Today, we gather in solemn reverence and heartfelt gratitude to honor the life of Sr. Mary Agnes of the Sacred Heart, Daly, OP, a cherished member of our Dominican family, who lived to the remarkable age of 100 years. As we come together—Dominican Nuns of Mary the Queen, Girard, and the Dominican Sisters of Springfield—we unite in prayer and love to celebrate her life, her faith, and her enduring legacy.

 Sr. Mary Agnes was born into this world a century ago, and through all those years, she exemplified a life rooted in prayer, humility, and service. Her journey was one marked by unwavering dedication to her Dominican vocation, a life lived in silent contemplation yet radiating the love of Christ to all she encountered. Her long life was a testament to her deep faith and her steadfast trust in God's providence.

 Sister was born Rosemary L. Daly in Rochester, NY on August 25, 1925, to Agnes Christine (McCarthy) Daly and Ivan J. Daly. Sometime later, the family moved to Webster, NY, where she boasted of living many happy years on a farm. After obtaining her degree at St. Mary’s Hospital school of nursing, she worked for two years before following her desire to pursue the religious life. She first applied to the Perpetual Rosary Monastery in Buffalo, NY. They, however, directed her to the diocese of Rochester where they had recently begun a new foundation in Elmira, NY.

 On February 2nd, 1948, she was received as the third postulant of the Monastery of Mary the Queen, Elmira, NY. Upon her entrance she requested the religious name, Mary Rose. However, the nuns having learnt that her mother (Agnes), was very distressed about losing her only daughter to a cloistered Contemplative monastery, gave her the religious name Mary Agnes, instead, in the hope that with time it would become less painful for her mother to accept her decision to become a Dominican Contemplative nun.

 From her early years, Sr. Mary Agnes showed a profound sense of calling. Her life was a living prayer, her actions reflecting her devotion to Dominican ideals—study, prayer, and preaching—not necessarily through words spoken, but through her gentle presence and compassionate service. She was a woman who understood that true greatness lies in humility and service, and she embodied this truth in her every action.

 She served her sisters as infirmarian all her religious life except when she held the office as novice mistress and had a three-year term as prioress. She served as portress during the day and was very faithful at keeping up with all correspondence with benefactors, family and friends and anyone asking for prayers. She always included in her replies something that would lift their spirits - A prayer card of our Lady, a photo of a saint, an article, the newspaper comic strip clippings, or copies of cartoons to slip into their letters. She was good natured, always cheerful and had a keen sense of humor and the ability to laugh at her own foibles.

 In the kitchen, she was famous for her lemon meringue and rhubarb pies. On the day she was cook, the nuns could look forward to her vegetables and beautiful soufflé. However, her kitchen day had to be a Friday, since she failed terribly at cooking meat. She loved working in the garden. After Easter celebrations every year she replanted the lilies in July and took pride when they bloomed in the fall.

 Throughout her years of contemplative life, she found her strength in prayer and her joy in union with God. Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to live in silence and solitude, yet with a heart attuned to the needs of others. She knew that prayer was not passive but active—powerful in shaping hearts, healing wounds, and transforming lives.

 In her later years, when the monastery translocated temporarily to Springfield, Illinois and sister needed skilled care she was lovingly cared for by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Their care was a reflection of the love and respect she had shown throughout her life—a mutual blessing rooted in our shared Dominican charism. Her presence among us was a source of inspiration and comfort, reminding us that even in our frailty, we are held in God’s loving embrace.

 Her two siblings, Richard John Daly and Charles (Chuck) Daly both predeceased her. She is survived by nieces, Barbie Daly, Susan (Sue) Lawson and Carol Floyd and nephews, Christopher Daly and Timothy Daly.

 Today, as we remember her, we are called to reflect on her life as a model of faithfulness and humility. She has entered the fullness of eternal life, where she now rejoices in the presence of our Lord. Her earthly journey may have ended, but her spirit continues to inspire us to live with courage, prayer, and love.

 We thank God for the gift of Sr. Mary Agnes’s life. We thank her for her example, her quiet strength, and her unwavering love for Christ. May her soul be at peace, and may her memory remain forever in our hearts.

 Rest in eternal peace, dear Sr. Mary Agnes. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

 Her Funeral Mass will be held on, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St, Springfield, IL. Burial will follow at St. Martin Cemetery in Farmersville.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Dominican Monastery of Mary the Queen located at 15635 Greenridge Rd., in Girard, IL.

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