Sister Dominic Marie McDonnell, a devoted member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt for 73 years, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, after a life marked by deep faith, selfless service, and joy.

Born Therese M. McDonnell on September 11, 1933, in the Bronx, she was the cherished daughter of Dominic and Margaret Riordon McDonnell. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 12, 1951, from St. Pius Parish in the Bronx and professed her first vows on July 2, 1952, taking the name Sister Dominic Marie.

From 1997 to 2017, Sister Dominic Marie served as Pastoral Associate for Catechetics at Assumption Parish in Emerson, New Jersey. In this role, she brought compassion, insight, and spiritual guidance to countless individuals and families. Her ministry extended far beyond formal instruction; she was a trusted mentor, a wise spiritual companion, and a source of comfort to all who sought her counsel and prayer.

Prior to her pastoral ministry, Sister Dominic Marie dedicated over four decades to Catholic education, a vocation that was both her mission and her joy. She served with distinction as Principal of St. Mary School in Closter, New Jersey, from 1981 to 1997. Under her leadership, the school flourished as a center of academic rigor and spiritual growth. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, the Mayor of Closter issued a formal proclamation upon her retirement—an extraordinary and well-deserved honor.

Her earlier years in education were equally impactful. She began her teaching ministry in 1955 at St. Anselm School, later serving at Our Lady of Victory School and St. Nicholas of Tolentine School. She returned to St. Anselm in 1968, serving as Assistant Principal. In 1973, she was assigned to St. Benedict School, serving first as a teacher, then as Assistant Principal, and finally as Principal from 1977 to 1981. In every classroom and administrative role, she was known for her integrity, discipline, compassion, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of a Catholic education.

Her academic achievements reflected her lifelong commitment to excellence in education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dominican College in 1961 and a Master of Science in Individualized Curriculum from the City University of New York.

Sister Dominic Marie’s life was a testament to the power of faith in action. Whether in the classroom, the parish, or her family, she inspired all who knew her with her wisdom, kindness, and steady devotion to God.

In addition to her Dominican Sisters, Sister Dominic Marie is survived by her brother, James McDonnell, and his wife, Ann, her sister-in-law, Theresa McDonnell, and her many beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends. Sister Dominic Marie was predeceased by her parents, Dominic and Margaret McDonnell, her brothers, John, and his wife, Nora, Gerald, and Donald and his wife, Theresa, and her sister, Lillian Madden.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at:

St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Wake: Friday, May 30, 2025, 4–6 p.m.

Evening Prayer: Friday, May 30, 2025, 6 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30am