In the Portola District of San Francisco where her parents grew up and had family homes, Sister Ann was born to Thomas and Roberta, their only girl and the youngest of three children. She first encountered Presentation Sisters when two Sisters from the recently opened St. Elizabeth School nearby came to pay a condolence call on her mother following her father’s death in 1949. Sister Ann was in the first class to complete all eight grades at St. Elizabeth’s; she then attended Presentation High School.

Sister Carl Fisher was her fifth grade (and favorite) teacher at St. Elizabeth’s. Sister Ann’s class was known to be somewhat unruly, but Sister Carl was up to that challenge, employing art, plays, and music along with strong instruction. This contrasted to some other teachers’ practice of using math as a punishment, though Sister Ann notes that the amount of math the class did through the years likely led to her success in that area and eventually to her pursuing a degree in mathematics.

Following graduation, Sister Ann received a scholarship for nursing school, the career path she thought was meant for her. However, the same day she received the scholarship offer, the mail also brought notice of her acceptance to the convent. As nothing could compare with the opportunity to become one of the Sisters who had taught and guided her, the decision to join them was not difficult.

Sister Ann and Sister Joanna Bruno were the only two who made their final vow professions in the summer of 1970. Their time of retreat and profession preparation together was the start of a long friendship. Sister Ann has especially enjoyed spending summers in the mission field visiting Sister Joanna. Her love of cooking was much appreciated at those missions, where she volunteered as the “chef.”

Sister Ann’s career in education took her to assignments as teacher, administrator, and development director. Her favorite teaching ministry was at Skyline College, but she remembers that each level of teaching had its special moments and special longtime friends, including Sister Rita Killackey OSB and Sister Susan Barry OSU.

Presently, she is a receptionist two days a week at St. Ignatius parish while also handling many administrative and managerial duties for the congregation, and is an important source of support to her brother, Patrick, who is in a care facility.

God’s presence has been tangible throughout her life in the warmth and joy of her community, her family and friends, and in the various ministries over her forty-one years in education. For this, Sister Ann is truly grateful.
 

 

Ministries