A Beloved Sister
Sisters Spending time in the Recreation Room, 1960
Sister Amata at Christmas
Sister Amata with her Niece, who joined the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh
Sister Amata and her real Sister, Sister Cecilia
Sister Amata was beloved by many of her fellow Sisters and especially by the Mother Superiors. Even though their time together was short, Sister Amata was greatly loved by Mother Mary Walsh, and it was said the two had an amazing bond. In letters from other Mothers, it is clear that she was admired by all.
Sister Amata was also very beloved by her fellow Sisters, including her actual blood sister. Sister Cecilia (Catherine) Galligan joined the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor in 1929, most likely inspired by her Sister's example. Her niece also joined the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh. Those that knew Sister Amata expressed that she always smiled and cheerful glow. A Sister from Denver remarked that she was a very gregarious person, one that could light up a room.
For those that knew her in life, it was heartbreaking to hear the news about her death in 1973.
Obituary from a local newspaper, 1973
Official Death Notice given out to the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, 1973
Sister Amata Galligan had suffered a heart attack in 1972, and was forced to take time away from the Calvary Hospital to recover. She always hoped to resume her ministry when she recovered, a mark of how devoted she was to the patients she cared for. However, it was not meant to beS. he passed away on December 26, 1973 at the age of 80.
Correspondence regarding Sister Amata's death, 1974
Correspondence regarding Sister Amata's death, 1974
Correspondence regarding Sister Amata's death, 1974
There are numerous letters of lay people offering their condolences for the loss of Sister Amata. She left an incredible impact on all that she met, and truly brightened the day of many over her life.
Sister Amata Galligan had lived a fulfilling life, helping all those she could. Hers is an incredible story of how one can turn tragedy into purpose, destruction into life, and despair into hope. Sister Amata was so incredibly devoted to her mission of helping others, and touched the lives of so many. It is only a small justice that her story is remembered, so that it may continue to inspire.
Sister Mary Amata (Margaret) Galligan is buried in the Mariandale Communal Cemetery in Ossining, New York. She may be gone, but may she never be forgotten.
Mariandale Communal Cemetery, 2021
Sister Amata's Gravestone, 2021