Sister Mary Anita Sheerin, RSM
BELMONT - Sister Mary Anita died Thursday, November 15, at Marian Center at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont following a valiant struggle with stomach cancer. Sister Anita, the youngest daughter of Catherine Came and William Anthony Sheerin, was born on February 10, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School and soon after she came south to Belmont NC to enter the Sisters of Mercy.
Sister Anita was dedicated to the education of young people and throughout most of her 62 years as a Sister of Mercy she ministered in the elementary education field. In preparation for this work she earned a bachelor's degree in social studies at Belmont Abbey College, a master's in education administration at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC and a master's in religious studies from Fordham University.
Sister Anita's experience in elementary education was extensive. Her teaching career took her to many cities throughout North Carolina, New York and Florida. She taught at St Mary's School, Wilmington; St Michael School, Gastonia; St Patrick School, Charlotte; Sacred Heart School, Salisbury; St Eugene School (now Asheville Catholic School); Sacred Heart School, Cutchogue, NY; and Sacred Heart School, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She also served as principal of the schools in Charlotte, Gastonia, New York and Florida.
Sister eventually broadened her interest in administration, left the education field and assumed the role of pastoral administrator at St Francis Catholic Church in Mocksville, NC. In this capacity she was responsible for the daily operation of the parish and worked jointly with a visiting pastor. A part of this ministry was visitation of the sick and homebound and Sister Anita fell in love with this ministry and wished to pursue it full-time. She returned to Asheville as a chaplain at Mission/St Joseph Hospital. In the hope of expanding her ministry even further she assumed the position of pastoral associate at St Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville. There she served as Director of Volunteers, visitor of homebound and hospitalized and was involved in various advocacy activities including Pro-Life, Crop Walk and the needs of the homeless. During this time she was involved in the Cursillo Movement and also served as the Asheville area Director of Mercy Association, a group of lay women and men who witness to mercy in their everyday lives.
Sister Anita's health began to fail in 2011 which necessitated her retirement to Sacred Heart Convent. Being noted for her love of people and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for, Sister quickly became involved in small volunteer jobs and engaged readily in activities for the retired Sisters. She was once quoted as having said, "My main goal is to give everything I've got every day" and she did that till the end of her life.
In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Anita is survived by her sisters Margaret Rooney of Philadelphia, Catherine McDonnell of Morristown, PA, and thirty-five nieces and nephews . She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Father John Sheerin, Joseph Sheerin and William Sheerin, and sisters, Sister Agnes Sheerin, CDS, Elizabeth Sheerin Flanagan, Mary Sheerin and infant siblings, Sam Sheerin and Teresa Sheerin. The wake service will take place Sunday, November 18 at 7:00 pm, Sacred Heart Convent, Belmont . A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 19 at 10:00 a.m. in Cardinal Gibbons Memorial Chapel, Sacred Heart Convent . Burial will follow at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 100 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC 28012-4805.
Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com;
Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia is serving the Sherrin family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 4, 2013
Laura Delplace
"Sister Anita, spending time with you while you did your exercises was the highlight of my day. You had such a young soul, your sense of humor even caught me off guard sometimes. I was truly touched by your presence. Until we meet again..."
November 20, 2012
Kathleen McDonnell-Forney
Dear Aunt Anne. I will forever be grateful for the time Mom, Patty, Sharon and I spent with you during your last week with us. You have been a role model for me my entire life, teaching by example. I love you, will miss you, but also know you are watching over all of us until we meet again. ? Kathleen
November 20, 2012
Anita, You have inspired so many and touched many lives. I am truly grateful that you touched mine as well. Love you and will miss you.
Collie
November 19, 2012
madeleine pflaumbaum
God Bless you Sister Anita, and may you Rest in Peace.
November 19, 2012
E. Louise Heape
Many wonderful memories of Sr. Anita at St' Pat's. We were blessed to have her in our lives. I will always remember you and your gentle ways.
November 19, 2012
Mike Moon Family
Sister Anita, you were such an inspiration to me. I loved working with you and I always appreciated the love you had for my family. Mike, Courtney, Jack and I loved having you in our lives. I'm so grateful that you were Courtney's Confirmation sponsor. We love you and will miss you.
November 18, 2012
Sister Anita was the sweetiest principal at St. Patrick's School. She gave love, direction and kindness to both of our children. She was the example to live by, she taught me it was OK to be mad, then get over it. I loved her for all she gave to my family. Sr. Anita, you will always have that beautiful smile in my heart. Thank you, Marion Rogers
November 18, 2012
Debby Bischoff
Sister Anita was my spiritual director before moving to NYC from N.C. in 1992. My daughter at 16 made an audition to study dance at Alvin Ailey. ( years later culminated in becoming a Radio City Rockette ) Anita was encouraging but also enabled me to realize it wasn't just about my daughter. Her excitement was in recognizing God was taking me on a new adventure to a strange land of NYC and calling me to a new chapter in my journey. 20 years later I am thankful for a full and different life as a nurse and layperson in NYC. Presently retired and a caregiving grandmother. Thank you Anita for believing in me and for your adventurous spirit which helped me to trust in God. I can still hear your gentile laugh in my head.
November 18, 2012
John & Kathleen Rooney
Our prayers are for the soul of our dear Aunt Anne. You dedicated your life to others and we always looked up to your demonstration of love and self sacrifice. May you rest now with God!
November 17, 2012
Kim Schuette - Hollandsworth
Sister Anita was the reason I got into the Catholic school system in Charlotte, NC in the 70's. She was a perfect role model and loved by so many! She is an angel in heaven now instead of on earth...
November 17, 2012
I loved her and I will miss her. But I have a feeling she will be looking over us.
Debbie Braese, Virginia
November 17, 2012
Theresa & Jim Niles
Thank you Sister Anita for your years of service to Asheville and St. Eugene's we will miss you.
Theresa & Jim Niles
November 17, 2012
Kathy Hughes Bambach
I will remember the sound of her voice, her smile and her loveliness.
November 17, 2012
Sharon Owen
Thank you Sister Anita for always being so approachable. You were loved and are missed.
November 17, 2012
A truly lovely soul...she was most amazing..I loved her dearly
Patti Batsel Hart
November 16, 2012
Bill & Susie Flanagan
Love you Aunt Anne. You are an incredible leader who has shown us all what can be done with little more than faith in God and love for your fellow man. You will be remembered and missed. You left an indelible mark on the world of ours. We'll see you again :)
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