In
Memoriam
"Life is not ended,
but merely changed."
Mass of Christian Burial
Sister Mary Dominic Tweedus, OP
Born into Life: October 14, 1921
Born into Eternal Life: May 29, 2009
Jesus said, “Do you love me?”
(John 21: 16b)Sister Mary Dominic answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!” and she showed that love through her faithfulness to prayer, Scripture, spiritual reading, and her love of community, family and friends. Mary Dominic’s preaching of Gospel love was a lived reality despite years of limited mobility. Anyone entering her room at St. Catherine’s was welcomed and blessed by her warm and loving smile. Her ministry of caring and sharing rippled outward through frequent telephone calls and a constant stream of mail to friends and family.
Sister Joan Marie Sheehan, OP
Born into Life - May 21, 1938
Born into Eternal Life - November 9, 2008
“Let the little children come to Me,
for of such is the kingdom of God.”Sister Joan Marie Sheehan died suddenly on November 9, 2008. A gifted teacher, Sister had spent her entire ministry of nearly fifty years in the education of primary school children. After graduating from Caldwell College, Sister went on to acquire a Master’s degree from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.
At the time of her death, Sister Joan Marie was teaching at Blessed Pope John XIII Academy in West Orange. Over the years she had taught in other Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Newark as well as in the dioceses of Trenton, Paterson and Bridgeport.
Sister Joan Marie was always ready to share her time and talents, whether it was to drive someone to a destination or collaborate on an artistic project. Her complete devotion to Dominican life and tradition was complemented by a great sense of humor. Sister’s unassuming manner and quiet charity will be long remembered by all who knew her.
In addition to her Dominican life so well lived, Sister Joan Marie left us something more to ponder. For her Master’s thesis some years ago, she wrote and illustrated a children’s book entitled “The Wee World of Wonderful Winnie Weed.” She dedicated the volume to “the small, the harmless, the childlike, the wise, the humble possessors of a fondness for the little life…” Her introduction explained that she had tried to create a space “where the little things of this world will continue to drum and trumpet their message aloud. The weak are strong, the small are great, and weeds are roses to those who wonder.” Worth pondering indeed!
Sister Theresa Irene Doherty, OP
Born into Life - February 10, 1928
Born into Eternal Life - March 24, 2008
"Life is not ended
but merely changed. Alleluia!"When we reflect on the Dominican life and ministry experiences of Sister Theresa Irene Doherty, OP, the key word that surfaces is “Educator.” Sr. Theresa Irene taught primary grades at St. Aedan’s School in Jersey City, St. Philip School in Clifton, Our Lady of Peace School in New Providence, St. Michael School in Union and St. John the Apostle School in Clark. Sister taught middle grades and junior high level Social Studies and Religious Education at Blessed Sacrament School in Roseland where she also served as Superior of the Convent. Other ministry sites included St. Aloysius School in Caldwell, St. Mary High School in Rutherford, St. Aloysius School in Jersey City and Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell. Sister was not only a dedicated teacher; she was also a warm, caring and prayerful woman religious. From 1991 to 1994, St. Theresa Irene was a Minister to the Sick at St. Catherine Health Care Center in Caldwell. During the past few years Sister Theresa Irene lost most of her ability to be mobile and to communicate but she never lost her smile. Now we rejoice with her in her new freedom in heaven to live fully with the God she loved very deeply.
Sister Mary Judith Lynch, OP
Born into Life - November 20, 1930
Born into Eternal Life – February 7, 2008
"I know to whom I go."
(Sister Pat Walsh, OP)Sister Mary Judith Lynch, OP professed her vows as a Sister of Saint Dominic (Caldwell) in 1955 and enjoyed a variety of ministries during her Dominican life. She began as an elementary school teacher, serving in schools in both the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Paterson. Caldwell College benefited from Sister’s talent as an educator for the ten years during which she was an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education Department at the college. Sister Mary Judith then moved to the administrative level of education as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Paterson Diocese and later served as principal and vice-principal at several schools in New Jersey. A transition into pastoral ministry led Sister into several new positions: Director of Activities at St. Catherine Infirmary in Caldwell and Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls. In recent years, Sister was invited by Passaic County College to serve as an Adjunct Professor.
Each Dominican congregation has a title that indicates its special devotion; the Caldwell congregation’s title is “The Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Sister Mary Judith’s love for this special devotion is reflected in one of her favorite quotes from Pope John Paul II, “It is in the Heart of Christ that the human heart learns to know the truth and the unique meaning of this life and destiny. It is in the Heart of Christ that the human heart receives its capacity to love.”
Sister Julia Marie Moore, OP
Born into Life - December 6, 1912
Born into Eternal Life - January 1, 2008
“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of God’s name -give glorious praise!”
Psalm 66These words of the psalmist can be our sending forth prayer for Sister Julia Marie. Faith-filled Dominican Sister, teacher, artist, talented swimmer and diver, much-loved family member, gentle friend – Sister “Jule” was all of these and this list of descriptions could be expanded.
Her art works are proudly displayed in various sites, especially in buildings on our Motherhouse grounds in Caldwell. One of Sister’s greatest delights was spending time during her later years doing what she loved to do most – creating beautiful works of art in her studio space.
However, during the last five years, her life was spent imprisoned in her body, not being able to move or speak. On New Year’s Day 2008, Sister Julia Marie was set free when she returned home to the God she loved so deeply.
Sister Irene Marie Richards, OP
Born into Life - January 5, 1915
Born into Eternal Life - December 26, 2007
“Into your hands, O Lord,
I commend my spirit.”
Psalm 31These words of the psalmist were Sister Irene Marie Richards’ words on Wednesday morning, December 26, 2007 just before 4:00 AM when she entered into her eternal life.
Sister Irene Marie was one of God’s beautiful creations who in turn - through her artistic ability – created beautiful works of art to praise her God. She was a twin sister who loved her brother with that special bond that twins often have. She was a gentle, quiet, peace-filled woman whose smile and joy-filled greetings will be greatly missed.
Her niece, Bernadette, sent this message from Arizona that was shared at Sister's Vigil Prayer Service: “Aunty has served as an example of how a life should be lived. A life of faith, patience and true love. Compassion for all and humility.”
