Sister Mary Theresa McGurk, O.P., formerly Sr. Edwardine, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y., for the past 68 years, died on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at Saint John’s Hospital, Yonkers, NY.

Sister Mary Theresa was born to Joseph McGurk and Bridget Smith on June 1, 1926, in New York City.  She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y. on September 8, 1944, from St. Joan of Arc Parish, Jackson Heights, N.Y.  Sister received the Dominican habit on July 5, 1945, professed her first vows on July 6, 1946, and her final vows on July 6, 1949.

Sr. Mary Theresa held the B.S. and M.S. in Education from Fordham University.

Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth.  She taught in the following schools:  St. Benedict’s, Bronx, 1948-1951; Astor Memorial, Rhinebeck, 1951-1952; St. Luke’s, Bronx, 1952-1957; St. Peter’s, Liberty, N.Y. 1957-1961, St. Mary’s, Bronx, 1961-1967; Immaculate Conception, Amenia, N.Y., 1967-1969,  and St. Joseph’s, Millbrook, N.Y., 1969-1974, as  teacher and principal.

Sister ministered at St. Dominic’s Home as Personnel Director, 1974-1976 and served the Congregation in the following areas: Administrator of the Sisters’ Infirmary, 1976-1978; Sacristan, 1978-1980;  Communications Office, 1986-1987; Assistant Coordinator of the Health Office, 1987-1996; Coordinator of the Health Office, 1996-2001, and Receptionist/Switchboard. 2001.  Sister performed Secretarial Services at Dominican College 1980-1986.

In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Mary Theresa is survived by her brother, Joseph (Catherine) McGurk of Pearl River, N.Y.; nephew John; nieces, Jean, Mary Beth, and Barbara (Steven) Silverman; grand aunt of Carolyn, Danielle and Austin Silverman; godmother to Cleola Piderit.

Relatives and friends may attend services at:

St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York.

Wake:  Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 2-5.  Wake Service at 4pm.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 10:30am.

Burial: St. Dominic’s Cemetery, Blauvelt, N.Y.

Arrangements have been made by Hannemann’s Funeral Home, Nyack, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.

SISTER MIRIAM THOMAS MAGEE, formerly Mary Magee, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for the past 79 years, died on October 31, 2012 in St. Martin de Porres, Infirmary. Sister was 99 years of age.

Sr. Miriam Thomas was born to Thomas Joseph Magee and Bridget McCarron Magee on March 9, 1913 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on August 15, 1933 from the parish of St. Luke, Bronx, New York. She received the Dominican habit on March 8, 1934, professed her first vows on March 9, 1935 and her perpetual vows on April 23, 1938.

Sr. Miriam Thomas held the B.S. in Education from Fordham University.

Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth as principal and teacher. She taught in the following schools:  St. Pius, Bronx,

1933-1934;1941-1946; St. Mary’s, Bronx, 1936-1941; Our Saviour’s, Bronx, 1946-1952, 1966-1967; St. Benedict’s, Bronx, 1952-1958 and St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Bronx, 1958-1960. Sister was Principal of St. Peter’s School, Liberty, N.Y. 1960-1966 and was a teacher in Our Lady of Sacred Heart School, Tappan, N.Y., 1967-1971. Sister ministered as Secretary in St. Dominic’s Home, Blauvelt, N.Y., 1971-1975; 1989-1993 and Father Lopez High School, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1979-1989.  Sister served the congregation as a secretarial assistant in the Development Office, 1993-1998.   From 1998 – 2004 Sister performed supportive services at St. Dominic Convent prior to retiring to Marian Woods in 2004. Due to ill health, Sister returned to the St. Martin de Porres Infirmary in 2005 where she remained until her death.

In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Miriam Thomas is survived by her several nephews and a niece.  She was predeceased by her sisters Bridget Gorman, Kathleen Doherty, and Mina Russell as well as her brothers William, Charles, James and Thomas Magee.

Sunday – March 10^th – the Ladies extended “a hundred thousand welcomes” to each other when they gathered to celebrate our Annual Celtic Irish Tea!  There was lots of good chatting and laughter.  Sr. Diane Forrest made a presentation of Irish Folklore and St. Bridgid was featured;  in fact, all received the traditional  Saint’s blessing of fire and water.  Entertainment was provided by the Common Thread Group from Pearl River and “high tea” was served in style along with Irish Soda Bread and sandwiches!  A grand time was enjoyed by all!!

Sister Virginia Kissack, OP – Sister Walter Marie
Entered New Life – January 31, 2013 

We have all heard St. Thomas More called, “A Man for All Seasons,” yet no woman has been thus called, so I propose Sister Virginia Kissack as one such soul. Sister Virginia had many talents and abilities, and she used each for the good of others. As Sr. Michaela recalled in her welcome to evening prayer, Sister Virginia always said, “Yes.”

 Sister Virginia Kissack was born to Walter and Veronica Grimes Kissack in New York City, and she along with her sister, Monica, grew up in Queens. Early in her life Virginia showed signs of her outgoing, yet thoughtful personality. Others always came before self. While Virginia had met many religious during her school years, it wasn’t until she was teaching at St. Pius School with our Sisters that she chose religious life as her vocation.

 Virginia’s ministry as teacher was begun before she entered, and this ministry continued in schools both in the Bronx and in Daytona Beach. When asked to study at St. John’s toward a degree in library science, Virginia’s yes moved her to a new place of ministry and the students at Dominican College were the richer for her presence. Again Virginia was asked to study and to change ministries; again a yes and Virginia moved to the treasurer’s office both in Blauvelt and later in Ossining, for the Sisters of the Sick Poor. Her mobility was not over for once again Virginia was asked, and again she replied yes, so she moved to the position of Administrator of the Motherhouse.

 In 1997, Sister Virginia and her friend, Sister John Marie Corrigan, moved to Tampa, Florida where they lived in an inter-community of women religious. Here too Virginia’s talents were recognized, and she became the unofficial mayor of Rocky Creek Community where her quiet acts of kindness, cheerful disposition, yet serious attention to tasks were easily noted.

After ten years in Tampa and as her eyesight failed, Virginia returned to Blauvelt and resumed her willing acceptance of various services. Among the positions filled, sacristan was high on Virginia’s list. Failing eyesight in no way hampered her inner eye, or the eye of her heart from seeing beyond ordinary sight. Compassion for others and random acts of kindness were the stones Virginia chose to build her path to God.

Father Jerry Deponai in his homily during Sister Virginia’s funeral Mass noted how keenly Virginia’s hearing allowed her to perceive what she could not see. Father also noted Virginia’s humility and cheerfulness in greeting each day. May we follow the path to God laid out for us by this true Dominican woman. Burial was in the convent cemetery.

Our annual gala will be honoring John and Eileen White, who will be the recipients of the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service. The Gala will be held Sunday, April 14, 2013. Liturgy will be at noon in Holy Rosary Chapel, St. Dominic Convent, Blauvelt, NY. A receptions will follow at the Pearl River Hilton, 500 Veterans Memorial Drive, Pearl River, NY.

The Blauvelt Associates held an orientation session for Associate candidates on March 30.  Sr. Mary Ellen O’Grady, Promoter of Collaboration for the Northeast Dominicans (Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Hope and Sparkill,) presented the Four Pillars of  Dominican Life. Current  Associates from Blauvelt and Sparkill were also present.  A dinner followed the presentation.

We mourn our dear Sr. Timothy as we rejoice over her new life with Christ.

In an attempt to include as many of you as possible in the celebration of Sr. Timothy’s life and service, we have scheduled  her wake and funeral for times when we believe most of you can attend.

Sr. Timothy’s body will return to the motherhouse: Friday April 19 at 2 PM

Wake: Friday April 19 3 PM-8 PM

Evening Prayer: Friday at 6PM

Funeral Mass Saturday April 20 at 10:30 AM

Let us ask Sr. Timothy to intercede for us  now in heaven as she did so well for us while she ministered to us on earth.

Sister Timothy Cunningham, O.P.,   
formerly Anna Cunningham, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y., for the past 67 years died on April 11, 2013 in St. Martin De Porres Infirmary. 

Sister Timothy was born to John Cunningham and Anne Malloy Cunningham on November 11, 1925 in the Bronx, New York.  She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y. on September 12, 1946, received the Dominican habit on September 2, 1947, professed her first vows on September 3, 1948, and her final vows on September 5, 1951. 

Sister held the B.S. in Education from Dominican College, Blauvelt, N.Y. and the Ed. M. in Gerontology from Teachers College, N.Y. 

Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to education, health care, and administration.  She ministered in the following schools and health facilities:  Immaculate Conception, Amenia, 1949-1952; St. Luke’s, Bronx, N.Y., 1952 – 1953; St. Theresa’s, Jamaica, West Indies, 1953-1956; Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx, 1956-1961; Sacred Heart, Jamaica, West Indies, Principal, 1961-1967; St. Elizabeth’s, Jamaica, West Indies, Principal  1967-1969; Supervisor St. Dominic’s Infirmary, 1969-1970; Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 1987-1988; Chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center, Bronx, 1988-1990, and Administrator St. Dominic Convent Infirmary, 1990-1995.

Sister Timothy served the Congregation as Retirement Directress and Community Board Member, 1972-1975; Retirement Directress and Assistant to the Superior General, 1975-1979; Superior General of the Congregation, 1979-1987, and Administrative Assistant in the Finance Office of St. Dominic’s Convent, 1995 until the time of her illness. 

In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Timothy is survived by her nephew Stephen Eble.  She was predeceased by her sister Mary Eble and her brother John Cunningham.

 Relatives and friends may attend services at:

St. Dominic’s Convent,  496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, N.Y.

Wake:  Friday, April 19, 2013 3-7 PM

Evening Prayer: Friday, April 19, 2013 6 PM

 Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:30 AM

 Burial:  St. Dominic’s Cemetery, Blauvelt, N.Y.

 Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, NY

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.

SR. FRANCIS JEROME MELODY, formerly Catherine Melody, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 82 years, died on April 20, 2013 at St. Martin de Porres Infirmary.  Sister Francis Jerome was 99 years of age. 

Sr. Francis Jerome was born to Patrick Melody and Catherine Conheeney on October 28, 1913, in Manhattan.  She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 8, 1931, from St. Jerome’s Parish, Bronx, New York.  Sr. Francis Jerome received the Dominican habit on April 14, 1932, professed first vows on April 17, 1933, and made final profession on April 17, 1936.

 Sister held the B.S. in Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY.

 Sr. Francis Jerome’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth as a teacher and principal.  Sister’s ministries included Holy Cross School, Manhattan 1933-1936, and the following schools all located in the Bronx, NY: St. Luke’s 1936-1940, St. Pius V., 1940-1946, Holy Spirit, 1946-1951, Our Lady of the Assumption, 1951-1963, 1977-1983, St. Benedict’s, 1963-1969 as principal, and St. Mary’s 1969-1977.  From 1983-1996 Sister ministered to the sick and elderly at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Bronx,  NY, after which time she retired to a Ministry of Prayer at Our Lady of the Assumption.  In 2001 Sr. Francis Jerome returned to St. Dominic’s Convent and continued the ministry of prayer, healing and comfort to her friends and the members of the congregation.

 In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Francis Jerome is survived by her nieces Maureen Doyle, Patricia McMahon, and her nephews Gerard Melody and Patrick Fitzgerald.   She was predeceased by sisters Rita Fitzgerald, Mary Melody and Honoria Melody, brother John and nephew Robert Fitzgerald.

 Relatives and friends can attend services at:

St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York.

 WAKE:  Wednesday, April 24, 2013 3-8 PM

 EVENING PRAYER:  Wednesday, April 24, 2013 6 PM

 MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:30 AM

 BURIAL:  St. Dominic’s Cemetery, Blauvelt, NY

 Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, New York.

(The following was the Welcome at Sr. Ann Louise’s Mass)

We come together on this feast of our Dominican brother, Pope Pius V  to celebrate the life of a faithful Dominican woman, Sr. Ann Louise Byron. We welcome sisters’ family and friends, our presider,
Fr. Andrew Carozza, Sisters’ 3^rd grade pupil at St. Margaret’s PR , our very own Fr. Tom Devery and her friends, Fr. Lundberg and Deacon Bill Mueller from St. Mary’s City Island.

We Dominicans are called to preach the good news of the gospel wherever we find ourselves. And while Sr. Ann Louise might not have considered herself a preacher, preach she did in her teaching, her music, her advocacy on behalf of the marginalized and especially  in her prayer and presence to us  during  82 years as a Sister of St. Dominic of Blauvelt.

Sr. Ann Louise’s Dominican life began when she was very young. She  was  one of 18 pioneer freshmen who enrolled in the newly formed Broadlea Juniorate on September 14, 1929, the day before her 14th birthday. A year and a half later, she was accepted as a postulant, the only one from the class to enter.

Professed on September 12, 1932 at age 17, she was sent out the next day to begin her teaching ministry with 63 3rd grade boys in Holy Cross School in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. For the next 49 years she faithfully carried out this teaching ministry wherever she was assigned.

An accomplished musician, Sr. Ann Louise, mastered the organ on her own and was awarded a full scholarship to study at Pius XII Institute in Florence, Italy. She later taught music at the elementary and college levels at the same time that she was teaching her regular class.

Sister’s ministry changed 1981 when she answered what she referred to as a “want ad” from the pastor of St. Mary’s parish City Island. Father was in need of a religious education coordinator. “I’ll be glad to help Sister Ann Louise told the pastor, but in the meantime keep looking for someone else.”

Five years later, she wanted to retire. But the pastor told her there was need for ministry to senior citizens. Her response was, “I don’t know what to do with old people.”   Not discouraged, the pastor sent her to a class on the Psychology and Physiology of the elderly conducted by Catholic Charities. So at age 70, she began her ministry to the aged. 

 Honored for her work by the American Legion in 1988, she was quoted in the City Island paper, “The Island Current” as saying I’d like to see the ministry continue when I retire.” She did not retire for 9 years but her desire was fulfilled. Her ministry to City Island seniors continues today through her collaborators.

Thank you Sr. Ann Louise for your faithful service and for showing us how to preach the gospel wherever you find yourself. Rest in peace.

Many years ago when she was teaching at St. Raymond’s School in Providence Rhode Island, Sister Francis McLean gave a special poem to a child whose mother had passed away. While the rest of the children prepared a Mother’s Day gift, Mary Morrissey took comfort in these short verses her teacher had given her.

Dear Lord, there’s a tiny favor
That I know You’ll gladly do.
They say tomorrow’s Mother’s Day
But my mother is up with You.

Would You bless her gently, Lord
The way I’d like You to?
And if there are flowers in heaven -
Could she have just a few?

–Sr. M. Kathleen, S.S.J.

In a note to the reader at the start of her new book, A Special Gift for Mother’s Day, Mary Morrissey Posadowski shares the story of the lasting impact Sister Francis’ kindness has had on her, calling that simple gift “a shining example of a teacher who was willing to take that extra step to help her student.”

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to recognize all the women whose wisdom and kindness help children to grow. With that in mind, we wish Sister Francis, Mrs. Posadowski, and each of you a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Sister Jenn Schaaf (Blauvelt) and Sister Renee Asmar (Sparkill) are presently canonical novices at our Collaborative Dominican Novitiate in St. Louis Missouri.  We are blessed to have two novices from our Rockland County congregations in the novitiate this year. They returned to their home congregations for four weeks over Christmas to spend time with the sisters and experience some of our ministries.

While here, they held four presentations for sisters in Blauvelt and Sparkill on their life in the novitiate over the past four months. In this photo, they are speaking with sisters in Blauvelt. After that they traveled to Sparkill to meet with the sisters there.  The sessions included reflections by both novices and provided and opportunity for questions and answers on present day novitiate life.

Many years ago when she was teaching at St. Raymond’s school in Providence Rhode Island, Sister Francis McLean gave a special poem to a child whose mother had passed away. While the rest of the children prepared a Mother’s Day gift, Mary Morrissey took comfort in these short verses her teacher had given her.

Dear Lord, there’s a tiny favor
That I know You’ll gladly do.
They say tomorrow’s Mother’s Day
But my mother is up with You.

Would You bless her gently, Lord
The way I’d like You to?
And if there are flowers in heaven -
Could she have just a few?

–Sr. M. Kathleen, S.S.J.

In a note to the reader at the start of her new book, A Special Gift for Mother’s Day, Mary Morrissey Posadowski shares the story of the lasting impact Sister Francis’ kindness has had on her, calling that simple gift “a shining example of a teacher who was willing to take that extra step to help her student.”

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to recognize all the women whose wisdom and kindness help children to grow. With that in mind, we wish Sister Francis, Mrs. Posadowski, and each of you a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Congratulations to Sister Dorothy Hall who received the Mother of the Year Award
from the St. Augustine/Our Lady of Victory Men’s Club on Mother’s Day. Sister Dorothy
serves as Pastoral Associate at that Bronx parish.

Sister Theresa Lardner OP, (Sr. Tecie) formerly Sr. Mary Brian, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 58 years died on May 20, 2013 in St. Martin de Porres Infirmary.  She was 75.

Sr. Tecie was born to Thomas J. Lardner and Mary Ann Morgan on March 14, 1938 in the Bronx.  She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 11, 1955 from Holy Spirit Parish, Bronx, NY.  She received the Dominican habit on June 16, 1956, professed her first vows on June 18, 1957, and final vows on July 2, 1963.

Sister received a BS in Education from Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY, an MA in Catechetical Theology from Manhattan College, Bronx NY, a Certificate in Theological Studies from Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, CA, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute, St. Louis, MO.

Sister Tecie’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth.  Sister taught at the following schools; St. Anselm’s School, Bronx, NY 1958-1960; St. Joseph’s School, Millbrook, NY 1960-1966; Our Lady of the Assumption School, Bronx, NY, 1966-1968; St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, Bronx, NY, 1968-1969. She was Archdiocesan Regional Coordinator, Office of Christian Family Development, Staten Island Office, 1969-1975; Religious Education Coordinator, St. Joseph Parish, Millbrook, NY, 1975-1978; Pastoral Ministry, Holy Trinity, West Point, NY, 1978-1988; Pastoral Ministry, Our Lady of Loreto Parish, Cold Spring, NY, 1989-1993; Councilor, Sisters of St. Dominic,  Blauvelt, NY, 1993-1999; Co-director of the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate, Manchester, MO, 1999-2002; Director of New Membership/Vocation for the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, NY 2002-2005; Formation Director for the Sisters of St Dominic/Secretary St. John’s School, Goshen, NY, 2003-2007; Liturgist, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Tenafly, NJ, 2007-2008; Spiritual Care Coordinator of United Hospice of Rockland, NY, 2009-2012.

In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Tecie is survived by her sisters, Nancy Hynes, Rita Sullivan, Sr. Patricia Lardner OP and several nieces and nephews.  Sister was predeceased by her sister Catherine Waters.

WAKE:  Wednesday, May 22, 2013 3-8 PM

EVENING PRAYER:  Wednesday 6 PM

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:30 AM

BURIAL:  St. Dominic’s Cemetery

Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Service, Nyack, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, NY

For more than ten years the Hearts Afire Gala has been held to honor individuals whose lives have demonstrated a spirit of faith and deep caring for others. This year, on April 14, 2013, the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service was presented to Mr. and Mrs.  John T. White.

The event, which included both a live and silent auction, was a grand success. The funds raised will be used to support our Sisters who remain active in education, health care, pastoral work, and many other ministries throughout the Metropolitan region and beyond. We also use gala funds to provide dignified, safe and nurturing care to our aged and infirm Sisters, each of whom has spent a lifetime in God’s service.

On May 16, 2013, Sister Joseph Mary Mahoney was recognized for 32 years of service to the Rockland County Youth Bureau and for the exceptional legacy of her work with and for young people. When presenting the award, the organization’s Executive Director Dennis Fleming called Sister Joseph Mary, “a woman ahead of her time in being a champion of social justice and advancing the role of women in both society and the Catholic Church.”

More than 200 women attended “Ladies Night Out”, a fund raiser for Siena House Shelter, organized by the Siena House Committee of nine women from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Tenafly, New Jersey. The evening included a lovely display of prizes, gifts and good food, as well as a time to enjoy renewed friendships.

Siena House is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organization funded through the NYC Department of Homeless Services under the sponsorship of Tolentine Zeiser Community Life Center.

Our Blauvelt Dominican Sisters, who minister at Siena House, founded in 1989, are: Sr. Mary Doris – Director, Sr. Cecelia Byrnes –Assistant Director, Sr. Maureen Gibbons – Business Manager, Sr. Lauria Fitzgerald – Housing Specialist and Sr. Ann Connolly – Faithful Volunteer.

Siena House is one of several programs sponsored by Tolentine Zeiser Community Life Center, with Sr. Margaret McDermott as Executive Director.

Dominican Sisters and Associates from around the Northeast gathered in Liberty State Park for the kick-off of the Nuns-on-the Bus tour earlier this week. The Sisters are  traveling across the United States — 6,500 miles over 15 states and 53 events in 40 cities — to stand with immigrants, faith-filled activists, and Catholic Sisters who serve immigrant communities.

They are calling for commonsense immigration reform that: 

• Ensures family unity
• Protects the rights of immigrant workers
• Acknowledges that our borders are already secure, with only minor changes needed
• Speeds up processing of already-approved immigrants
• Enhances the present diversity visa program
• Provides a clear and direct pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people who are undocumented in the U.S.

Click here to visit NETWORK’s website and learn more about the Nuns on the Bus tour and “ commonsense immigration policies that reflect our values, not our fears.”