NEWBURGH – Sr. Ann Sakac, the longest serving president of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, the college announced. She was 91.
Sr. Ann served as president of the college for 32 years beginning in 1976 but she was part of the college community since 1969 as a professor of English and assistant dean of students.
She stepped down from her role as president in 2008, but continued to be a part of the college community for the next 15-plus years.
“Sr. Ann Sakac was unbelievably supportive of me when I got to campus as chaplain, and that support continued when I was named interim president,” said Fr. Gregoire Fluet, current interim president. “If you want to look to the ministry of leadership, look to Sr. Ann for a model. And in terms of a president, she would be the role model.”
Friends and colleagues described Sr. Ann as a dear friend, a remarkable teacher, compassionate and caring. “When she asked you how you were doing, she genuinely wanted to know,” said Michelle Iacuessa, ’94. Director of donor relations and stewardship at the Mount.
Wakes will be held Monday, January 29 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, January 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; a prayer service will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 10 a.m., and a funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 30 at 11 a.m., all in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary on campus, 330 Powell Avenue in Newburgh.
Burial will follow in Dominican Sisters Cemetery at the Mount.
The funeral mass will be livestreamed on Tuesday, January 30 at 11 a.m. at www.msmc.edu/livestream .
