Sister Margaret Rita Bergin, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on September 29, 2025, in Dominican Convent, Siena Hall. She was 93 years old.
Born in New York City on December 29, 1931, Catherine was the daughter of Michael and Margaret Sharkey Bergin. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on February 2, 1950, and received the name Sister Margaret Rita. She professed her first vows in 1951 and final vows in 1956.
Sister Margaret Rita received her BS in Education from Fordham University, NYC, in 1958, and an MS in Media from Lehman College, Bronx, NY, in 1975.
Sister Margaret Rita’s ministries included St. Martin of Tours School, Bronx, NY (1951-1953); St. Catherine of Siena School, NYC (1953-1957); St. Teresa School, Woodside, NY (1957- 1959); St. Columba School, Chester, NY (1959-1965). From 1965 to 1973, Sister Margaret served as pastoral minister, principal of the Dominican Convent School, and Coordinator of Adult Education in the Diocese of Multan, Pakistan. Upon returning to the United States, she taught at St. Brendan School in the Bronx, NY (1973-1975); served as NV Instructor at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY (1975-1977); teacher, Msgr. Scanlan HS, Bronx, NY (1977-1998); secretary at Iona College (1998-1999) and at Iona Prep (1999-2012).
Sister Margaret Rita was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margaret Sharkey Bergin, her sister, Sister Maureen Michael Bergin, OP (a Dominican Sister of the Sick Poor), and her brother, Michael. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sylvia Bergin; niece, Maureen; and nephews, Kevin and Keith Bergin.
Sister Margaret Rita was a woman who made a difference as a teacher and missionary in Pakistan. She was generous in sharing her gifts and talents, demonstrating her commitment to the Congregational goal of proclaiming the Word of God through her ministry for peace, justice, and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence-well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Margaret Rita Bergin!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, October 6, 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.