Sister Agatha Lucey passes away July 17

Sister Agatha and her twin sister Deborah were the youngest of the eight children of Patrick Lucey and Margaret Dinneen Lucey. Born in Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland, on February 5, 1930. Sister Agatha attended Clonkeen National and Crosshaven Colaiste Muire Schools in Ireland. After coming to the United States in 1947 to enter the Presentation Convent in Fargo, she completed her secondary education at Sacred Heart Academy graduating in 1948. Agatha was received into the Presentation Order in August 1948 and was given the name Sister Mary de Lourdes. (In 1969, she reverted to Agatha, the name she received at baptism.) She made profession of vows in 1950. 

After her graduation from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Aberdeen (1953) and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Anesthesia in Duluth (1954), she served in hospitals in Grafton, Langdon, Carrington, and Park River as nurse clinician, nurse anesthetist, and administrator. Sister Agatha received a baccalaureate degree from the Catholic University of America and did graduate study in administration. She also pursued clinical pastoral education. 

At various times Sister Agatha served on boards of directors of healthcare facilities in the area. She also served in governance of her religious Congregation, the Sisters of the Presentation. She was an early participant in the Cursillo movement and the phrase “Praise the Lord” became her mantra. 

In 1987 Sister Agatha joined the administrative staff at Riverview Place and worked there until 2016. She and her co-workers, Ss. Mary and Josephine, together formed the heart of this retirement center.  

Cake decorating was a hobby in which she became proficient. She enjoyed creating lovely edible designs for friends and community on special occasions. Having become proficient in Irish step-dancing during her days in Ireland, her dance performances were the highlight of many a St. Patrick’s Day event. Skill in calligraphy was another talent she developed and friends and relatives cherish many of the cards she made for them. 

Thirty-five years ago, Sister Agatha was featured in the “spotlight” section of the Acorn. The writer concluded the article with this observation: “If there is one word to describe S. Agatha, it is ‘wholistic.’ She loves life and lives it to the full. Praise the Lord.” 

Sister Agatha is survived by the members of her religious community; nieces Brigid McGrath, Margaret (Declan) Fitzgerald, Frances Gordon, Lucy O’Dwyer; nephews David Mc Grath, Patrick McGrath, Padraig Lucey, Tadgh Lucey, Conor Lucey, and their families and many relatives in Ireland. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Michael, Rev. Daniel (Dan), Rev. Cornelius (Con); sisters Eileen O’Shea, Nora Murphy, Mary McGrath, Deborah Martin, and nephew Donal Lucey. 

Her funeral was held at St. Joseph’s Chapel, Riverview Place, Fargo on July 28 with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo.