Sister Eileen Richard Leavy, OP, a Bronx native and Sparkill Dominican since 1959, entered eternal life on Oct. 31, 2026. Sr. Eileen taught science for nearly 50 years at her alma mater, Aquinas High School, where she moderated the cheerleaders, earned the nickname “Speedy,” and entered the St. Thomas Aquinas College Hall of Fame in 2014
Sister Eileen Richard Leavy, OP, of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, died on Oct. 31, 2026, at Westchester Medical Center. She was 85.
Born in the Bronx on Sept. 4, 1941, along with her twin, Nancy, Joan Marie was the daughter of William and Eileen O’Mahoney Leavy. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary on Sept. 8, 1959, and received the religious name Sister Eileen Richard. She professed first vows in 1961 and final vows in 1966.
Sister Eileen Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in science from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill in 1964 and a master’s degree in science from Villanova University in Pennsylvania in 1975.
Sister Eileen Richard’s ministry of education included: St. Agnes Home and School in Sparkill (1961-1963); St. Ann School in the Bronx (1963-1968); St. Helena School in the Bronx (1968-1969); and her alma mater, Aquinas High School in the Bronx, for almost 50 years (1969-2016). She was inducted into the St. Thomas Aquinas College Hall of Fame in 2014.
Sister Eileen Richard inspired countless young women at Aquinas High School and empowered them to achieve excellence as they entered college. She was moderator of the Pep Squad and Cheerleaders and was loved by the students, who nicknamed her “Speedy.”
Sister Eileen Richard was predeceased by her parents, William and Eileen O’Mahoney Leavy, and her twin sister, Nancy Brannigan. She is survived by her sister, Eileen Fortis; beloved nieces and nephews; Dominican Sisters; Associates; friends; colleagues; generations of Aquinas High School alumnae; and the seniors of Thorpe Senior Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel in Sparkill. Visitation was from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the same day at Dominican Convent, 175 Route 340, Sparkill. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Dominican Sisters at the convent address, attention Sr. Irene Ellis, prioress.
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/6328961.