Obituary of Sister Anne MURTAGH

January 11, 1935 – December 16, 2011 Sister Anne Murtagh, Sister of Charity of St. Louis, of Regina and recently of Lethbridge, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the age of 76 years. Sister Anne was born and raised in Saskatchewan, attended Normal School in Moose Jaw, and thus began her long career in Education. Anne joined the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis in Moose Jaw, SK, made her profession of vows in Medicine Hat in 1959. She then continued her love of teaching in Burnaby, BC, Medicine Hat, the University of P.E.I, (Charlottetown), the University of Lethbridge, Newman Theological College(Edmonton), Red Crow College (Standoff, AB), She also was chosen by the Canadian Crossroads International Grant to teach in a girls’ school in Kenya, and then on to St. Lucia, W. Indies, on the Rotary International Grant to supervise student teachers. Interspersed throughout her teaching years, Anne completed degrees in Education, Theological Studies, English Literature and a Doctor of Philosophy in Literature. Anne also served in community leadership, in the intercommunity Novitiate formation programs, and was an accomplished pianist and writer. Anne’s love of education was evident in her pursuit of learning and in sharing this with others. She believed in the importance of celebrating the contributions of the Sisters in education. On the occasion of Bi-centennial of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis in Western Canada, to “remember our history”, she promoted celebrations in Wilcox, SK (Notre Dame College) with the dedication of a sculpture and in Medicine Hat, AB with the unveiling of a mural in St. Louis School. Anne will be also be remembered for her joy filled laughter and story telling, her sense of humour, her competitive nature in games of cards, her interest in and connection to her family and for her love of the Church and the spiritual life. Anne will be lovingly remembered by the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis, throughout the world; her sister, Priscilla (Luis) Mogentale; her brothers, Gerald (Bev) Murtagh and Patrick (Shirley) Murtagh; her nieces, nephews and cousins, her colleagues, and many friends. Anne was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Thomas; brother, Richard Louison; and her nephew John Mogentale. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) this evening, December 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 640 – 19 Avenue N.W. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Further details to follow. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice supporting Kenyan women’s education. Please contact Sister Pat Derbyshire at 403-217-8803. In living memory of Sister Anne Murtagh, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.