sister Agnes Eileen Meagher

We come together as a faith community to celebrate and give thanks to our gracious God for the beautiful and fruitful life of Sister Agnes Meagher, formerly Sister Edward Mariel, a Sister of St. Joseph for 73 faith-filled and happy years.  Agnes wholeheartedly loved our CSJ community and exemplified a full and active presence over the years.  Since 2018, she was an important part of the Bethany Community here in our Motherhouse, and we welcome our sisters and the incredibly hard-working Staff whose daily devotion and care help create a prayerful, fun loving and happy community.  Agnes’ characteristic smile was most evident while participating in the creative activities planned by our talented Rec. Dept. – especially any hat-related antics.

Family was always the treasured center of Agnes’ life. We welcome her devoted niece and nephew and the entire Meagher clan, as you remember, and give thanks for the richness and beauty Aunt Agnes brought each of you as you celebrated life together.  She loved you deeply.

Many partners and companions in mission who accompanied Agnes in her meaningful and impactful ministry, especially at St. Joseph University, share in today’s celebration – we welcome you with deep gratitude for your loving fidelity and friendship.

And of course, we all know with profound certitude that Agnes was given a hearty heavenly welcome by her dear friend, Sister Helen Clancey.  Agnes and Helen shared the gift of friendship over a lifetime – one that enhanced their lives, the life of our CSJ Community and the worlds in which they walked – in the best sense of the words – they were a “force to be reckoned with,” leaving their wisdom, insight and vision on the hearts and works of many.

When their hands went up to speak at community meetings, all ears
were on alert, ready to be both challenged and inspired by their words.

Born to Delia and Michael Meagher, Irish immigrants from County Tipperary, Agnes, a twin to Edward, was the youngest of 8 children. Along with Patrick, Michael, John, William, Thomas and Marion, they were nurtured in an active love of God and openness to the needs of the dear neighbor by their parents, with family life centered in St. Mark’s parish in Brooklyn.  A Spirit of welcoming hospitality, love of the Eucharist and

the value of a Catholic education, with all the sacrifices it entailed, characterized the Meagher family.

After graduating from St. Brendan’s High School, Agnes attended Drake Business Schoo  and worked as a secretary for a year before entering The charism lived so prayerfully and simply by the sisters at St. Brendan’s drew Agnes to the Community.

Agnes taught elementary school on the junior high level for 14 years in four different schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn while obtaining her BA from St. Joseph College.

In 1968 after obtaining a Masters in French from Hunter College, Agnes taught French in Holy Family HS in Huntington and at TMLA.  At TMLA, the door to her beloved ministry as a Librarian was opened – and she crossed that threshold and never looked back.

Obtaining a Masters in Library Science from Columbia University, Agnes started on the pathway as an extraordinary, kind, brilliant and inspirational librarian and later as the Library Director at St. Josephs’ College for 30 years, starting in Brooklyn and transiting to the Patchogue Campus.  Legend – proven true–states that Agnes singlehandedly moved the Patchogue Library from one building to another.

It was quoted by many that Agnes was a “dynamic force for love in the lives she served.” – Sister Maureen McDermot, Coordinator of our CSJ Ministry at the time, captured Agnes’ service to her students and our Church in the words of St. Paul:

“God’s power at work in us can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.”

The God she loved so deeply empowered her to share her unique gifts with the students and faculty at St. Joseph’s providing abundant opportunities for grace and growth.

While ministering at St. Joseph’s, Agnes shared her time and talents on the Diocesan Sisters’ Senate and a multitude of community committees.

In 2006, Agnes “retired”, and like so many of us embarked on a fruitful life of service on the Brentwood Campus.  We are grateful that Virginia Dowd, our devoted, and talented archivist, will share a reflection on her dear friend Agnes – and we know that Agnes gave Virginia a glance of approval with a twinkle in her eyes and her characteristic smile of gracious gratitude for saying “Yes” to share this reflection. Virginia’s reflection will be followed by our Community ritual led by Sister Josephine Daspro.

Sister Agnes Eileen Meagher, the former Sister Edward Mariel, died on Decembr 8, 2025 in the 73rd year of her religious life.