Fitzgibbon

Mary Irene, an: American philanthropist; born in London, England, May 12, 1823; removed to New York early in life. In 1869 Archbishop (later Cardinal) McCloskey requested her to organize a work for the care of the waifs of the diocese. She began this work with only $5, but soon raised enough money to provide a temporary home. In 1870, the legislature authorized the city to grant the asylum a site and to appropriate $100,000 toward a_ building, providing an equal amount should he raised by subscriptions. This amount was soon raised. At the time, of Sister Irene’s death, the buildings of the asylum covered an entire block and were yalued at over $1,000,000. She died in New York city, Aug. 14,. 1896.