Sister Mary Caritas Wong, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt for 72 years, entered eternal life peacefully on January 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and service to others.
Born Lucy Mary Wong on November 10, 1930, in Brooklyn, she was the beloved daughter of Samuel Wong and Mary Eng Shee Wong. Sister Caritas entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on Sept. 10, 1953, from St. Raymond Parish in Providence, Rhode Island, and professed her first vows on July 6, 1955.
Throughout her long and varied ministry, Sister Caritas was known for her reliability, honesty, and professionalism. Her keen perceptiveness and wisdom were invaluable in creating structured environments that guided children to success. She held many roles, always exemplifying the highest standard of care and service. Sister Caritas served as sacristan at the Motherhouse from 1957 to 1960, assistant to the secretary general at St. Dominic’s Convent from 1960 to 1971, and unit supervisor/child care at St. Dominic’s Home from 1971 to 2018. From 1979 to 1993, she was a teacher and team leader in infant care at House on Hill in Goshen. After retiring in 2018, Sister Caritas continued to be an inspiration to all who knew her.
In the early 1970s, Sister Caritas became a mentor, confidante, and “loving aunt” to a Chinese family navigating the challenges of their new life in America. Recognizing their struggles with cultural transition and language barriers, she visited the family in Chinatown every Sunday. She tutored the children in English, helped them with their schoolwork, and assisted the family in understanding their new surroundings. Her unwavering support and counsel helped the family thrive, demonstrating her profound impact on the lives she touched.
In addition to her religious family, Sister Caritas is survived by her sister-in-law Susan Wong; her cherished nieces and nephews Linda Wong, James Wong, Michael and Yan Wong, Patricia Wong, Kathy Wong, Robert Wong, Carolyn Wong, Madelyn Wong-Flynn, Janet Wong, Joann Censullo, Herbert Wong, Joyce Cushman, Judy Trombley, Harold Wong, and Hubert Wong; and her many great-nieces and great-nephews. Sister Caritas was predeceased by her parents Samuel and Mary Eng Shee Wong and her four brothers, George, Edward, Harry, and Henry Wong.
Sister Caritas’s life was marked by her commitment to others, her faith, and her unwavering belief in the potential for growth and healing. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt NY 10913.
Wake: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack.
Interment: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery, immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt at www.opblauvelt.org/giving.