The National President’s Leadership Recognition Award 
In Memory of Sr. Peggy Flaherty CDP 


This Award was created by me in 2008 and approved by the National LAOH Board when I 
served as National President and is funded by myself as well for 3 National Convention years in 
memory of my late sister, Sr. Peggy Flaherty of the Sisters of Divine Providence and the First 
Female Chaplain of the State of Pennsylvania LAOH. 

The Award is to be given to a member of the LAOH, Inc. who exhibits Leadership, Initiative 
and Devotion, as well as commitment to advancing the goals and objectives of the LAOH. Sister 
Peggy, according to her Religious Sisters described herself as “Irish, Sensitive and Inquisitive. 
These are just a few of the qualities that endeared her to her family, her religious community, her 
students and the staff of St. Peter and Paul School in Beaver, PA where she served as Principal 
for 17 years. Sister was devoted to her students, who she said reminded her of the “simplicity 
and depth of God’s love”. 

The 2008 Recipient was Rev. Francis X. Hanley, C.S.Sp who served as the LAOH National 
Chaplain - 2006-2008. 

The current Recipient has been a member of the LAOH for 17 years serving in many capacities 
Division President seven terms, President of her State Board two terms, and served in two 
National Board Offices. She received the Hibernian Woman Award from her State in 2009, 
Chaired the State Conventions twice, designed and sewed the Past State Presidents and State 
Board Sashes. As well she organized Liturgies for State And Division Events, initiated many 
charitable firsts for State and Division Levels, Co-Chaired the First and Fourth LAOH Famine 
Walks to raise money for those who hunger and are suffering in remembrance of the Women of 
Ireland. It was her creativity that established Irish Heritage Day in her Division where the 
members of the Irish Community are invited to learn about their Irish Heritage through 
presentations by local experts in Irish cooking, weaving, dancing, song, language etc 

It is a Privilege to Present the National President’s Leadership Recognition Award (now Imm. 
Past National President) in memory Sr. Peggy Flaherty, CDP as well as a Check for $500 and 
also a complimentary room tonight offered by Jim Magee and Judy Leddy (Convention Co-
Chairs) to the 2010 Recipient -Maureen Shelton, State of Michigan. 

Dorothy Flaherty Weldon 

Immediate Past National President 
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc.