Sister Laetitia O'Donoghue, a Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny, went peacefully to God at Jeanne Jugan Residence, San Pedro, California on October 6, 2012. She was born in Ireland in 1928, the eldest of a large family, and professed religious vows in 1951. She began her lifelong teaching ministry in Saints Peter and Paul School in Wilmington, CA. In subsequent years she moved to St. Catherine Laboure in Torrance, CA and to Cluny School in Newport, RI. Drama and music held a special place for her in the school curriculum. She loved music in all its forms: church choirs, choral group performances, participation in local adult singing groups and being invited to play the organ. She loved life and sought to portray joy (laetitia) as central to it. Like the angels to whom she had devotion, she moved with speed, and was a willing volunteer for church-related and many other services. Her retirement years were devoted to St. Stephen Parish in Monterey Park, CA where she gladly substituted in classrooms, helped in parish activities and compassionately listened to those who sought a listening ear. May Sister Laetitia now rest in eternal peace and joy. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nuala Ryan and will be sadly missed by many: her Cluny Sisters, her sisters, Noreen Collins, Treasa Curran, Eileen Mangan, Bernadette Quigley, her brothers Jack, Denis, Martin, Fr. Jim, MHM, and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and numerous friends. The Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Jeanne Jugan Residence Chapel. The burial followed at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach CA. After all of Sister Laetitia's long and loving years of service, may she now rest in peace.
