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Laetitia Donoghue Obituary
Sister Laetitia O'Donoghue, Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny for 64 years, died peacefully after an extended illness at Jeanne Jugan Residence, San Pedro, CA on October 6, 2012. She was born in Ireland in 1928, the eldest of a large family, and professed religious vows in 1951. She began her lifelong teaching ministry in SS Peter and Paul School in Wilmington, CA. In subsequent years she moved to St. Catherine Laboure in Torrance and to Cluny School in Newport, RI. Drama and music held a special place for her in the school curriculum. She loved music in all its forms: church choirs, choral group performances, participation in local adult singing groups and being invited to play the organ. She loved life and sought to portray joy (laetitia) as central to it. Like the angels to whom she had devotion, she moved with speed, and was a willing volunteer for church-related and many other services. Her retirement years were devoted to St. Stephen Parish in Monterey Park, CA where she gladly substituted in classrooms, helped in parish activities and compassionately listened to those who sought a listening ear. May she now rest in eternal peace and joy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nuala Ryan and will be sadly missed by many: her Cluny Sisters, her sisters, Noreen Collins, Treasa Curran, Eileen Mangan, Bernadette Quigley, her brothers Jack, Denis, Martin, Fr. Jim, MHM, and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and numerous friends. Visitation will be at Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2100 S. Western Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732 on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 from 2pm-4pm followed by a Rosary/Vigil. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 10:30 am in the Residence Chapel. The burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach CA at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cluny Sisters Retirement Fund, Little Sisters of the Poor or Cluny Missions. Please sign the guestbook for Sr. O'Donoghue at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Laetitia Donoghue
Áine Cunningham- Smutzer
January 15, 2013
My favorite teacher with that wonderful gleam in her eyes... I am so sorry I did not express my gratitude for your wonderful teaching and example in my younger life. I look forward to doing that God willing when we meet again when God's kingdom comes and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven... When there is peace and perfect health. I still remember all the beautiful songs you taught us at Cluny in Newport-- especially "Ireland I Love You"..which I still sing for my mother. I loved you so much as my dear teacher and mentor. I have missed you for some time.
Kathy Traynor-Entrekin
October 25, 2012
Sister was my first grade teacher in 1952-1953.She remained my friend for the past 60 years. I will miss her
Charlie Schulthies
October 15, 2012
I guess going through school I must have been one Sr. Laetitia's favorite students because she sure used to whip me, Albert and Frankie into shape, and all for the better I might add for me as the years went by. I used to talk to her on the phone on my way home from work many of days. I think the last contact I had with her was about 4 years ago with the birth of our daughter. I'll never forget the lunch we had together with Kathy and actually getting to know her personally. I take with me the knowledge of History, because she gave me my first “F” in that subject and I've strived in life never to repeat that history lesson, now my favorite subject. She gave me the memory of remembering, the jar full of rock, pebbles and sand. She taught me to memorize, which was a lot easier than cheating in a lot of subjects, and of course math, up until today that I'm still fairly good at. Thank you Sr. Laetitia for not sparing the rod on me and teaching me lessons I have carried through the rest of my life.
Jose Bacallao
October 15, 2012
Thank you for being in my life. You were my greatest and most positive role model while at St. Catherine's. Your love, passion and guidance help shape my childhood. Rest well and thank you for being in all our lives.
MaryCatherine Ledesma
October 11, 2012
I will always have happy memories of choir practice with Sister Laetitia, and the joy she brought to peoples lives.
Sue Burin
October 11, 2012
I have many fond memories of the Cluny sisters especially Sr. Laetitia. She always greeted me after long absences with the angelic smile of hers and made you feel like a long lost family member seeing you for the first time.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lindsay Souza
October 11, 2012
Sister Laetitia was the joy in my childhood. I often spent recess singing with her by the piano. She taught me music and she holds a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved her.
Collins Family
October 10, 2012
Heartfelt condolences to her Cluny Sisters, and caregivers at Jeanne Jugan Residence. Her light lives on, in those she taught and loved...
RIP My dear Maura.
Alison Meistrell King
October 10, 2012
I had Sister Laetitia in first grade which was way back in 1956 at St Catherine Laboure school. I never forgot her and as a first grader I thought she was strict. But I always liked her and kept her in my nightly prayers. I'm happy she had such a long happy life. May you rest in peace and I hope to meet you again in Heaven.
Juliet Andrade
October 10, 2012
I hope to see you in heaven!!!!!!!
Lorena (Arencibia) Madden
October 10, 2012
I had Sister Laetitia at St Catherine Laboure for 7th grade. At first I wasn't sure that I was going to like her, but in the end of 1st semester I adored her. Maybe it was our shared passion for music. She made an impact in my life, she gave me confidence that I needed. I still remember her singing "All I ask of you, is to remember me as loving you..." I loved her pep and spunk ...oh so much energy!
Michelle Gagnon Lindholm
October 10, 2012
She had a way of bringing out the best in me. I am a better person because of her. Eternally thankful.
Maureen Tyrrell Kolberg
October 10, 2012
Her life was a song. Thank you Sister.
Chip Kalata
October 10, 2012
Thank you Sister Laetitia for touching my life and so many others!May you Rest In Peace.
Joe Meistrell
October 10, 2012
Sister Laetitia was one of my many fond memories of St Catherine Laboure. And I do remember "she moved with speed."
Joe Meistrell
October 10, 2012
Of the many teachers I had at St Catherine's, some of my most fond memories were of Sister Laetitia. ...and I do remember "she moved with speed".
Marie-Ph. CURRAN
October 10, 2012
I regret never having the honor to meet you, Aunt Maura, but I have heard so much about you ! God bless you and may you rest in His peace. Marie-Ph.
Tom Marlowe
October 10, 2012
Thank you to Sister Laetitia O'Donoghue for her contributions to the education and enlightenment of young people many years ago during our days at St. Catherine Laboure.
October 10, 2012
Rest in peace Maura.
Áine Cusack (niece)
Vickie Andrade Dynice
October 9, 2012
In this time of sorrow, may God bless you, your family and and friends and the many students whose lives you enriched, especially Saint Catherine Laboure's Class of '64. I have many cherished memories both as a child and as an adult; from the songs you taught to your love of all the arts and the strict but loving way you gave us these gifts. Most of all, I will not forget how it warmed my heart when you referred to my children as your grandchildren.
We will celebrate a life well lived! You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Steve Wrenn
October 9, 2012
Rest In Peace Maura You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Donal Quigley
October 9, 2012
She was truly a wonderful person I kwow she will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to come in contact with her.
Mary Lou Carnahan
October 9, 2012
Sr. Laetitia taught all my children at St. Catherine's. She instilled in them a love of music and poetry. We will always remember her kind and loving ways.
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