As we all know, Albertus Magnus College was a special place for Sr. Ann. She served the college in her uniquely gracious way for over 40 years as professor of French and Humanities, department chair, member of numerous college committees, chair of the Language Arts Society, International Culture Day, French Club, academic advisor to countless students as well as member of many professional organizations.
But perhaps these words collected from various Albertus faculty and staff tell us best who Sr. Ann was for the college community: classy, smart, upbeat; I felt loved when I was with her; talented; elegant, always looked her best; I never see a pin on a suit that I do not think of her; a calm and joyous presence; unpretentious style and wit combined with warmth and interest in others; and, perhaps the greatest tribute of all, I will miss her.
During the Mass Sr. Joan Franks shared her reflections on Sr. Ann’s life:The readings Sr. Ann chose for her funeral Mass attest to her expansive and generous nature. "The Lord of hosts will provide a feast for all peoples. The Lord will wipe the tears from all faces." "Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me."
Ann’s loving heart embraced everyone. One of her many gifts was her clear and intuitive insight into people—insights that were never judgmental but always understanding and forgiving. I mentioned to Sr. Mary Faith Dargan that I never heard Sr. Ann utter an uncharitable word, and she assured me that after 40 years of living with her, she could say the same.
Sr. Ann was blessed with a strong intellect, curious, inquisitive, discerning. Her conversation was usually about books she had read, ideas she entertained, and stimulated thought and discussion. Her retirement brought her opportunities to expand beyond her French concentration to other interests—history and music, for example, and she took advantage of every one of them. Along with this elegance of mind came a certain simplicity and humility. Her spirituality, for example, like her demeanor, was quiet and unassuming, but there was no question that her faith was the source of her religious commitment and her life.
In my last conversation with Ann on Sunday, we spoke of St. Dominic. We had been reading Don Goergen's new book on Dominic, and she kept telling me that she wanted to learn more about the person he was. Now, dutiful daughter that she was, she knows him better than we do, probably even better than Don Goergen!
Anyone acquainted with Ann could also testify to her devotion to her family. The loss of her parents, her three younger siblings, Dominican friar Robert (Bo), Alex and Ellen, weighed heavily on her, but her confidence in God’s mercy comforted her heart. As the second reading proclaimed: "The Lord Jesus Christ will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself." Her sister-in-law, Peggy, her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews were sources of delight to her.
Her friends, too, and there were many, enjoyed her interest and companionship. Among these were former students, for wherever Ann taught, she inspired respect and admiration. The alumnae from St. Mary of the Springs Academy always requested her presence at their reunions, and Albertus alumnae were among her faithful correspondents. Her chemistry students from McKees Rocks always asked for her, claiming she was their favorite teacher.
Yes, Ann’s professional life was spent teaching - in elementary schools, high schools and colleges - 61 years all together. She was a talented and demanding teacher of French. I know this personally, since I had her for Advanced French Conversation one summer at St. Mary’s. It was a tough course, but I have to say I spoke French a lot better at the end of that summer. Julie McNamara was also a grateful student in that class, and many years later, as president of Albertus Magnus College, testified to Ann’s extraordinary and marvelous service in the classroom.
Ann also had a great sense of humor. She was quick-witted, and often a bit wry. She enjoyed life, her religious life, her Sisters and her friends. She was always ready for a good time enhanced by a glass of Pinot Grigio.
She was also ready for her death. She told a friend that she believed she had done what the Lord had asked of her and was ready to meet Him. She was quick to assure us all that everything would be okay; everything would be all right.
Let me close with Ann’s own words: In her reflections on her move to the motherhouse, she wrote that it provided time to reflect and be thankful for each of her years in community. "Gratitude," she said, "for all is what I want constantly to give to God and to my Dominican community for all I have been given."
Sr. Ann was preceded in death by her parents Alexander and Agnes Bailie, her brothers Alexander and Father Robert Bailie, OP and her sister Sr. Ellen Bailie, OP. A Vigil of Remembrance Service and the Mass of Christian Burial were held at the Columbus Motherhouse on July 6 and 7, 2016. Memorial gifts in Sr. Ann's memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219.