Obituary of Sister Mary Jo Laffan

Sister Mary Jo Laffan died peacefully on Sunday, November 18, 2007 surrounded by her F.C.J Sisters at the age of 86 years. Mary Jo was born in County Limerick, Ireland to Bartholomew and Josephine Laffan. On February 2, 1941 she entered the Society of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus in Broadstairs, Kent, England. After her religious profession she studied at the National University of Ireland, Dublin, and received her B.A. Degree and Higher Diploma in Education. Mary Jo first came to Canada in 1948 and taught for six years in Combermere, ON, and for three years at the St. Mary’s Girls’ High School in Calgary. She then returned to Ireland where she taught and administered in FCJ Schools for twenty-nine years. Upon her retirement from teaching in 1996, Mary Jo returned to Calgary and was a well known and much loved presence at the FCJ Christian Life Centre for eleven years, ministering tirelessly in Spiritual Direction, Retreats, and Hospitality. Mary Jo is survived by her sisters, Helen Bermingham and Jeanne Laffan and by her brother Jim all of Ireland; her sister Dolores Nichol of California; and by several nieces and nephews, her many friends, and by all of her FCJ sisters. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel (219-19 Avenue S.W.) on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. followed by Prayers and Tributes at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel (219-19 Avenue S.W.) on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. We are most grateful to the staff at Intercare Chinook Hospice for all of the loving care they gave Mary Jo during the final stage of her illness. In living memory of Sister Mary Jo Laffan FCJ, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.