Sister Anne Woodeshick, RSM

Sister Anne Woodeshick, RSM, age 86, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas for 66 years, died peacefully on September 2, 2026, at McAuley Convent, Merion Station, PA.

Born on June 2, 1940, Anne was welcomed by her loving parents, Hugo Frederick Woodeshick and Marjorie Mary O’Donnell Woodeshick, and her older sister, MiMi. Soon the family grew to include four more children: Marty, Frankie, Kathy, and Meg. Anne’s happy family life and her elementary education at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish nurtured her faith, instilling in her a deep love of God and all God’s people. She was a proud graduate of West Catholic High School, where she met and was inspired by the Sisters of Mercy.

Responding to the call to religious life, Anne entered the Convent of Mercy on September 7, 1959, and at her reception received the name Sister Marie Annunciata. Anne chose “Ecce Ancilla Domini Fiat” as her lifelong motto, the words Mary spoke at the Annunciation: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done.” Modeling her life on the example of Mary, the Mother of God, Anne humbly devoted her whole life to love and service, as Mary did. Her family, friends, and all who knew and loved Anne found in her the tender, compassionate care of a spiritual mother, sister, friend, and colleague, a woman of deep faith and quiet confidence.

Anne began her ministry as a Sister of Mercy, teaching elementary students in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Richmond, Virginia. She also served as Principal at St. Alphonsus School in Maple Glen, PA. Anne’s dedication, encouragement, and fun-loving spirit blessed those in her care during these early years as an educator. Anne’s gifts were then directed toward guiding and encouraging new community members, in service as director of postulants and as a member of the formation team. Her example of kindness, prayerfulness, and witness to the vows of the consecrated life inspired many women during their years of formation and beyond.

Anne’s final ministry, spanning almost forty years, found her immersed in the wide expanse of parish ministry at Our Mother of Good Counsel in Bryn Mawr, PA. Wherever there was a need, Anne was there, giving her all. Whether preparing daily liturgies, providing spiritual care, leading outreach to the poor and homeless, tending the sick, or witnessing to a passion for justice, Anne was a welcoming, merciful presence to all. The OMGC parish team, staff, and parishioners cherish the gift Anne was to them and recall with fondness and gratitude the witness of her life of dedicated service.

For Anne’s life, deeply rooted, firmly grounded, and faithfully lived in the fullness of God’s love and mercy, we give thanks. We rejoice with you, our dear sister Anne, as you sing and dance with all the Saints in glory for time and eternity.

Relative and Friends are invited to her viewing and funeral mass on Thursday, September 10th from 9am to 10am in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy.  The funeral liturgy will follow at 10am in the Convent of Mercy Chapel, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion, PA 19066. Interment immediately following.

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