Sr. Mary Catherine Conboy, OSF, May 4, 1929–Dec. 20, 2025

ALLEGANY — Sr. Mary Catherine Conboy, OSF, born May 4, 1929, in Drumhubrid, County Leitrim, Ireland, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, in Allegany.

She was the daughter of Patrick and Margaret Kelleher Conboy of County Leitrim, Ireland.

Sister Mary Catherine Conboy entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on Aug.25, 1952; was received into the Congregation on Aug. 15, 1953; and professed her final religious vows on Aug. 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 County 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.

She is survived by two nieces, Teresa and Christine Conboy.

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.

A wake service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 1, 2026) in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday (Jan. 2, 2026) 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 E. State St., Olean.