Anna was born Nov. 18, 1902, the first of 13 children born to James and Mary Edna Nally O’Bryan of Stanley, Ky. By both word and example, her parents taught her the beauties of the Catholic faith. At home she learned to be considerate of others and helpful with her brothers and sisters. Anna attended St. Peter Alcantara School at Stanley and took music. At an early age she heard the call to religious life. After her 16th birthday, she entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph. She received the Ursuline habit on August 5, 1918, and became known as Sister Mary Aurea.
Sister Aurea was assigned the following September to the convent at St. Martin School in Rome, Ky., where she began her apostolate of domestic service that lasted 42 years, 1918-1957. She created a homelike atmosphere and added to the happiness in the convents at Nebraska City, Plattsmouth and Bow Valley, Neb.; in Louisville (St. Columba), New Haven, Owensboro (St. Joseph, and the Bishop’s residence), Lebanon (St. Charles), Howardstown, Fredericktown, and Central City, Ky.
In 1960, she began her teaching apostolate. She taught primary grades in Glennonville, Mo., and in Louisville (St. Paul), Lyndon (St. Margaret Mary), and Howardstown, Ky. Sister Aurea was always cheerful and enthusiastic in her classroom preparations.
In 1976, Sister Aurea retired to Mount Saint Joseph and spent most of her time in the infirmary where she often served as a seamstress. She cherished the quiet times for private prayer, reading, and being with the sick. In mid-February 1984, she was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Owensboro. Although scheduled for dismissal from the hospital, she died February 27. Father Bernard Barnes, OSM, chaplain, celebrated the funeral Mass on March 1. Sister’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.