Sister Michaela Connolly, O.P., formerly Elizabeth Ann Connolly, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, for 61 years, entered eternal life on February 24, 2024. Sister Michaela was 78 years of age.

 

Sister Michaela was born in the Bronx to Michael and Mary Kiernan Connolly on April 12, 1945. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on September 8, 1963, from Saint Luke’s Parish, the Bronx. She professed her first vows on June 17, 1965, and final vows on June 5, 1971.

 

Sister Michaela recently served for 12 years on the leadership team of the Sisters of Saint Dominic as prioress and councilor. In a recent edition of “Blauvelt Connections,” she wrote “Last summer after serving 18 years in congregational leadership, I found myself asking, ‘What’s next? I wondered, how I might serve in a new way?'” The answer came when Sister Michaela was asked to join the staff of Preston Center of Compassion in the Bronx as an ESL teacher assistant. Sister Michaela wrote, “Hearing their stories and learning of what they have overcome, has been an inspiration to me and has made me realize I have found my ‘what’s next?” Sister Michaela made a grace-filled transition to a new ministry and made an impact during her short time at the Center for Compassion.

 

Sister Michaela was full of energy and had a strong and compassionate spirit. She served in a variety of ministries. She ministered as coordinator of the Ryan White HIV/Aids Program, Dominican Sisters Family Health Services; Principal and Dean of Students at Saint Raymond’s Academy for Girls, the Bronx; and Pastoral Associate at Saint Margaret’s Parish, Pearl River. She was the public relations director and director of development at Dominican University and in her early years was a teacher at Holy Spirit School and Saint Luke’s School both in the Bronx.

 

Sister Michaela served on the Board of Trustees at Dominican University, Lavelle School for the Blind, the Bronx, and the Archdiocese of New York Regional Catholic Schools Board.

 

In addition to her religious congregation, Sister Michaela is survived by her sister-in-law, Myrna Connolly, her nieces Cassandre Connolly and Megan Connolly Carson, and her cousin, Mary Fee. Sister Michaela was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Mary Connolly, and her brother, James Connolly.

 

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend visitation and Mass of Christian burial at Saint Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt.

 

Friday, March 1, 2024
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer followed by a time of remembrance with a light supper, Houston Room.

 

Saturday, March 2, 2024
Wake 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. 
Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. 
Burial: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery, immediately following Mass.

 

Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, 496 Western Hwy S, Blauvelt, NY, 10913.