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Sister Ferdinand "Sister Ferdi" Connerney
1921 - 2020
BORN
1921
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Ferdinand Connerney Obituary
Sister Ferdinand Connerney, SHSp ("Sister Ferdi") died on June 15, 2020 after breaking her hip the day before. On the morning of her fall she had been knitting a baby blanket while she was answering the Motherhouse phone.
Sister Ferdi was born in Knockadolla, County Galway, Ireland on August 28, 1921 and professed her vows in 1946. She was the oldest living Sister of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate and was a year away from celebrating her 75th Jubilee.
She was treasured by her family, her community and all those who were blessed to know her. During 74 years of religious life, she weathered the storms of change and challenge, often with tears in her eyes as she shared the pain of those around her.
For all of her religious life, "Black Lives Mattered" to Sister Ferdi. Most of her teaching years were spent in African American Catholic schools in Shreveport, Crowley and Thibodaux, Louisiana and in Dallas, Texas. She taught at Little Flower School in San Antonio and finished her teaching career at Healy-Murphy Center. Here, through the language of chemistry and physics, Sister Ferdi taught her students that they were capable, lovable and worthy of living a noble life.
In her "retirement years", Sister Ferdi tutored science students at Healy-Murphy, rocked the babies in Healy-Murphy's Child Development Center and volunteered weekly at CAM (Christian Assistance Ministry).
Sister Ferdi is mourned by her niece and nephews in Ireland and England and by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Because of the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, a private prayer service and burial will be held. A Memorial Mass will take place at a later date.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Donations can be made in Sister Ferdi's memory to the ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate.
Condolences may be sent at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com Arrangements by:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ferdinand Connerney
Sponsored by Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio.
Olden Henson
January 22, 2024
Sister Ferdinand was the greatest influence on my academic growth. I will never forget her and I know I will see her again. She will probably call me to the board and make me go through every step of a math problem. The love for both she and Sister Lucy at Notre Dame in Shreveport can not be measured.
Donald Metoyer
June 11, 2023
Sister Ferdinand, I know you are enjoying Heaven. You deserve the award of Heaven. Peace be with you!
Donald Metoyer
June 11, 2021
Sister Ferdinand was a special guardian angel for me at Notre Dame High School. She was always concerned on what I might get into and my mother would have to be called. My mother would get very upset and a lot of tears, if I got into trouble. Sister Ferdinand would stress to me about my behavior and not have to call my mother. She was concerned about my mother crying and being upset. Thanks Sister Ferdinand for your guidance and love.
Marcia Downing
July 15, 2020
Sister Ferdinand always knew what to say. She made learning fun. A memory I have of her is that she said to me, "Marcia, with your smile, you should be on a toothpaste commercial." It was stuff like that, that made Sister Ferdinand, Sister Ferdinand.
Patricia M Terrell
June 22, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a very sweet person. She had a lot of patience with her students. She taught me two times in elementary. Then at Notre Dame! She thought on the end she was mean to me. But I didnt feel it. I have a twin brother so maybe it was him.
I will miss the letters and card. Rip.
Krystal Dawn Addison Williams
June 22, 2020
I will be praying for your family and friends.
Krystal Dawn Addison Williams
June 22, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was in my life for during two school OLBS and Notre Dame High School. She was always kind , very understanding , helpful, and unique person. I thank her for wisdom that she gave me as a young person in her class. She did not let you slack in your work because she knew your capable.
Devette Adams
June 21, 2020
Thanks for your guidance and support
Laura Evans
June 20, 2020
I love and admire u so much Sister Ferdinand. Thank u for caring for us students at Notre Dame, Class of 1976 and 77, until I left in 1978 to attend the public sect schools. Thank u for everything and the boost to my life. I am now retired and happy from a lengthy law career. Amen
Serrita Marvette THOMAS-White
June 20, 2020
R.I.H beloved teacher, friend & mentor. Ill cherish everything you taught me from our days st OLBS to Notre Dame H.S. I loved Sunday mass service with you. All I can say is thank you for teaching generations and fighting for us. You will be missed!❤
Muriel Auther
June 19, 2020
Thank you for believing in me.
S. Maureen Crosby
June 19, 2020
Sister was very hospitable and warm, always with a smile. I will miss her. I am sure she is resting in peace. Sister Maureen, SSD
Richard Addison
June 19, 2020
Of all the nuns that passed through my life as a student in elementary , high school and beyond - Sister Ferdinand had the most beautiful spirit. I loved her as a person and there is no doubt in my mind that she is at peace with God. My God bless all those who mourn her home going and her family!
Frances Conerney Collier
June 19, 2020
Sister Ferdinand you definitely flew straight up to heaven. You were an angel! As my cousin Emma Conerney Dillon said you watched us all grow from babies to adults. We loved when you would come home as it was a big deal. You never ever scolded us you had a calming way of talking to us. You had this joy in your heart that was contagious and I am so grateful that We got to grow up knowing you. You were home the year my brother was born. You were so excited you were about to burst. When the car pulled into the driveway with him you went straight out ready for baby hugs. You accepted us for who we were, family. I used to live watching you and Dad tease each other and just giggle. Good times! We now can talk about the memories and look at all the pictures of you over the years in Ireland and the ones we took when we had the opportunity to visit you. My Dad Frank your nephew will miss you greatly. I address this comment to you as this is a celebration of your life. I will miss you so very much! I carry you forever in my heart.
Cynthia George
June 19, 2020
Rest in God's peace Sister! So glad I had a chance to visit with you in 2017. I appreciate your dedication to the Lord's work in this world.
Krystle McKnight
June 18, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Janell Brown
June 18, 2020
It's hard to think of Notre Dame High School without thinking about Sis Ferdinand. RIH Sis Ferdinand. Janell Brown class of '75.
Thomas Dowson
June 18, 2020
You will truly be missed, Sister Ferdie
Lynetta and Kenneth Gaines
June 18, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carolyn Dishmon
June 18, 2020
You will truly be missed. I will always remember your love and Leadership at Notre Dame H. S. May God bless and comfort the family. Take your rest now. RIH
Dr. Donzell Harrison
June 18, 2020
❤ Earth Has No Sorry That Heaven Can Not Heal. You will truly be missed by The Harrison Sisters Brenda, Orlise and myself. Rest In Peace Sr. Ferdinand. Class Of 82
Mary Ann Balthazar
June 18, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a very loving lady. You will be missed and loved by all who knew you. Rest in peace
Kitty & Mick Gohery
June 18, 2020
Sr Ferdinand was the most beautiful person I ever met. I have a lot of fond memories of her when she visited Ireland over the years. I took her to Bunratty Folk Park one year and she remembered the names of all the farmer's tools that were on display there, despite the fact that she had left Ireland many many years before. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Kitty & Mick (Gohery).
June 18, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was truly an angel. She taught me with a mothers love. Such a humble and meek spirit. You will be missed by so many people. RI P sister in Gods loving arms. We will see each other on the other side.. Virginia LaCour Toliver
Virginia LaCour Toliver
June 18, 2020
Sister u were surely an angel from God. Being your student were truly a joy. You will be missed. Rest on Sister in the arms of Jesus. From Virginia LaCour Toliver.
Mary Teresa Cullen, CSB
June 18, 2020
I was so sorry to read on this morning's paper of the death of dear Sr. Ferdinand - or 'Ferdie' as most of us called her. I want. on behalf of the Brigidine Sisters, to again express our deepest sympathy and assurance of prayers to all the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in this loss. Having two deaths so close together is particularly challenging but you know you now have gained two great intercessors in heaven. Sr. Ferdie was an extraordinary woman of faith dedication, and service right up to her final days on this earth. I can still recall the story Sr. Miriam told me about the impact she had when we went with Miriam to Holy Trinity Parish for the Retirement Fund for Religious several years ago! If baby blankets are a necessity in heaven there will be no scarcity now!!
We have remembered her here at Loma Linda as we gathered in prayer today and ask that she now be taken into God's loving embrace and rewarded for such a wonderful life of service to all. All of you too are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss and loneliness. Deepest sympathy, blessings and prayers. Brigidine Sisters
Patsy Collins
June 18, 2020
Rest in peace in God's loving arms. She was a warm and feeling teacher and an important member of the Notre Dame family
Ann Dan David and Pauline Fallon
June 18, 2020
Our deepest sympathies to all Sr. Ferdinand's Community. To her nephew's Frank, Michael and niece Maura and all the Conerney families.
We have great memories of Sr. Ferdinand coming to Ireland on holidays during the Summer. We all loved her. She was such a kind, gentle and well humoured lady. The children really loved her. She looked after all of them one year when we had to go to a funeral in Dublin. They loved her Soup, Dinner and treats. They talk about it to this day. They wanted to go back to America with her after that.
Her memory will live with us forever.
Rest in peace Sr. Ferdinand. xx
Donald Metoyer
June 18, 2020
My sympathy to the family. Sister Ferdinand saved me many times at OLBS and Notre Dame High School. Thanks for caring about black lives your entire life. May God give you your Glory.
Brenda Joyce Harrison-Alexander
June 18, 2020
Rest Sister Ferdinand in Heaven.
Brenda J. Harrison-Alexander class of 1974 Notre Dame High.
Glenda Chelette-Holley
June 17, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
John Caldwell
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand can now be an Angel in Heaven, just like she served as one of my Angels on earth.
Michael Mackey
June 17, 2020
God Bless Sister and all the lives she touched.
Walter & Linda Harris Caldwell
June 17, 2020
Rest in peace. We love you.
janet hall-givens
June 17, 2020
i know God Being Who He Is, is already running to keep up with His new assistant Sister Ferdinand... May God Bless and Give the Peace and Comfort that surpasses all understanding to each of her family members, her family of Sisters ... as well as all who knew her...she was the first teacher that I met on the Notre Dame's Jr/Sr High School Campus...her Spirit of Light legacy will always be remembered...
janet hall-givens
Ora Mae Beaudion
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand has been in my life and my familys life since Second Grade at OLBS.
She was so sweet and caring all the time.
We kept in touch after she returned to San Antonio. We were able to visit her several times since she left Shreveport.
One of the things I will always remember was that her mind was so sharp, remembering so many of our Notre Dame and OLBS Students and Parents.
She will be greatly missed. Now God has another angel in His kingdom.
Janice Chalmers-Priest
June 17, 2020
You were such a sweet and kind teacher. Your years at Notre Dame will always stay in my heart and be a part of my school year memories forever.
LaTanya (Bailey) Patrick
June 17, 2020
Sr. Ferdinand was such a gentle swift moving person. She genuinely loved us and taught us well. Was just reflecting on my days at Notre Dame the other day and remembered fondly this dear lady.
Brenda LaCour-Brown
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a wonderful teacher and had a kind heart. Rest In Peace.
Marie Brossette
June 17, 2020
I love Sister Ferdinand! She was always vibrant, alive, precious, caring, and full of energy! I appreciate her life and her teaching me at Notre Dame High School.
I was privileged to fellowship with her in November 2019 and have telephone conversations thereafter. I really miss her, but I was very fortunate to hug and love on her before her transition with our Lord!
She was young when she transitioned, graced with youth, beauty, and longevity. God blessed her and she blessed me!
I appreciate her service to our heavenly Father and to myself, and many many others. She could remember us all! Such a testimony for the Lord!
I love you Sister Ferdinand and thank God for you! Never will I forget you. You gave me such beautiful memories. A humble servant of the Lord! The whole heavens are rejoicing because of an angel has come home. You are alive and in the best place!
Love Marie Brossette
Anthony Thomas - Notre Dame C/O 1973
June 17, 2020
A good person, will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Sister Ferdinand!
georganne conerney
June 17, 2020
Sleep tight Sr Ferdinand...love you lots xxx
Sharon Mims Spears
June 17, 2020
May this candle forever glow and keep you in peace Sr. Ferdi. Sharon Mims Spears, Notre Dame, Shreveport c /o '65.
Felecia Baines Cooksey
June 17, 2020
My heart is broken. I first met Sr. Ferdinand when I started Head-start at Notre Dame High at the age of 4. I would later attend Notre Dame from 7th - 12th grade. In my senior year Sr. Ferdinand was my home room teacher. What a wonderful blessing she was!! She was a great teacher and senior sponsor. For our senior trip along with chaperones Sr. Ferdinand would take us to New Orleans, La. We all had a fantastic time. Sr. Ferdinand made sure that we all were in our prospective rooms and lights out for the night each night.
Moving forward to 30 plus years she and I would start communicating. At this point she became more than just my High School teacher, she became my friend. I could confide in her and she would always tell me that shes praying for me.
I received what would be my last letter from her on last week. Little did I know at the time that I would never be receiving another letter, Christmas card or Birthday card from her anymore. Im answering her last letter and Ill keep it along with all of the countless cards and letters from her. These letters and cards Ill always cherish along with my many, many memories of our Beloved Sr. Ferdinand. Rest now Sister and know that youll always have a very special place in my heart!!! Until we met again. My Guardian Angel
Love Always,
Felecia Notre Dame High Class of 1980
Michael Gaines
June 17, 2020
Great person. Great school administrator. A person who inspired others to achieve spiritual greatness. Truly be miss.
Emma Conerney
June 17, 2020
God has taken you home but you will always be in our hearts. He blessed us with a Grand Aunt who's love held no bounds. We will miss you deeply. Rest In Peace.
URSULA ANDERSON
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a great teacher to me at Notre Dame. She will be missed.
Ursula (Williams) Anderson, c/o 1983
Annie Dickson
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was one of my teachers at Notre Dame HS in Shreveport. I never cared for PE because I was a poor ball player and no one picked me to be on their team. So Sister Ferdinand and I spent the time having several conversations about different religion, I called them debates. You see I was a Baptist and she tried to convince me to become a Catholic. She had a gentle voice and I never knew her to be harsh. She always taught with firmness and compassion. As I am looking at my old year books of 1961 & 1964, they list her as a teacher English II, History, Religion, Physical Ed, Science and Club Moderator of the Sodality of Our Lady. I will always remember her.
Lolita DeMello
June 17, 2020
Sr. Ferdinand taught me at Notre Dame High School in Shreveport,La. For 6 years. I will never forget her unconditional love for us all. She was truly a Servant of God. I will miss her dearly. My deepest condolences to her family and all who loved her.
Love, Lolita C. DeMello c/o1973
Mary Elizabeth LaCour Clark
June 17, 2020
One of our dear angels have gone to be with our Lord. Sr. Ferdinand was a loving and caring teacher at Notre Dame High School. She loved us and we loved her. I was so excited to see her about 6 years ago when she came to visit us in Shreveport. Her memory did not fail her, she remembered us all. She was still jolly and perky. We will miss you Sister, Rest in Peace.
Mary Balthazar Walker
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a wonderful teacher that taught me at Notre Dame High-school in Shreveport, Louisiana. She had a wonderful smile and she had a wealth of knowledge as a teacher. Tiny in stature but a giant in her field of knowledge. May you Rest In Peace Sister Ferdinand.
Alice Burton
June 17, 2020
Thank you for All youve done to promote equality for All. You have been a true child of GOD as long as Ive known you. Well done my faithful and loving friend. I know you are dancing an Irish Jig in heaven❤
Carolyn McIntyre
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was not only a wonderful teacher, she was a loving and devoted friend to my mother throughout a very serious illness. I am convinced that her prayers and devotion helped my mother recover and live with us for the last 20 years of her life. I was able to visit with sister a few years ago and she was generous with her time and energy, which was always high level! I'm sure she'll be dancing with my mother, and Sisters Lucy and Monica in Heaven.
Darren Blalock
June 17, 2020
A wonderful soul.....rest in peace.
Beverly James Furganson
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was one of my favorite teachers at Notre Dame High School in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Rovella Jones
June 17, 2020
My Dear Sweetheart of a Principal and Teacher! I shall never forget all that you poured into my life. Love You Forever! Sleep in Heavenly Peace " We are always loyal to Dear Notre Dame "...
Sincerely,
Rovella Beene Jones - c/o '76
Faith Davis Johnson
June 17, 2020
Sr. Ferdinand was such an inspiration and great role model. I remember her fondly as both my teacher and principal while I was a student at Notre Dame. She was full of energy and enthusiasm coupled with structured discipline. I thank God for her instructional influence and moral guidance. Good night, Sr. Ferdinand. We'll see you in the morning!
Terry Drayden
June 17, 2020
Love you so much Sister Ferdinand. Rest in Live and Heaven. Terry Drayden
Angela Pinkney Clay
June 17, 2020
Thank you Sister Ferdinand
Rest Peacefully
Cassandra Porter
June 17, 2020
I will always remember her love for her students. She had such energy. She was a blessing to me. She inspired me to reach higher and never stop learning when I attended Notre Dame High School in Shreveport and later in life. I cherish her Christmas cards I received through the years. She was an angel here on earth and now she has gained her Heavenly wings. Rest well Sister Ferdinand. You will always stay in our hearts.
Jackie Beaudion (Greene)
June 17, 2020
What I remember most about Sr. Ferdinand was that beautiful cursive writing on the blackboard. You never had an excuse for not having the proper notes in order to learn the material. She taught me one of the most difficult courses - Chemistry. I truly loved this awesome lady.
Schuyler Lukes
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was a special and wonderful person. She helped to educate, mentor and guide me during my formative years at Notre Dame High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was instrumental in my success and I will always be grateful to her. May she rest peacefully in the welcoming arms of God! Rest In Peace Sister Ferdinand! You did your job!!
Cheryl LaCour & Gina Morris Taylor Notre Dame c/o 1986
June 17, 2020
Our sincerest condolences to Sister Ferdinands family and friends. Sister Ferdinand was one of the best and most loved Sisters that taught at Notre Dame High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was fun, caring, stern with the perfect balance of love. Sister Ferdinand will surely be missed as well as lovingly remembered. Rest Peacefully! ♥♥♥
Notre Dame c/o1986
Chauncey Pullman
June 17, 2020
Best of The Best and so so dearly missed. Always in my Heart and Prayers. God speed Angel.
Patricia Metoyer Terrell
June 17, 2020
My Deepest Sympathy. She taught me three times. So special to me and my family. I will truly miss her.
Enid Thomas
June 17, 2020
She was an inspiration to us all!
Sylvia LaCour-Williams
June 17, 2020
Sister Ferdinand was principal at Notre Dame High School for the four years that I attended there. She was truly a kind an loving person. She was no nonsense but that was so that she teach us all that we needed to know. She wanted to prepare us for life experiences and she did that. She was book smart and common sense smart. She could make you smile when you were down.
Sister also taught my brother and sister who graduated respectively in 1962 and 1965. If I'm not mistaken she also taught them at the elementary level at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy.
We saw her last in June of 2014. She was still sharp and remembered all of her students. I will miss her. Rest in Heaven with the Angels kind lady.
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