Written on: April 25, 2016
Sister Ann Cecilia McGuire, GNSH, died Saturday, April 23, 2016, at St. Joseph Manor, Meadowbrook, Pa., in the 68th year of her religious life. She was 85.
This lifelong educator spent 33 years teaching in the Philadelphia area at St. Norbert, Paoli, and Melrose Academy. She also taught in parish schools in the Brooklyn, N.Y. diocese and held permanent teaching certificates in both Pennsylvania and New York.
After health issues forced her retirement from the classroom, she became an Activities Associate at D’Youville Manor, Yardley for seven years. In 2010, she herself became a resident there until increased health issues required a move to St Joseph Manor in 2013, where she lived until the time of her death.
Loved by students and parents during her teaching days, she later endeared herself to the residents and staff of D’Youville and St Joseph manors. She was a welcome presence with her cheerful smile and the latest joke to relate to whomever she met.
An avid sports fan, she followed the contests of the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and Flyers intently. The Phillies, however, were her favorite team; a sure sign of a winning game was Sister Ann Cecilia’s appearance with her red Phillies cap perched smartly on her head at breakfast the next day.
One of six daughters born to John and Ellen McGuire in Philadelphia, she attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Little Flower High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from D’Youville College, Buffalo, N.Y.
In addition to her religious community, she is survived by her twin, Sister Cecilia Ann, SSJ, and a sister, Marie McGuire; and several nephews.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 25, and the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, all at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Grey Nuns Motherhouse in Yardley. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart online here , or by mail: 1750 Quarry Road, Yardley, PA 19067-3998. Beck/Givnish Funeral Home,
I graduated Our Lady of Fatima in 1961. I knew Sr. Ann Cecilia , but did not have her as a teacher. I had Sr. Susan Marie, and Sr. Jane Stuart. They have left a permanent memory with me and they were instrumental in my becoming a teacher, guidance counselor and school administrator. I am thankful to them and will remember fondly always.
Sincerely,
Lana T. Maher ( Moravus)
Sister Ann Cecelia was my teacher at Our Lady of Fatima in the 1960’s. I remember her more than any other teacher because she instilled in me a the love of reading. Every day, just before the end of school, she would read the class one chapter of a book. If I remember correctly, she would alternate Nancy Drew with Hardy Boys books.
I’m very sorry to hear of Sister Ann Cecilia’s passing.
She was also my First Grade Teacher in Our Lady of Fatima, Jackson Heights, Queens in 1958.
On the very first day of school, First Grade, we had lined up in the yard to file into the school building. I had never attended any kind pre-school, so this experience was completely new.
It was the very first time I wasn’t under the care of my parents and it scared the heck out of me!
That first day, that morning in the school yard, I was hysterical. Beyond consolation.
Sister Anne Cecilia took my hand, spoke to me and personally guided me into class.
I remember it so vividly-can still see it!
I remember the touch of her hand.
May God Bless Her and Keep Her.
Just came across this. She was my first grade teacher at Our Lady of Fatima in 1956! She must have made an impression on me as I still remember her name. God Bless her!
She was my first grade teacher at OLF in 1956!
Sheila Shannon 🙂
While I did not have Sister Ann Cecilia during my K-12 years at Melrose, I did know her and came to know her kindness to the classes who had her as a teacher. I found out about her passing only because my neighbor went to Little Flower with her and received notice of her passing. My prayers go out to the Grey Nuns, to Sister’s family and her former students.
Sending loving thoughts to all who knew Sister Ann Cecelia. She was my teacher in grade school and a favorite at St. Norbert’s School. I just found a photo of us from 1985 ish and thought I would Google to see if I could find her.
She was such an inspiration to me at a difficult time. I am thankful she was in my life. S.A.C (as she would sign things) was a special person who made such an impact on everyone she met!
Sister Anne Cecelia was a kind, loving person and a wonderful teacher. I have spoken to many grads from Our Lady of Fatima in Jackson Heights, she is always fondly remembered. She will be missed…
Sister Ann Cecelia was my first grade teacher at Our Lady of Fatima in Jackson Heights. She was kind and gentle.
I too am sorry to hear of Sister’s passing. Our friendship lasted many years. I met sister after I was a student at Melrose. We had many things in common. I will always remember her with her wonderful smile and a gentle touch. She was a true treasure. I am sorry that I could not be there for her funeral services but she will always have a special place in my heart.
I’m so sorry to hear of Sister Ann Cecilia”s passing away. She was a wonderful teacher and lovely person.May she rest peacefully forever watching all the sports she wants now.She was a wonderful friend of my familiy for many years. She will Always be fondly remembered.