OLM Sister Veronica Harte dies at 94

CHARLESTON — Our Lady of Mercy Sister Veronica Harte died at the Motherhouse on James Island Oct. 16.

Sister Harte, formerly Anne Harte, daughter of John and Anne Hoey Harte, was born on July 27, 1908, in Gort, County Galway, Ireland.

She entered the convent on Aug. 23, 1924, and professed her vows on April 18, 1927.

A graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Junior College, Sister Veronica also attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, and Villanova University in Villanova, Pa.

The Our Lady of Mercy Sister taught in diocesan schools for years. Her assignments included the Cathedral School, St. Joseph’s in Charleston, and St. Anne’s in Sumter.

In 1979, she joined the Pastoral Care Department of St. Francis Xavier Hospital where she served as a sister visitor until 1990.

Sister Veronica was director of novices for the Our Lady of Mercy congregation from 1940 to 1946, a member of the General Council, and superior of the Convent from 1958 to 1964.

Father James Parker, pastor of Holy Spirit on Johns Island, conducted the vigil service on Friday, Oct. 18. Bishop Robert J. Baker, Bishop David B. Thompson, Father Francis Kline, and Msgr. John A. Simonin concelebrated the Mass of Christian Burial at the Motherhouse on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Rite of Committal in Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island followed.

She is survived by her sister, Sister Francis Harte of the Presentation Convent, Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.