Sr. Ann Roberta Gargan, 84

Sister Ann Roberta Gargan, a Sister of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, died peacefully Thursday, July 2, 2020, at the convent in Carrollton, OH, at the age of 84 and 64 years of religious life.

Born in Dublin, Ireland on Aug. 25, 1936, Sr. Roberta entered the convent July 2, 1953, in Buffalo NY, professed her temporary profession in March 3, 1956, and final profession in Aug. 19, 1982. She was preceded in deathbyher parents, Sylvester and Cecil Gargan; sister, Mary Ellen Deane; and brothers, Niall and Sid. 

Sister Roberta began her degree in Education at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, TX, with completion at Gannon University, Erie PA. She taught elementary students at her convent’s school for the under privileged for 17 years in San Antonio, then served in social services in the Sisters’ residential programs in Green Bay WI, and Pittsburgh and Erie PA. Sister was the director of San Juan Day Care in El Paso, TX, and then in leadership positions with communities in Rochester and Walden, NY. In 1993, Sister Roberta worked with Catholic Charities in Sarasota, FL, ministering to persons with HIV/AIDS until moving to Ireland caring for her mother until her death. She returned to Carrollton, facing health issues of her own and continued to support the local community. She was known for her very Irish brogue and endless stories and that great Irish smile. 

Sister Roberta issurvived bytheSisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd; her brother Robert; her sister Deirdre; and many nieces and nephews and their families. 

A celebration of the Mass of Christian Burialwill be July 6 at 11 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Convent Chapel for the community only due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sister’s Mission Fund: Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 340, Carrollton, OH 44615.