Sister Una Davey, SUSC

Sister Una Davey, SUSC (Sister Bridget Thomas) died July 26th at Madonna Manor in North Attleboro, MA at the age of 83 after a brief illness. Born in County Sligo, Ireland on August 16, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bridget (Meehan) Davey. She and her sister Sarah immigrated to the United States in 1957 and lived with her aunt and uncle Helen and Patrick Davey in Astoria, New York. In addition to her Holy Union Sisters, she is survived by her brother Peter Davey of New Jersey, her dear friend Sr. Ann Kernan SUSC and her cousin Sr. Eileen Davey SUSC as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Francis and Joseph Davey and sisters Mary Smith and Sarah Davey.

Sister Una entered the Holy Union Sisters on September 8, 1959, and pronounced her final vows on August 22, 1968. She attended the College of the Sacred Hearts and earned a B.A. degree from the College of New Rochelle School of New Resources. A life-long learner, Sister Una continued her education and professional and spiritual development through her continued participation in many courses and workshops.

As a young religious, Sister Una taught in parish schools staffed by her religious community in Baltimore, MD and Astoria, NY. In 1972, her ministries turned to social services, first as an Ombudsperson and Patient Advocate at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. She moved to Monticello, KY in 1995 and initially worked in literacy education and outreach to women. From 1997 to 2020 she was a member of the staff of Bethany House, an abuse shelter for women in Somerset, KY. During these years a growing number of migrants from Mexico and Central America came to Monticello and Sister Una became their strong advocate. She assisted migrants to find housing, work opportunities and health care. She also tended to their spiritual needs by providing transportation to Sunday liturgy in Somerset each week. In the spring of 2022, after many years of ministry to the people of Monticello, Sisters Una and Ann moved to Pawtucket RI. Sister Una became engaged in volunteer opportunities in St. Raymond Parish until she was forced to stop due to ill health. Sister Una would have celebrated sixty-five years as a Holy Union Sister in September.

Sister Una’s funeral will take place at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, Fall River on August 2nd. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. and Memorial Prayer at 9:40. The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. followed by burial at St. Patrick Cemetery. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River, MA.

Donations in Sister Una’s memory may be made to the Mission Advancement Office of the Holy Union Sisters, 205 Bedford Street, Fall River MA 02720.