By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DELHI TOWNSHIP - For more than 30 years, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Ann Loretto Connell took care of those in need in Over-the-Rhine.

From 1974-90, she spent her mornings teaching or volunteering at St. Elizabeth or Gressle Schools in Norwood. In the afternoons, she could be found visiting the sick, the elderly and the handicapped in Over-the-Rhine.

Sister Ann Loretto died Tuesday at Mother Margaret Hall nursing home in Delhi. She was 97.

Born Helen Connell in Delaware, Ohio, in 1907, she earned two degrees, one in education from the Athenaeum of Ohio and a second in English from the College of Mount St. Joseph. She also earned a master's degree in education from the University of Cincinnati.

She was a teacher and elementary school principal in Ohio, Michigan and New Mexico for nearly 70 years. In Ohio, she served at St. Mary, Hyde Park (1927); Resurrection, Price Hill (1927-28); St. Rose, East End (1928-47 and 1967-68); St. John the Baptist, Harrison (1948-54); St. Joseph Orphanage, Norwood (1968-69); St. Elizabeth, Norwood (1971-74); and Gressle School, Norwood (1974-90).

When she retired from the classroom in 1990, she continued to volunteer at St. Elizabeth and St. Mary parish in Norwood as well as in Over-the-Rhine.

In 1985, Catholics United for the Poor honored Sister Ann Loretto for her years of work with the poor of the inner city. In 1989, she was given the Franciscan Award by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and St. John Social Service Center for her work. She was named Norwood Kiwanis Woman of the Year in 1993.

Sister Ann Loretto is survived by nieces and nephews.

Services have been held.

Memorials may be made in Sister Ann Loretto Connell's name to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Retirement Fund, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com