Sister Basil Anthony O'Flynn, CSC ’46

Sister Basil Anthony O’Flynn (1917-2011), affectionately known as “Sister B.A.,” was a double alumna of Saint Mary’s whose career as faculty and administrator at the College spanned from 1956-98. She served in virtually every role except president, starting as a part-time faculty member teaching theology and retiring as assistant to the vice president for College Relations at age 80.

With such a lengthy service, generations of Saint Mary’s students and alumnae came to know Sister B.A. as a gentle and empathetic friend.

For Sister B.A.’s 90th birthday, more than 100 alumnae and friends wrote letters of tribute. At the celebration, then-President Carol Ann Mooney ’72 remarked, “When you talk about the heart of Saint Mary’s, talk always turns to the woman we honor today, Sister Basil Anthony O’Flynn. For generations of Saint Mary’s alumnae, she is Saint Mary’s.”

On Sister B.A.’s death in 2011, Sister M. Joan Elizabeth Johnson wrote, “She was called upon for her wisdom and insight that came from her deep faith, her love of all people, and her sense of humor. She had the ability to laugh at herself, lighten the conversation, and face the reality with a calmness that brought a reasonable conclusion.”

Bob and Mary Kelly McLaughlin ’42 established a scholarship in Sister B.A.'s name in 1998. Memorial gifts were made to that fund in her honor, and today the Sister Basil Anthony O’Flynn Scholarship continues Sister B.A.’s legacy of supporting Saint Mary’s students.