Sister Joan O’Connor, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on September 25, 2025, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. She was 89 years old.
Sister Joan was born in New York City on September 12, 1936, the daughter of Peter and Nora McCarthy O’Connor. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1955, and received the name Sister Peter Noreen. She professed her first vows in 1957 and final vows in 1962.
Sister Joan earned a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1960 and an MA in History from St. John University, New York, in 1971.
Sister Joan’s ministries included St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1957-1958); St. Martin of Tours School, Bronx, NY (1958-1959); St. Teresa School, Woodside, NY (1959-1960); Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Middletown, NY (1960-1961); Mary Queen of Heaven School, Brooklyn, NY (1961-1968); St. Edmund School, Brooklyn, NY (1969-1973); Holy Family School, Hicksville, NY (1968-1969; 1973-1989); Holy Family Parish, Outreach Coordinator (1989-2005).
Sister Joan is predeceased by her parents, Peter and Nora McCarthy O’Connor, her sister, Ann O’Connor Capron, and her brothers, Peter and Billy. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Mary Taylor, Kathy Russo, Kevin, Billy, Tom and Frank, grandnieces and grandnephews, Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Joan made a profound difference in the lives of countless children through her ministry of education and outreach to the broader parish community. She brightened many with her wonderful sense of humor. Sister Joan lived the goal of the Dominican Sisters to proclaim the reign of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Joan O’Connor. May the road rise up to meet you, and may you be held in the palm of God’s hand!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service 10:00 am; Mass at 11:00 am
Wake Service: Click here for the Livestream link.
Funeral Service: Click here for the Livestream link.