Sr. Mary Annette McDonagh, CCVI

Sr. Mary Annette McDonagh, CCVI, a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, died at St. Placidus Convent, Houston Texas on December 30, 2011. She is now enjoying the fullness of God’s love and presence.

Sr. Annette was born on January 21, 1918 to Patrick McDonagh and Katherine Cawley McDonagh in Carracastle Ballaghderrin, Co. Mayo, Ireland. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas, on June 2, 1934, at St Michael Convent, Co. Clare, Ireland. Her formation continued on October 21, 1935 at Villa de Matel, Houston, TX. On May 4, 1939 Sr. Annette made first Profession of Vows. Sister consecrated her life to God through Perpetual Profession of Vows on December 8, 1944.

A nurse by profession, Sr. Annette graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing, Houston, TX, in 1944. Following graduation she served the “sick and suffering of every kind” at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles, LA; and St. Joseph Hospital Houston. In 1950 Sr. Annette attended the University of Houston and in 1953 she graduated with a Masters degree in Pharmacy.

Following graduation, Sister served as Director of Pharmacy for the next thirty years in the following CCVI ministries: Schumpert Memorial Hospital, Shreveport, LA; St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont, TX; St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA; St. Mary Hospital, Galveston, TX; and San Jose Clinic, Houston, TX. In addition, Sr. Annette served on the Board of Directors for two hospitals and as a local convent leader. Sister was a woman of prayer, integrity, compassion, and caring. She instilled these same qualities in all who worked with her. In 1992 Sr. Annette moved to Marian Convent where she continued to serve the Sisters as convent treasurer until 2002. She also enjoyed giving tours of the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Villa de Matel Center. In 2006, due to declining health, Sr. Annette lived at St. Placidus Convent where she spent her time in prayer and contemplation.

Sister Annette is survived by two sisters: Sister Catherine McDonagh, SM of Kent, England; Ann Handy of Essex, England, and a number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Thank you Sr. Annette, for your gentle and loving presence and generous spirit in community, and your loving care to all the sick and employees under your ministry. We will miss your great sense of humor and wonderful laugh. We thank Ann McVey and all the Staff at Villa de Matel Center for their compassionate care they gave Sr. Annette during her final years.

Sister Annette’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St., Houston, TX at 5:00 P.M. on January 2, 2012 followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel at 10:30 A.M. on January 3, 2012. The Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.