Sister Constance Ann Sophy

Sister Constance Ann Sophy, RSM, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy, died March 9 at McAuley Convent in Merion, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 10, 1936, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Peter and Madelon Deghar Sophy.

Sister Connie graduated from Pottsville Catholic High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Misericordia University and her Master of Science degree from Villanova University.

Sister Connie entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1955, and professed her vows on Aug. 16, 1958, in Dallas, Pa.

After teaching science in high schools in the Harrisburg Diocese, Sister Connie became the pastoral assistant at St. Theresa Parish, New Cumberland, and then spiritual life counselor at Lancaster Catholic High School. She then pursued studies in theology and spiritual direction at Theological College, Washington, D.C. With her new learnings, Sister Connie was asked to be part of group who directed young women in preparation for a life of service as a Sister of Mercy. In 1996, Sister Connie became program director at the Precious Blood Spiritual Center, Columbia. She continued her ministry as retreat and spiritual director in Millersville until her recent illness.

Having shared the spiritual journey with many people, Sister Connie embraced her own spiritual journey with gratitude, courage and acceptance of God's plan for her. Her wonderful family was always a comfort and inspiration to her, especially during her last months of illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ann Marie Smith, Bernadette Sophy, Margaret Morris and Judith Simpson; a brother, Anthony Sophy; brothers-in law, Thomas O'Malley, Arthur Lang and Robert Smith; a maternal aunt, Sister Mary Aloysius Thomas, RSM.

Sister Connie is survived by sisters, Elizabeth O'Malley, Madelon Sophy, Mary Lang, Catherine Chisholm and husband, Arthur, and Patricia Sophy; a sister-in-law, Louisa Sophy; a brother-in-law, Robert Morris; devoted nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, all of whom were the light of her life; and her Sisters of Mercy.

The family of Sister Connie wish to express abiding gratitude to the Sisters of Mercy of Dallas and Merion Station for their loving care of their sister. They are deeply appreciative of the caregivers at McAuley and found comfort in the expressions of love and gratitude from friends and extended family.

The celebration of her life will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday at Mercy Center Chapel, Dallas, Pa., followed by visitation until 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville, at the convenience of the family and the Sisters of Mercy. A Memorial Mass for Sister Connie will be celebrated at 11 a.m. March 25 at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton streets, Wilmington, Del. Memorial contributions in Sister Connie's memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Center, 301 Lake St., Dallas, PA 18612, or to the Sisters of Mercy, McAuley Convent, 517 Montgomery Ave., Merion, PA 19066.

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