The fourth of 10 children, Helen Doris was born Dec. 30, 1927, the daughter of Charles Leo and Georgia A. Mattingly Cecil of St. Joseph, Ky. Helen received her education at St. Alphonsus School in St. Joseph and at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She entered the novitiate when she was 18. On August 14, 1947, Helen received the Ursuline habit and the name Sister George Ann.
Sister George Ann began her college studies at Mount Saint Joseph Junior College during her postulancy and continued there during her novitiate. Prepared for the teaching apostolate, her first assignment was Sts. Joseph and Paul School in Owensboro, where she taught the second grade for six years. Then she was assigned to Seven Holy Founders School in Affton, Mo., where she remained 10 years teaching at first the primary grades and then the upper grades. During the years 1965-1967, Sister George Ann studied at St. Louis University. She returned to Brescia College as a faculty member in the Education department and continued post-graduate study at Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. Sister George Ann was appointed president of Brescia College in 1974 and during her 11-year term, the college successfully completed a capital endowment fund campaign of more than $2 million. In 1973, she was named an Outstanding Educator of America.
Sister George Ann was diagnosed with cancer in 1984, but continued at Brescia as president. In mid-October 1985, she took a leave of absence and returned to Mount Saint Joseph. Death came to her that same year on December 12. The following day a memorial service was held in the chapel at Brescia College. On December 14, 1985, Bishop John McRaith and 11 other priests celebrated the funeral Mass at Mount Saint Joseph. There were no classes held at Brescia College that day. Many students and faculty members attended Sister George Ann’s funeral service. Sister George Ann’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.