Remembrance of the Life of Loretto Sister Ann (formerly Sister Michael Ann) Skeffington

Loretto Sister Ann Skeffington died peacefully March 28, 2024, at the Loretto Living Center, Loretto Motherhouse, Nerinx, Ky. She was 88 and in the 69th year of her religious commitment.

She was born Jan. 30, 1936, and baptized Eleanor Ann Skeffington, the second of three daughters and one son of Illinois natives Elizabeth Wolf and William Skeffington.

As a child, little Eleanor Ann “always knew I wanted to be a sister.” Her sister Mary added that their mother had the same ambition for all three of her daughters. After graduating from Newman High School Eleanor Ann went directly to Loretto and was received as Sister Michael Ann May 24, 1955.

Following her novitiate and first vows, Sister Michael Ann completed her education at the Loretto House of Studies in St. Louis, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1959 from Webster University, St. Louis.  

There followed for Ann more than a half century of service. Ann mainly taught kindergarten. She also served as a part-time teacher’s aide, tutored, routinely helped family and others with homework. She was beloved by her students and seemed to know each one on a personal level. Ann loved working with children in any way she could. A dedicated, wonderful teacher, she is remembered as ever-kind and ever-calm. It was said she was “a great example of Christ: always giving, always grateful, always patient, loving.”   

In Illinois, Ann taught at Immaculate Conception, Highland Park (1963-1965), St. Mary School, Rockford (1965-1967), St. Andrew School, Rock Falls (1971-1981) and St. Mary School in Dixon (1983 to 2017). Elsewhere, she taught at St. Philomena, Denver (1959-1963), St. Cronan, St. Louis (1967-1968) and St. Francis Cathedral School, Santa Fe, NM (1968-1971). Santa Fe in particular was a favorite spot of hers. Writing to her family, Ann said she loved the weather, the beautiful scenery and the diversity of children whom she taught there. Ann loved Santa Fe; it was the most beautiful place she ever saw, the place of her happiest memories.

Ann lived near her family members in Illinois most of her religious life. Her sister and niece report that Ann loved to read and did “very pretty needlework,” including crocheting and embroidery. She thoroughly enjoyed her family and friends and especially baking cookies and doing jigsaw puzzles with her mother. She was well-known by the youngsters in her family for her zucchini and pumpkin breads. Ann retired to Loretto Motherhouse Infirmary in 2020 where she continued to cherish her time doing jigsaw puzzles. A quiet and private individual until her death, Ann gave Loretto her whole self for her whole life.   

Sister Ann’s funeral Mass was celebrated April at Loretto Motherhouse.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, Michael Skeffington. She is survived by her sisters
Sister Kathryn Skeffington ASCJ of Hamden, CT, and Mary Wallace of Dixon, and numerous nieces and
nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Please keep Ann, her family and all her loved ones in your prayers. May she rest in peace.