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Sister Mary Augustine O'Connor returned to God on February 4, 2024. Born to John and Eileen O'Connor on January 29, 1937 in Inchamore, Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland, she entered the Sisters of Mercy on June 14, 1952. Her only surviving sister, Sister Mary Cornelius followed her, entering the Sisters of Mercy seven years later. Sister Mary Augustine is preceded in death by her parents and brothers: John, Jeremiah, Tim, Liam, and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Michael Mulvihill. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families as well as her community of Sisters of Mercy.

Sister Mary Augustine professed her vows on September 20, 1955 and began her ministry in healthcare. Blessed with excellent organizational skills, she spent 10 years in the Purchasing Department at Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento, Mercy Hospital Redding, and at the Motherhouse in Auburn.

In 1967, Sister Augustine transitioned to the ministry of education. It was something about which she was passionate, devoting almost forty years to Catholic education of youth at St. Joseph, Holy Spirit, St. Robert Schools in Sacramento; St. Joseph, North Sacramento; St. Joseph, Redding; St. Rose, Roseville; St. Joseph, Auburn and Holy Cross, West Sacramento.

Her love of learning led her to receive Masters degrees in both Education Administration and Theology. That love she passed on to her students, urging all to reach their full potential. Creative, direct and compassionate, her students thrived under her guidance.

In 2006, she left the field of education to become a pastoral minister at Mercy McMahon Terrace and ministered to the residents there for ten years. Eventually, her declining health led her to the Ministry of Prayer in Our Lady of Lourdes, at Mercy Convent, Auburn.

A vigil service will be held for Sister Augustine on Wednesday, February 14 at 6:30 pm. The funeral Mass will be on Thursday, February 15 at 10:30 am. Both services will be at Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn. Memorial offerings may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, Ca 95603. Arrangements entrusted to W.F. Gormley & Sons, Family Owned Since 1897.