Sister Alphonsa Clancy, O.P.

Born on August 24, 1916

Professed – April 30,1937

Born to eternal life on July 22, 2009

Rita Clancy was born August 24, 1916, in Watertown, Massachusetts to Michael and Nora McDonough, both from County Sligo, Ireland.  She had five brothers and four sisters, all now deceased.

She entered St. Catharine Dominican Sisters on September 6, 1935, taking the name Sister Mary Alphonsa.

After her profession on April 30, 1937, she cooked for the Sisters at the House of Studies in Washington, D.C. for one year.  This was her only “short term” mission.

For fourteen years she served as the cook at St. Michael Convent, Lowell, Massachusetts, and for thirteen years at St. John Convent, Cambridge, in the same capacity.

In 1965, Sister Alphonsa went to Watertown on a mission that progressed from Rosary Academy to Rosary Convent to Rosary Manor.  Through these years, wonderful cook that she was, she nourished more than her sisters’ bodies, she nourished their souls by her prayer and her presence.

Though her schedule was often different because of her food service duties, she made a special effort to be present at community prayers and activities.  She continued to do this in her retirement at Sansbury Care Center.

Sister Alphonsa had a great capacity for love – love of her God, love of her friends, and love of her family.  She had many deep friendships extending from novitiate days to the present.  She always remained close to her family and cherished their visits to Sansbury.

For her, simplicity was a way of life.  This was reflected in a brief instruction she left concerning her funeral:  “Funeral mass just a simple one…No fan-fare.”

But, Sister Alphonsa, there must be a great fan-fare in heaven today with the reunion of the Clancy Clan!