Sister Monica Clare Gaffney, CSC
(November 25, 1902- March 14, 2007)
Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving
for this Sister of the Holy Cross who
died on March 14, 2007.
Wake Service: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18
Mass and Burial: 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 19
In the Church of Our Lady of Loretto
Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements
The words of the hymn, “Gentle Woman” come immediately to mind when thinking about Sister Monica Clare for she surely was a gentle woman and a quiet light in the manner in which she put others needs and concerns above her own. Her graciousness and kindness were characteristic of her gentle heart and endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing this peaceful dove. May this chosen one who lived 104 years loving God now rest in peace.
Sister Monica Clare was born in Cumberland MD, to the late James Patrick and Agnes Virginia Gaffney. Sister Monica Clare was the youngest of eleven children and is predeceased by all of them. She is survived by her nephew Gerald (Charlotte) Shannon, VA; grand-nieces Pam Scot, MD and Clare (Michael) Castronovo, GA; and cousins John & Isobel Burke-Gaffney, BC, Canada, and Sr. Mary Burke-Gaffney, CSHA, QC, Canada.
Before entering the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1945, Sister had been employed as secretary for 25 years by the Carry Ice Cream Company in Washington DC. After entering Sister prepared as a teacher and taught, at St. Paul's, New York City, in 1948.
At the end of the school year, Sister Monica Clare was sent to Mount Carmel Hospital, Columbus OH where she spent 25 years in Admissions, the Business Office and the Pastoral Care Department. She spent time helping to care for her brother at his home giving respite to her sister-in-law, Virginia.
In 1980, Sister went to St. Angela Hall, Kensington MD, as Assistant Superior to Sister Maureen Patrice. Sister Monica Clare remained at St. Angela's until 1998 when she retired to Saint Mary's Convent, Notre Dame IN to be near her sister, Sister M. Clotile, CSC, until her sister's death. Sister Monica Clare was active in the Ministry of Prayer until her death. Her sister, Sister M. Clotile, preceded her into Holy Cross by about a quarter of a century. In fact, Sister Clotile celebrated her diamond jubilee the same summer that Sister Monica Clare celebrated her silver jubilee.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.