(Sister Mary Annetta)

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada announces the death of Sister Annetta Ryan at Mount St. Joseph, Peterborough, on December 9, 2023.

Annetta was born on Allumette Island, Quebec, and on September 8, 1948 she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke and, upon final profession, adopted the religious name of Sister Mary Annetta.

She is survived by her sister, Sheila Morris (late Terry) of Pembroke. Sr. Annetta is predeceased by her parents, the late Joseph and Martha Ryan (nee Healy), and her brothers, Loyola (Eulalia) and Cletus. She is lovingly remembered by the members of her religious community as well as her nieces and nephews.

Sister Annetta spoke often of a happy childhood, growing up on a farm, with most of her free time doing chores. Her teaching career began at the very school she attended at St. Joseph’s on Allumette Island; a small one-room country school where all classes were taught by the same teacher. Her ministry of teaching continued at Our Lady of Sorrows in Petawawa (1951-1959) followed by teaching at St. Alphonsus School in Chapeau, near her familial roots once again. Sister Annetta continued her career at Immaculate Conception School where she spent eight years as teacher-Principal. In the late sixties she moved to Renfrew and taught at St. Joseph’s High School. Her last years of teaching were spent in Pembroke at Fellowes High School (1972-1985) as a Math teacher.

Sister was always eager to further her education and was a continual learner, enrolling in courses and obtaining many certificates to add to her accomplishments. Sister Annetta lived a life of service as she was committed to many religious and charitable organizations, sharing her gifts. She was very proud of her role as the superior of her house in Ottawa in her latter years, hosting students that required housing as they pursued their educations in Ottawa. She led a house of hospitality and caring. She was proud of her positions on various RTO (Retired Teachers of Ontario) Committees. She would lead tours of RTO members in varied locations in the world.

Sister Annetta was full of gratitude for the Lord calling her to be a Sister of St. Joseph. She was also grateful to the Peterborough Convent for their loving care in her latter years. In September 2023 she celebrated her 75th year of Religious Life.

On Wednesday, December 13 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pembroke, there will be a gathering for family and friends to offer condolences and share stories beginning at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am. Interment at St. Columba’s Cemetery, Pembroke.

Expressions of sympathy can be made at pembroke@csjcanada.org. Donations to our Peru Mission in memory of Sr. Annetta can be made at www.csjcanada.org. Arrangements by the Neville Funeral Home, 491 Isabella St., Pembroke.