Sister Lois Dee, OP, entered eternal life on November 13, 2024. Her career in education took her to schools in three states, and later into congregational administration
Sister Lois Dee, OP (Sister Ellen Elizabeth) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, entered eternal life on November 13, 2024, in Newburgh. She was 84 and serving on multiple congregational committees, as well as coordinator of New Life/Funerals for the Dominican Sisters of Hope.
The daughter of the late Gustave J. of Bayonne, New Jersey, and Veronica (Yurko) Dee of Burlington, North Carolina, Lois was born November 7, 1940, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sister Lois entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, in September 1958, made her First Profession in June 1960, and Final Profession in August 1963. Sister Lois earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, and her master’s degree in guidance from Jersey City State.
Sister Lois embarked on her career in education at St. Brendan School in New Haven, Connecticut (1961). She subsequently taught at St. Lawrence School in Lindenwold, New Jersey (1961-66) and St. Paul School in Jersey City, New Jersey (1966-71). Having received her certificate in administration, Lois served as principal at St. Mary School in Deal, New Jersey (1971-74) and at Our Lady of Victory School in Mount Vernon (1974-80).
Sister Lois then moved on to secondary education and was guidance counselor at St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle (1980-84) and at Blessed Sacrament/St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle (1984-87). Sister’s facility with easy conversation and sense of humor surely assisted her success and love of the guidance work.
Sister Lois served in congregation administration (1987-95) and was part-time vocation director (1985-87), secretary general (1987-91), and director of ministry and education (1991-95).
Following a sabbatical, Lois taught and served as assistant principal at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie (1996-2004). She served as director of motherhouse services at St. Dominic Convent in Blauvelt (2004-06). Sister Lois was principal of San Miguel Academy of Newburgh (2006-2009). Lois was trained as a Hospice Volunteer at Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh, and her desire to be a presence of hope called her to a variety of volunteer ministries within the Newburgh area.
In addition to her Dominican Sisters of Hope, Sister Lois is survived by her sister Beth and brother-in-law Jim Barba of Mebane, North Carolina, and numerous family members and friends.
A celebration of Sister Lois’ life will take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Dominican Center, in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary, at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York. The viewing will take place starting at 9:15 a.m., followed by a wake service at 10 a.m., and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. immediately following the liturgy. Sister will be buried in the Dominican Sisters of Hope Cemetery on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary College.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Lois’ memory can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Hope Development Office located at 299 North Highland Avenue, Ossining, New York 10562.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, New York 12550.