Sr. Anita Mc Ardle SFP

Mc Ardle, Sr. Anita SFP (Anna Imelda), our beloved Sister, quietly passed into the heart of our good God on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 91 and in her 75^th Jubilee year. Born in Bronx, New York to the late Edward and Mary Agnes McArdle, she was the sixth of seven children. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1946. She professed Perpetual Profession in 1954. She was initially trained as a nurse and worked in several hospitals in the Northeast. Eventually, she assumed the position of Director of Nursing at St. Francis Hospital in Jersey City, NJ. Later, she went on to study Hospital Administration at St. Louis University and used her education in administration in several hospital settings. Always, having a special place in her heart for the care of older persons, she transitioned her administrative skills and gifts to Mt. Alverno Center in Warwick, NY, where she oversaw the best of care for our aging Sisters, Friars and laity. Recognizing her many gifts and compassionate heart, she was selected for leadership by her Sisters on a Provincial and Regional level. She had the incredible blending of being both gentle and strong in character. She devoted her life to bringing Christ’s presence to those whose lives she touched, in loving service to the suffering and disadvantaged, with room in her heart to share their burdens and lend them her strength. She knew as well, the importance of enjoying life as it arrived and had a healthy balance engaging with others. Throughout her entire life, she valued relationships with all, especially her supportive family and many friends. She consistently made room for others and welcomed them into her life and heart.   In more recent years, she gave of herself in prayer and accepting the unfolding plan of God for her life to the end. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James, Edward and Tom and her sisters, Peggy, Helen and Patricia. She will be lovingly missed by her Sisters; the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, her niece Kathy Perlman and nephew Tom Mc Ardle, along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, and families and countless friends. A private Wake and Liturgy of Resurrection will be held for family and Sisters on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at St. Clare Chapel. The service will be livestreamed on Facebook at Franciscan Sisters of the Poor/US Area at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, kindly direct donations in memory of her to: Franciscan Ministries, Inc, 110 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215 or at www.franciscanministriesinc.org.