Sister Ann Therese Foley, CSJ

Ann Therese Foley was born in Ecorse, Michigan on August 10, 1932, the daughter of Patrick and Ann (Clune) Foley. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier in Ecorse, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1950. She received the name Sister Ann Kathleen at her reception was on January 3, 1953 but later returned to the use of her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1953 and final vows on January 3, 1956.

Sister Ann Therese earned her A.B. Degree from Nazareth College in 1965 with a major in History and a minor in Social Studies Elementary Curriculum. In 1970 she also received her Master Degree in Religious Education from Mundelein College.

Sister Ann Therese began teaching at St. Patrick’s in the Diocese of Grand Rapids in 1953. She taught at many schools in the Diocese of Detroit including St. Veronica, St. David, St. Joseph, St. Henry, St. Margaret Mary, St. Francis Xavier and St. Cyril. In 1976 Sister Ann Therese became the first official Pastoral Minister at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. She was instrumental in creating a Pastoral Care Department there. She later became a Spiritual Care volunteer. In 2012 Sister Ann Therese retired and moved to Nazareth, Michigan where she enjoyed being with the other Sisters and volunteering her time whenever necessary. Sr. Ann Therese has also been involved with the Associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph since its early beginnings at Nazareth.

Throughout her life Sister Ann Therese welcomed others and was a companion and friend to many, sharing God’s all-embracing love. One of her favorite scripture passages is from the Gospel of Luke: The Road to Emmaus, where the disciples of Jesus “recognized him in the breaking of the bread”. May she recognize the Lord as she is welcomed to his table surrounded by family, sisters and friends in a joyous celebration of new life.

May She Rest In Peace!