Ann Marie Wallace passed away peacefully on Sat, Dec 2, 2023 after a lengthy illness. She was the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Wallace and sister of Bernadette Wallace, all of whom predeceased her. She was born on August 17, 1933.

Ann received a BA from Marymount College and both an MA and PhD from Fordham University. She was a leader in the field of Counseling and Spirituality. She began her first career as an educator and counselor in the NY public school system and then, as the first lay parochial school principal in the Archdiocese of NY. She served as President of the National Catholic Education Association. During her time as principal of St. Paul the Apostle School in Manhattan, she began a pioneering Montessori pre K for 31/2 to 4 year olds which was recognized nationally and internationally even being visited by the son of Maria Montessori.

Her second career was the Division Chair of the Counseling Department at Fairfield University. At this time she was able to combine psychology and spirituality, teaching among other subjects spiritual direction at various institutions. Her career path took another turn as she embarked on a third career as the Director of the NY Archdiocesan Center for Spiritual Direction. As Director of this program, she began the Catholic Bible School of the Archdiocese of New York attended over the years by 90,000 participants. For over 25 years this program grew from a few courses to presenting a program that filled a 50 page catalog. Courses were offered throughout the 10 counties that comprise the Archdiocese from Orange County to Staten Island. In addition, there were annual convocations that were attended by 2,000 to 4,000 participants each year, with more than 1,300 speakers involved over that period of time. She also led numerous pilgrimages covering every continent.

Ann was a member of many Catholic organizations including the Christian Life Community (formerly Sodality). She was an outstanding lay leader in the Catholic Church. She is survived by many cousins both in Ireland and in the United States and will be fondly remembered for her wisdom and kindness by many friends, neighbors, former students, and participants in the many programs she led.

Visiting hours Monday, December 11th 2023 from 2-5 p.m. at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue Bronx NY. Mass of Christian burial Tuesday, December 12th 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Church. Committal private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, General Steward 421 E. 155th Street, Bronx, NY 10455.

Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Ann Wallace Funeral Mass Time: Dec 12, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87446612892

Meeting ID: 874 4661 2892

Please text or WhatsApp message Will Jacobson: (914) 357-3332 if you are having any issues with Zoom.