Sister Mary Anne Philomena Grady
(formerly Sister Mary Eamon)
January 27, 1944 – July 11, 2024
Professed: 1964
Anne Philomena Grady was born on January 27, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of six children of Michael and Ann Molloy Grady. Of the four boys, the two oldest died in infancy. Anne Philomena’s sister, Mary Therese, became a Sister of Notre Dame. As a student at Christ the King Parish School in Cleveland, and then at Regina High School in South Euclid, Anne Philomena was also considering religious life. For a time, she was drawn to the Maryknoll Sisters, who were founded to serve in missions outside the United States. Discernment and fervent prayer to do whatever God willed led her to Notre Dame. Anne Philomena became a postulant on July 2, 1961; at investment she received the name Sister Mary Eamon.
A bachelor’s degree from St. John College, Cleveland in 1968, and a master’s degree in 1980 from Bowling Green State University, both in Ohio, prepared Sister Mary Anne Philomena for 42 years of ministry as a teacher of primary students. Most of these assignments were in second grade. Preparing the children for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion was a great gift of faith and joy that she shared with hundreds of children.
Sister Mary Anne Philomena ministered in nine different schools: St. Paschal Baylon Highland Heights; St. Joseph, Youngstown; St. James, Warren; St. Joseph, Randolph; St. Mary Massillon; St. Aloysius, East Liverpool; and Metro Catholic School, Cleveland, all in Ohio. She also served at St. Anne School, Arlington, Virginia and at Our Lady of Victory School in Washington, DC. From 2009 to 2011, she was a tutor at Metro Catholic School, and from 2011-2020 at Notre Dame Elementary School, Chardon.
For the past 12 years, Sister Mary Anne Philomena was engaged in the ministry of prayer, praise, and presence at the SND Center, Chardon. She served her sisters in community in many ways. Just ten days ago, Sister Mary Anne Philomena celebrated the 60th anniversary of religious profession—her Diamond Jubilee— with her family, friends, co-workers, and religious sisters. May her life on earth and new life in heaven shine brightly in God’s love.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center in Chardon. Visitation will be from 9:30 until Mass begins. Mass will be live-streamed. Go to www.sndusa.org. Click on the Chardon Regional Center.
