Wall, New Jersey. She was 87 years of age.
The daughter of the late John J. and Cecilia Ann Coyle Regan, she was born March 20, 1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sister Ann Cecilia entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York, on December 8, 1948, made her First Profession June 19, 1950 and Final Profession on August 21, 1953. Sister Ann Cecilia earned her BS in Elementary Education from Villanova University and her MA in Administration from Fairfield University in Connecticut.
Sister Ann Cecilia taught elementary school at Saint Rose School in Haddon Heights, NJ (1950-60), Holy Rosary School in Hawthorne, NY (1960-65), Christ the King School in Yonkers, NY (1965-69), Saint Patrick School in Newburgh NY (1969-70) and at Saint Mary School in Poughkeepsie, NY (1980-81). Sister was principal at Assumption School in Fairfield CT (1970-76) and at Saint Mary School in Deal, NJ (1981-90). While serving in the Trenton, New Jersey Diocese she was named Principal of the Year. Following a sabbatical, Sister became the principal at Saint Thomas of Canterbury School in Cornwall, NY (1991-1999). From 1999 to 2007 she volunteered for the Dominican Sisters in the Development Office and also served as the coordinator of the Nazareth Community at the Newburgh Center of Hope. Sister retired to Brandywine Senior Living Facility in 2009.
In addition to her regular ministry, Sister Ann Cecilia coordinated Summer in the City for underprivileged children in New York, Puerto Rico, and Jersey City (1964-68). She was site supervisor for Operation ’68 in Jersey City, NJ (1968). In 1966, Sister received the Archbishop Spellman Scholarship to the University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Sister Ann Cecilia loved her ministry in education and brought to it a great deal of passion, energy and good humor.
Sister Ann Cecilia is survived by nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents John and Cecilia Ann, her sister, Sister Mary John, SC and her brothers Andrew, Dennis and John.
Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary at the Dominican Center located at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a prayer service at 10:15 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Internment will follow at the Dominican Sister’s cemetery.
Donations in memory of Sister Ann Cecilia can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Hope Development Office, 299 North Highland Ave, Ossining, New York 10562.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home, Gidney Ave. Newburgh, New York.
I will always smile, and largely, when I think of Aunt Ann. Her joy for life and sense of humor were limitless and unbeatable. She was very influential in my life and I know very well the specific qualities her impact on me engendered. I’m sure she offered the same insight to everyone she met. She has been missed, and we’ll cross paths again, someday. Alison Regan Mrohs, Maryland
Oh Sister Ann. How I loved you as principal at St. Thomas. I remember we all tried so hard to stay out of your little black book! Thank you for your ministry all these years. No doubt you’re in Heaven . Sleep in peace.
DEAR SISTER ANN,
You were the BEST! When my son Michael Gow attended St. Mary’s in Deal New Jersey, you were the principal. Because of you and your staff he got the best education and went on to become successful in his adult life. Michael came home from school one day and said “SISTER ANN HAS THE QUIETEST SHOES”.
Rest In Peace sister
Sister Ann was my fourth grade teacher at St. Marys in Deal. I so looked forward to school everyday.
Rest in peace Sister Ann
Maura Lucarelli