Sister Mary Christopher Brannigan

Sister died peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Auburn on August 12, 2011. Born in San Francisco on July 25, 1919 to the late Richard and Mary Brannigan, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1938 and professed final vows in 1944. She spent the first 10 years of her religious life as an elementary school teacher in a number of schools in the Diocese of Sacramento. After receiving her degree in social work from Sacramento State College in 1969, she continued her ministry to the sick at Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento and to the homebound in the area until she retired in 1987. A woman of many talents, she became a custom knitter, specializing in toys and Christmas ornaments for boutiques and special events until her health declined. She moved to Auburn in 2001 and continued with her ministry of prayer. She is survived by her sisters: Sister Mary Eileen Brannigan, RSM, Therese (Pat) Mulhall and their family, and her religious community. A vigil service was held on Tuesday, August 16th at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, August 17th at 10:30 am, also at the Motherhouse. Burial took place at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sisters' Retirement Fund at 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA 95603. Funeral arrangements by W.F. Gormley and Sons