Sister Anne M. Toomey, SC, 83, in the 64th year of her religious life

Sister Anne m. Toomey, SC, aged 83, entered eternal life on January 17, 2024, at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, in the 64th year of her religious life. Family, friends, and sisters in the community always lovingly called her Cedie, a name shorter than Mercedes, her baptismal name. She entered the Sisters of Charity congregation on September 8, 1959, from Saint Kieran Parish, Lawrenceville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Anna Mae (Fitzpatrick) Toomey; two brothers, James and her twin brother, Maurice; and an aunt, our deceased Sister M. Bridgetta Fitzpatrick, SC. She is survived by her brothers, Jack and Brother Bob Toomey, OFM, Cap.; nieces and nephews; and her religious congregation.

Sister Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in American history and education from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in education and administration from Indiana State University. She taught students in the Greensburg and Pittsburgh dioceses and in the Archdiocese of Washington. She was the principal of Saint Pius X, Mount Pleasant, Saint Kieran in Lawrenceville, and Saint Stephen, Hazelwood. Despite her diligent efforts to financially maintain Saint Stephen School, it closed with a celebration of thanksgiving for the “One Hundred Twelve Years of Excellence from the Sisters of Charity who served students and families of St. Stephen with unmatched distinction. A special thanks to Sister Anne, who embodied the lessons of Christ’s teachings.”

Sister ministered as a family liaison for Elizabeth Seton Regional, Saint John of God, Saint Joseph, and Saint Titus schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. She served in the educational ministry for forty-eight years, thirty years as principal. For her dedication, Sister Anne received the “Manifesting the Kingdom” Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh given to individuals who “demonstrate the presence of Jesus in their lives and have participated exceptionally in showing forth the kingdom of God among us.”

One of Sister Anne’s favorite ministry experiences was the year she volunteered in the English Language Program at St. Joseph School, Gwangju, South Korea. She loved ministering and living with the sisters in South Korea.

In 2011, Sister Anne was named treasurer at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity, and assistant director of Seton Arts Service Corps, working with Seton Hill University student scholars and inner-city children. She was appointed Sister Servant at Caritas Christi in 2014. Always dedicated to the task at hand, Sister Anne embodied the teaching of Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton: “There can be no disappointment where the soul’s only desire and expectation are to meet His adored will and to fulfill it.” She fulfilled all her ministry positions with love and compassion until she retired in 2019. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill gratefully appreciate the care she received from the nursing staff and employees Caritas Christi.

At the time of her Golden Jubilee, Sister Anne stated, “As I minister with and to others, I am constantly reminded of how the Presence of God in my life has changed me, and I try to project the Presence of God in all that I do, ministering with and to others. That is, to show God’s love for me in my love and service to others.”

Rest in peace, our dear Cedie, as you join St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, and your loved ones in the fullness of eternal life.
Family and friends will be received at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg on Friday, January 19 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A prayer vigil sharing memories in the Chapel of the Assumption will follow at 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:30 am in the Chapel of Assumption at Caritas Christi. Burial will immediately follow Mass in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link: https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb

If you wish to offer prayers or remembrances, you may do so by emailing [email protected]. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity, DePaul Center, 144 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA 15601. For more information, visit the website, www.scsh.org.