'Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched lives' - tributes to much-loved nun
Sister Ann (Image: Gareth Buddo)
TRIBUTES have been paid to a York nun whose ‘joyful spirit touched countless lives’.
Sister Ann Stafford, serving Superior of the Bar Covent in Blossom Street, York, has died at the age of 80 on September 24 while visiting family in Ireland.
Originally from Rickardstown in County Kildare, Ireland, Sister Ann first joined the congregation on April 26, 1965, and moved to the Bar Convent in 1998 - spending three years living in the community before relocating south in 2001.
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She returned to York and the Bar Convent in 2006, taking over the role of Superior in 2010 until 2016, then again from 2019 to the present day.
In her work through the church, Sister Ann supported projects linked to the life of Mary Ward, the Yorkshire-born founder whose vision inspired the Congregation of Jesus, and campaigned for her to be made a saint.
She was also keenly involved in the discoveries made through the Bar Convent, including the discovery of the Arma Christi – a medieval scroll dating back more than 500 years.
A spokesperson from the convent has said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sr Ann Stafford CJ passed away peacefully shortly before midnight last Thursday, October 24 while visiting family in Ireland.
“Although we are deeply grieved by her loss, we take great comfort in knowing she was surrounded by her beloved family, who she was so looking forward to seeing. As were her wishes, Sr Ann has been laid to rest alongside her parents in Kildare, Ireland.
“Sr Ann had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and important, and her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched countless lives across our community.
Sister Ann, Superior at the Bar Convent. (Image: Gareth Buddo)
“She was a cherished friend to so many of us, and her loss will be felt deeply by all at the Bar Convent and in the Congregation of Jesus. The sisters and staff have asked for some time and space to process this loss.
“A Celebration of Sr Ann’s life will be held in York in due course so that local friends and community members can gather to remember and celebrate her life, and we will share further details when arrangements are finalised.
“In the meantime, a Book of Condolence has been opened and is available in the Bar Convent chapel.”
Friend and former pupil of the Bar Convent School, Lisa Byrne, said: “Over the past 10 years that I've been lucky enough to know Sister Ann, I've always been in awe of her incredible energy, warmth, and the Irish humour that never left her.
“I saw her only a week before her death, and she was as lovely as ever. My husband and I are in total shock that she died so suddenly; however, we feel a glimmer of hope, safe in the knowledge of how strong her Catholic faith was and that Ann will be with God and all her beloved friends and family who have left this earth.
“It's going to be very strange going back to the Bar Convent and not seeing her figure strolling across the atrium's mosaic flooring to give me an all-encompassing hug.”