Sister Anne Hegarty, 75, of North Andover passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, Massachusetts, after a courageous battle with cancer. She graduated from St. Michael Grammar School, North Andover, and St. Patrick High School, Lawrence. After high school Sister Anne entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was there that she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and began her lifelong mission to educate children.
Upon her Profession as a Sister of Charity she was assigned to Saint Joseph’s Parish in Needham, MA. After 5 years in Needham, she was reassigned to St. Peter’s in Lowell, MA where she spent 8 years. For the next 39 years she taught at Lawrence Catholic Academy (formerly St. Patrick Grammar School). Sister Anne was a devoted classroom teacher right up until this year when her illness prevented her from continuing. Renowned for her assignment of oral presentations and fastidious grammar instruction, we can only imagine she is checking this for errors right now.
Sister Anne was a selfless individual throughout her life. She became the primary caretaker for her parents in their declining years, allowing them to remain in their home until their passing. She was the best daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She got great pleasure spending time with her nieces, nephew and grandnieces. She enjoyed attending their various athletic events along with her dear friends Sister Ellen Donovan and Sister Nancy Conlon, where they were fondly referred to as the “God Squad”. Sr. Anne was an avid baker, particularly at the holidays, where she delighted in passing on family recipes to the next generation.
Sister Anne is survived by her brother Cornelius F. and his wife Susan, her niece Caitlin and her husband John Gaffny, her niece Brigid Hegarty, her nephew Cornelius F. Hegarty III, her grandnieces Maeve and Brigid Gaffny and several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Cornelius F. and H. Geraldine (Doyle) Hegarty.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Elizabeth Seton Residence for the kind and considerate care provided to Sister Anne. Sr. Anne was greatly comforted by all of the thoughtful gestures, heartfelt words, cards, and mementos sent along by former students, colleagues, and friends.
A wake for Sister Anne will take place at Mount Saint Vincent, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 9:30 AM with a Prayer Service at 10:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:45 AM followed by burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in North Andover, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sister Anne’s name to the Sisters of Charity, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA.
She was the kindest person I have ever met. She taught my children and grandchildren and gave them a love of poetry that I hope will remain with them forever.
Sr. Anne was one of the most inspirational teachers and people who I have met in my life. Truly one of my absolute favorite teachers EVER. She made such a big impact on me as a person during some of the most formative years in my life. I can remember giving oral presentations with Dr. Anne sitting in the back of the room like it was yesterday. I fully give her credit for my public speaking skills. She not only made me a better speaker….she made all of us better people. So many memories…. A truly wonderful person who devoted her life to God and teaching in so many. A life so well lived and a lasting example to us all. All who had the good fortune of crossing paths with Sr. Anne have been truly blessed. Tim Pawlik, St. Patricks School Grad 1983
Sister Anne was a great influence in my life. She was an excellent teacher who deeply cared for her students. She was supportive in all we did including introducing basketball to us at St Peters school in Lowell. We would trek to the Salvation Army after school and learn the game. Her love of sports was instrumental in my life as I continued to play in high school and college and was inducted into my high school hall of fame a few years ago. She is often in my thoughts even though we lost touch. Heaven gained another angel. Rest In Peace Sr Anne!
Sister Anne was the most beautiful person I’ve ever met and I probably won’t meet anyone like her again! She’s very special to me. She was my 7th and 8th grade English teacher. I had never known the feeling of anxiety before I met her. Lol. But, looking back, she was the BEST teacher I’ve ever had in my educational years. After graduating from LCA, (Saint Patrick’s) I’d enjoy going to visit her and she always took the time to talk to me. I would always update her on my life and I’ll never forget how she told me she was proud of me for becoming a Hair Stylist! A couple years ago, I started working at Lawrence Catholic Academy where I work for my mother in the LCA kitchen! I’d say good morning to her everyday, and it blew my mind that she was now my colleague!! I love Sister Anne so much and I don’t think that will ever change💓 She impacted my life in ways I didn’t know she could, she was sooo much more to me than my English teacher, she was my friend. I’ll always remember the affect she had on me as a person and how she continues to guide me through life’s journey! I know she’s watching over me up in heaven!💗💗😘😘 I love you💗