Sister Beatrice Ganley, who celebrated 70 years as a Sister of St. Joseph in 2020, died Oct. 27, 2021. She was 89 years old.
Sister Ganley entered the congregation in 1949 from her home parish of Blessed Sacrament, Rochester. She received a bachelor’s degree in education in 1958 and a bachelor’s degree in English in 1964, both from Nazareth College. She also received a master’s degree in English from SUNY Brockport.
She began her teaching career in 1951 at St. Bridget, Rochester. She also taught at St. Patrick, Seneca Falls; Nazareth Hall Cadet School, St. Monica and St. Augustine, Rochester; St. Agnes, Avon; St. Theodore, Gates; and St. John the Evangelist, Greece. In 1967, she was assigned to teach English at Nazareth Academy in Rochester, where she remained for 14 years.
Following her teaching career, Sister Ganley became the director of communications for the Sisters of St. Joseph. While working in this capacity, she was able to spend some time writing poetry. She moved to the public relations department and did some freelance writing. In 1987, Sister Ganley served as a “Witness for Peace” worker.
In 1992, she became communications consultant and yearbook adviser at Nazareth College. From 1995-2011, she served as a faculty member and writer at the college.
Sister Ganley is survived by her cousins, friends and sisters in the congregation. Her funeral liturgy was celebrated at the motherhouse chapel Nov. 1, 2021, with burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund at www.ssjrochester.org or 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
