SISTER ANN LOUGHERY (Sister Mary Josette) of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas died peacefully on April 15, 2015 at St. Mary Home. Sister Ann was born in New Britain December 31, 1933, the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Ryan) Loughery. At the age of 18 she entered the Sisters of Mercy September 8, 1951 and professed religious vows 3 years later. Sister taught in elementary schools throughout Connecticut and for 20 years was principal and skillful administrator of St. Mary School in New London. In 2000, Ann in characteristic fashion, accepted the difficult assignment to close permanently the historic St. Joseph Cathedral Parish elementary school. The necessary task with all its complexities, having to relocate the student population, was accomplished with grace and dignity in 2001. Ever sensitive to the needs of others, Sister ministered as Pastoral Associate at St. Patrick Parish in East Hampton. She was drawn to deepen her passionate commitment to serve others through direct service of the poor at St. Vincent DePaul soup kitchen in Middletown as Administrative Coordinator until her retirement. Sister Ann was a true Irish colleen, with sparkling blue eyes, engaging smile, mirthful laugh, a song on her lips and in her heart. An excellent cook/baker, meticulous seamstress and creative quilter, the gentle, gracious Ann will be remembered as well for the loving friend she was to Sister Eleanor O’Neill, driving daily from Middletown to West Hartford after work to care for Eleanor’s personal needs until death. Sister Ann is predeceased by three siblings, Mary, Donald and Robert. She is survived by her brother John and his wife Joan Loughery of Florida, several nieces and nephews and her Sisters in the Mercy Community. Ann’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of the Resurrection on Tuesday, April 21 at St. Mary Home 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford at 3:00p.m. Calling hours will precede the Mass beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral liturgy in St. Mary Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister Ann’s memory are asked to consider the Sisters of Mercy, 55 East Cedar St., Newington 06111 or St. Vincent DePaul Place, P.O Box 398, Middletown 06457. Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.