Sister Ann Grace Lennex

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Ann Grace Lennex
Who departed this life on November 17, 2020
In the fifty-ninth year of her religious life
Age: 79 years, 6 months, 16 days

Due to Covid restrictions there will be no funeral. Burial will be private. A memorial liturgy will be held at a later time.

“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let her renounce herself and take up her cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16: 24)

Called in baptism, Judith Frances, Sister Ann Grace was the daughter of the late George and Ida Frances (Bellisario) Lennex. She was the third of five children. Throughout her life, she was very close to her family, especially her sisters, Angel (deceased), Mary, and her niece, Theresa.

She entered the Community on September 10, 1961, from St. James Parish in Wilkinsburg, PA. She was given the name Ann Grace. She loved the name, confident that our Provident God would always be with her, gracing her with blessings and strength to face each cross life sent her way.

Her baptismal middle name – Frances – led her, like St. Francis, to love the earth and all God’s creatures, especially the Community’s border collie, whose job was to drive the geese from the pond at the entrance to Providence Heights. Sister Ann Grace was the dog’s primary caretaker. She named her beloved furry friend, Corky!  

Early in her religious life, Sister Ann Grace was trained in culinary skills, contributing several delicious recipes, to the Community’s cookbook, Providence Provides, published in 2005. Her “Potato Bake” is great for using leftover mashed potatoes and “Never Fail Cornmeal Mush” takes about seven minutes to make! Sister Ann Grace was a champion when it came to preparations for the fall bazaars at Providence Heights. She offered her expertise in creating baked goods that delighted sisters and visitors. In addition, she contributed handmade articles and other crafts. 

In addition to her years in culinary ministry, Sister Ann Grace spent a year with our Sisters in Oracovis, Puerto Rico, afterwards remaining close in spirit with all our Sisters from the Caribbean. Beginning in 1995, she assisted at Providence Heights Alpha School’s extended daycare services.

Struggling for years with chronic health problems, Sister Ann Grace was cheerful and concerned about others.  She offered her support and daily prayers to whomever came to call or visit, whether at Providence Heights, or from a hospital or rehab center. She chose the Feast of the Sacred Heart as her annual celebration, instead of her birthday. Like her devotion to the Sacred Heart, she opened her heart to others each day of her life, even in the midst of her own chronic illnesses.

Sister Ann Grace was a woman of Providence who lived the Gospel passage of Providence (Matthew 6: 25-34) each day, trusting the words, “…So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough of its own.” Trusting, we know that Sister Ann Grace has taken up her cross for the last time and is now living eternally with her God of Providence.

Birthday: May 2
Feast day of the Sacred Heart: First Friday in June
Sr. Carol Stenger

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