Sr. Mary Catherine Conboy, OSF

Sr. Mary Catherine Conboy, OSF

May 4, 1929 – December 20, 2025

Born: Mary Catherine Conboy, May 4, 1929, in Drumhubrid, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Died: December 20, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Patrick and Margaret (Kelleher) Conboy, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Sister Mary Catherine Conboy entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 25, 1952, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1953, and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1960. Committed to the Franciscan Charism for 72 years, Sister Mary shared her life, gifts and talents within the community and beyond to all whom she served.

She graduated from Rossy National School in Co. Leitrim, Ireland and St. Xavier Academy in Providence, R.I. Following graduation, Mary was employed by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in Providence, and it was through their influence that she responded to the call to Religious Life.

Upon entering the Congregation, she attended St. Elizabeth Teachers College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She pursued further studies at Providence College and received a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Studies.

Her ministry began in the field of education in Congregational schools in Florida, New York and New Jersey, serving in various roles as teacher, principal and Local Minister.

In 1969, Mary responded to the invitation to become a missionary to Bolivia, South America. During her 18 years in Bolivia, she was involved in various ministries – elementary school teacher, adult education, seminary teacher, catechetics and parish ministry. She possessed great compassion, concern and heartfelt warmth for the people of Bolivia.

Following eight years of caring for her brother in Providence, she relocated to St. Anthony Convent in New York City and extended Irish hospitality to all whom she met. In 2017, she was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

Sister Mary is predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Margaret Conboy; her brothers: James and Thomas Conboy; a nephew, Colin Conboy and a cousin, Sr. Claudia Hargaden, OSF. She is survived by two nieces: Teresa and Christine Conboy.

A wake service is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, NY.