Obituary of Sr. Ann Joseph Brosnan CSJ

Sister Ann Joseph Brosnan, CSJ Sister Ann Joseph Brosnan, CSJ, 84, died on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital, Troy, NY, on the 43rd anniversary of her father's death. Sister Ann had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 65 years. Sister Ann Joseph, the former Mary Adelaide Brosnan, was born in Cicero, NY, on December 22, 1925, daughter of the late Joseph and Grace Loucks Brosnan. After graduating from North Syracuse High School, Sister Ann worked as a clerk in the well-known Planter Peanut Company in Syracuse and was delighted to say often that she was chosen to advertise the business dressed as Mr. Peanut! Sister Ann entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1945 and professed final vows on August 15, 1950. She received a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in communication disorders, both from The College of Saint Rose. In addition, Sister Ann studied sign language at Gallaudet University, Washington DC. For 25 years, Sister Ann taught in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses. For the next three decades of her religious life, Sister Ann taught at the Cerebral Palsy Center in Albany and the Carondelet Educational Center in Latham and served as a driver at St. Joseph's Provincial House. Sister Ann Joseph marveled at God's creation and enjoyed experiencing the beauty and mystery of nature, whether she was cross-country skiing, walking a mountain trail, camping at Marian Lodge or caring for her pet birds. As a teacher, speech therapist and driver, Sister Ann put her whole heart into whatever task she undertook. She knew how to pray, how to work and how to play, and she did each one with great fervor, gentle grace and a disarming simplicity. Sister Ann Joseph was a devoted Sister of St. Joseph and a loyal friend, and she leaves us a legacy of love and a deep appreciation for the wonders of both Creator and creation. Sister Ann Joseph is survived by her beloved and faithful friend, Patricia A. Walsh of Scotia; several dear nieces and nephews and their families; many friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Ann was predeceased by her sisters: Norma, Grace, Jennie and Geraldine; her brothers, Walter, Gerald and Charles; and many dear friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Ann Joseph's funeral Liturgy will be held Wednesday, December 8, at 10:30 a.m. from the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Tuesday, December 7 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Ann's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com