Sr. Joan McNally RSM

Sister Mary Sarah McNally, RSM, age 88, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on December 14, 2025, at McAuley Convent in Merion, PA.

Born on February 8, 1937, Joan Theresa was welcomed into the McNally family by her loving parents, Hugh and Sarah McNally. Being the only girl, Joan kept pace with her three brothers and their friends as they happily enjoyed the adventures of growing up in their Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Her strong faith was nurtured at home, in Holy Cross Parish elementary school, and at Little Flower High School. In her later years, Joan confessed that she was a challenge for her parents and teachers, as she preferred the carefree life of play and outdoor exploration to the discipline of the classroom and studies. Despite her opposition to formal learning, Mary Sarah went on to earn degrees from Gwynedd Mercy College and St. Charles Seminary, using her knowledge to teach and inspire countless souls with her steadfast faith and love of God.

The seeds of a vocation to the religious life had been growing in Joan’s heart. On August 6, 1960, Joan entered Mater Misericordiae Convent, and on April 15, 1961, Joan was formally accepted into the community, receiving the religious name, Sister Mary Sarah. As a Sister of Mercy, Mary Sarah’s life was characterized by her desire to unite herself with Jesus, especially in his suffering and death. She devoted her life to teaching both elementary and high school students for fifteen years. With her Master’s Degree in Religious Studies, Mary Sarah taught at St. Charles Seminary, where she earned a reputation for excellence in biblical studies. To this day, her students recall how her knowledge and love of scripture left a lasting influence upon their lives. Mary Sarah also ministered as a Pastoral Associate in local parishes for many years, bringing her love of God and the Catholic faith to all those she served.

Mary Sarah’s heart of mercy and love surrounded her family and all whom she met in life. She was sensitive to others’ needs and quietly answered them, spoken or unspoken, in thoughtful, meaningful ways. Her sincere, genuine outreach endeared her to others, who, in turn, loved and supported her. To those who knew her, Mary Sarah’s love of creation, most especially animals, will always be remembered. Her pet cats and dogs enriched her life and drew her closer to God, the creator and giver of all life.

In her final years, Mary Sarah’s compassionate heart found a home at McAuley Convent, where she embraced prayer and the works of mercy as the final blessing of her life, with much gratitude.

We rejoice with you, our sister Mary Sarah, that your heart is now one with God and all creation forever. May you rest in eternal peace and joy!

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