Originally from Quincy, MA and a member St. Boniface Parish. Founded St. Boniface Haiti Foundation with Fr. Jerry Osterman in 1983. Spent 28 years building schools, clinics, churches, homes and finally St. Boniface Hospital in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.
She has been married 62 years to Fred Canniff and they have 10 children together, 20 grandchildren and many great grand children. Received an honorary Doctorate from Boston College in 2016 for work in Haiti. Retired in 2011 and remains on the Board of Trustees as President Emeritus.