Sister Andrew Mary Leger



		Remembering Sister Andrew Mary Leger, OP Date of death: May 28, 2003
	Sister Andrew Mary was born in 1909 in Fall River’s twin city, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, her mother died when Andrew Mary was just an infant. Fortunately, she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, who loved her unconditionally and showered her with everything a child would need, and more. She was separated from her brother and three sisters, but her aunt and uncle made sure they communicated periodically. As a single child in her household, Andrew Mary learned to be alone, to live quietly, to appreciate neatness, and to love beautiful things. She came to know the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena through their ministry at St. Francis Xavier’s parish in Acushnet, Massachusetts, a small town near New Bedford. She entered the convent after high school in 1928. I first met Sister Andrew Mary as a child at St. Anne’s School in Fall River. I never had her as a teacher, but my younger sister Helen did. After finishing my homework, I would sit with my sister and help with her homework, which was endless. Andrew Mary loved teaching and took her ministry very seriously, and she expected the best from her students. She wanted them to master the subject matter, including handwriting. All had to learn Palmer Method to near perfection even with her large classes of boys. Memorization of the Warps geography and history books was definite discipline with her students. She was devoted to religious life, was always faithful to common and private prayer, and had a great devotion to our Blessed Mother. Celebrations of her 50th, 60th, and 75th jubilees meant much to her; these were truly joyful events in her life. I sat near her at the jubilee dinner here on April 22 and witnessed her appreciation for the beautiful day. Her hair was well coiffed, and she proudly wore her jubilee dress, which I believe she wears now. Her life was deeply rooted in the Fall River and New Bedford areas. She visited her family as often as possible, and was especially close to to her sister Anna who entered the Sisters of Providence in Montreal. Andrew Mary was a quiet, private little woman, and many of us who lived with her respected her for this, but we really did not get to know her intimately. She loved listening to good music, watching TV, and spending hours preparing her classes. As her principal at St. Anne’s Chool I never had to intervene. I know she had everything under control, and her students knew that also! Sister Andrew Mary lived in the hope of the resurrection, and she now beholds God’s glory. She has been drawn from this life to the life of resurrection, where her union with God is now complete and her hunger for God’s love is totally satisfied and made whole. Au revoir, Soeur André Marie! Priez pour nous! Thérèse Bisson, OP BACK