Sister Mary Ellen Keady, OSF, who taught at St. John's School in Olean, died Nov. 16, 2019, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, in Allegany.

Born Nov. 19, 1926 in Norwood, Mass., to Patrick J. and Ellen Connolly Keady, Sister Mary Ellen attended St. Catherine's Catholic Grade School and Norwood Senior High School, graduating in 1944.

She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on Feb. 2, 1950, was received into the congregation on Aug. 15, 1950, and professed her final religious vows on Aug. 16, 1957. Sister joyfully lived the Franciscan charism as an Allegany sister for 70 years.

After entering the congregation, she attended St. Elizabeth Teacher College in Allegany, (now part of St. Bonaventure University) where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education. She earned her master's in Education with a major in Guidance Counseling from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Sister Mary Ellen began her ministry as a teacher and principal for over 25 years in schools in New Jersey, Virginia and New York, including St. John's School in Olean. She ministered as a guidance counselor for another 18 years in New Jersey and Florida. Sister Mary Ellen was blessed with a gift for music. She played the piano and organ and had a beautiful singing voice. She loved working with students in glee clubs and choirs.

Following her career in education, Sister Mary Ellen served in health care as a patient service coordinator at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.  She retired from this position in 2007.  Sister was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, where she ministered as the motherhouse librarian and played the piano and organ for Masses and special events.

Sister Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, Michael, Martin and James.  She is survived by several nieces, nephews and a cousin, Sister James Christopher Keady, OSF.

A wake will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, in the chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany. The funeral Mass will take place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the motherhouse chapel, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.