Sister Mary John entered eternal life on October 20, 2024. She devoted her life to teaching and service, impacting the lives of countless students and families throughout her extensive career
Sister Mary John O’Brien, formerly Jeanne Maureen O’Brien, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for 75 years, entered eternal life on October 20, 2024. Sister Mary John was born in New York to John Maurice O’Brien and Mary Helen Higgins O’Brien on February 24, 1928. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic in September 1949 from St. Mark Parish, Sheepshead, Brooklyn, and professed her final vows on September 6, 1957.
Sister Mary John devoted her life to teaching and service, impacting the lives of countless students and families throughout her extensive career. She earned an AAS in Education from Dominican College, a BS in Education from Catholic Teachers in Rhode Island, and an MS in Education from The City College of New York.
Sister Mary John’s journey in education began at St. Dominic’s School in Blauvelt, where she served as a teacher from 1951 to 1952. Her commitment to helping others led her to the Catholic Center for the Blind, where she worked in the Diet Kitchen from 1952 to 1953. Then she returned to the classroom at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School from 1953 to 1957, where her enthusiasm for learning shone brightly.
From 1957 to 1961, Sister Mary John continued her teaching career at St. Pius School in Rhode Island, before moving to St. Pius School in the Bronx from 1961 to 1966. She then took her talents to St. Anthony School in Oceanside from 1966 to 1968 and later to St. Charles School in Staten Island from 1968 to 1970. Her dedication to teaching was unwavering, as she continued at Christ the King School from 1970 to 1975 and St. Anselm School in the Bronx from 1975 to 1977.
Sister Mary John also served as an assistant kindergarten teacher at St. Ignatius-St. Charles Borromeo School from 1977 to 1979 and returned to teaching at Our Lady of Consolation in Wayne, New Jersey, from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, she began a new chapter of her career as she returned to Blauvelt, where she worked as a clerk and typist for St. Dominic’s Home until 2000. Her commitment to education did not wane, as she transitioned to tutoring at St. Catharine’s School in Blauvelt from 2000 to 2006.
In her later years, Sister Mary John devoted herself to volunteer work and community service at the Motherhouse and in Rockland County from 2006 to 2013, bringing joy and support to her fellow sisters and the community. She continued her prayerful presence at the convent, offering spiritual support to all while also successfully raising funds for several organizations that serve the food insecure and hungry in Rockland County.
As we celebrate Sister Mary John’s life, we honor her dedication to teaching and compassion for others. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. In addition to her religious family, Sister Mary John is survived by her family Victoria Silvestri Rizzotti and William O’Brien. Sr. Mary John is predeceased by her parents John and Mary O’Brien.
May Sister Mary John rest in peace, forever remembered for her vibrant spirit, loving nature, and enduring legacy of service.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at:
St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY 10913
Wake: Saturday, October 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: October 26, 10:30 a.m.
Burial: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery, immediately following Mass.
Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home in Nyack.
Sister Mary John entered eternal life on October 20, 2024. She devoted her life to teaching and service, impacting the lives of countless students and families throughout her extensive career.
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