Ann Dineen

Deceased Sisters

Ann Dineen - United States
23/03/1927 - 22/03/2018

Ann was the oldest of four children born to Edmund and Margaret Dineen in Bruff, Co. Limerick, Ireland. She is survived by her youngest sister, Maudie, with whom she had a very close relationship. Due to her mother’s poor health, Ann spent much of her early childhood years in the care of relatives, but mostly with her grandparents.

While Ann attended secondary school administered by the Presentation Sisters, a Missionary group of Sisters visited the school and talked of their missionary work. Ann said it was then she felt the call to a life of service. At that time, vocations in Ireland were abundant, and because the Mercy and Presentation Sisters in her area had more vocations than they could accommodate, a Mercy sister suggested to Ann that she investigate the Marist Sisters. Ann visited the Marist Convent in Carrick-on-Shannon. She had never seen, met or talked with a Marist Sister before, but she believed that as the Spirit guided Mary, that same Spirit guided her and there and then she made her decision with a generous ‘Yes”. Ann was professed in Carrick-on-Shannon in 1947.

In his homily, at Ann’s funeral, our pastor, Father John, spoke of Ann’s concern and love for liturgy. Liturgy, which means public service or ministry, he said, was lived in action by Ann in her response to serve in so many places: Ireland, England, France, Canada, Mexico and U.S. And from the same source came her willingness to serve in varied ministries: house mother to orphans, teacher, sacristan, pastoral associate, pastoral minister, and religious education coordinator.

Ann was a very fine teacher who liked working at the elementary level: ten- to twelve-year olds were her choice. She was all of four feet, eleven and one half inches tall (and we were not allowed to forget the half inch), which meant that many students in her class were taller than she. On the playground, in the classroom or in Church, it often happened that someone would be impressed with the good behavior of a class that appeared to have no teacher with them. Should one inquire as to where their teacher was, the students would call out, “Stand up, Sister,” knowing full well that Ann was on her toes with her hands in the air, and Ann would joyfully proclaim, “Here I am. Can’t you see me?”

Ann was gifted in many ways. In her younger years, it looked as if she were born to dance, and she had an excellent singing voice; talents that she generously shared with her students. Parents were often in awe at their children’s hidden talents elicited and developed under Ann’s tutelage. Ann also enjoyed art.

But it was not just the fine arts with which she was gifted. She was a first-rate seamstress and quite a chef, skills with which she served generously and which were very much valued in community living.

Ann became legally blind in her late seventies and this was a big cross for her. While it curtailed her activities, it did not curtail her ability to serve. Well into her late eighties, even though she needed a magnifying glass or someone’s help to read recipes, she cooked for the community of five and loved making her specialties for visitors.

Ann had a thirst for knowledge and always kept herself au courant of current events. When her eyesight prevented her reading, she turned to books on tape and other services for the blind. We might add that Ann was most eager to impart her knowledge, and quite often amended or augmented others’ data.

Of the many ministries in which Ann was involved, one was as Associate Pastor in a parish located in an area that had become mainly Hispanic and Muslim. It was only after her death that we realized the value of her ministry there. The people’s outpouring of appreciation and sadness at her passing showed Ann as a courageous, hardworking and compassionate woman, working in a Marist way. She had a heart for the immigrant parents, conversed with them in their own Spanish language and treated them with respect; she made friends with Muslims and she was a pillar of strength for the parishioners. Their appreciation of Ann was touching.

After one of Ann’s visits to the hospital in 2017, her doctor prescribed physical therapy at a rehabilitation center. By this time, she required oxygen 24/7. After the period of therapy, Ann agreed to go to the long-term care facility that was attached. From the beginning she accepted her new home and surroundings. She was well aware of the deterioration that was taking place in her body, but the spark of her lively spirit did not fade and she continued to live life and to enjoy the activities of the home.

In that move to the Nursing home and in her diminishment, what was noticeable was the change that took place in Ann – a true metanoia. She had a minimum of complaints about anything, a great gratitude for everything, an absolute acceptance of her deterioration, a sure surrender of her independence, and a joy and cordiality that were clear and visible. It was truly a privilege to see the reflection of the light of Christ in her even though she was denied the light of day. Again, she had an impact on the nursing staff and patients, and many spoke of how she had affected them in a positive way. One gentleman who visited his father at the nursing home credited Ann with his own return to the practice of his faith. He was a pall bearer at her funeral.

Arrangements were in process to celebrate Ann’s 91st birthday. One evening, a few days before the celebration, Ann, who appeared to be perfectly well, phoned and said that she did not think she would make it to her party. The following morning, we knew her prediction to be true. Our pastor came and anointed her, and in her normal voice Ann answered every response and thanked Father John for coming. Within the hour, Ann sank into a coma and from there on we kept vigil with her. While she was conscious almost to the end, she no longer spoke. On the eve of her 91^stbirthday, (or maybe it was her real birthday – the date of her birth was not clear), in the radiance of heaven, Ann celebrated her birthday with Jesus, her Guiding Light, whom she followed and served so well. Now with her family and Marists who have gone before her, she dwells in light where she will never experience darkness again.

Ann’s niece, Sally, came from Ireland for the funeral. As usual, our parishioners turned out loyally for the visitation and service at the Funeral Home and for the Mass. At St Barnabas Church, Mass was celebrated by Father Joe Hindelang SM and five other priests. Our Pastor, Father John, gave the homily with incidents that amused us and which would have drawn a smile from Ann herself. On a bright and sunny afternoon, with a mild March wind blowing, we laid Ann to rest in Holy Sepulchre. May you now enjoy the Light of Life, Ann!

We thank you and miss you.

Constance Dodd

Deceased Sisters

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