Sister Eileen Richard Leavy, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on October 31, 2026, at Westchester Medical Center. She was 85 years old and living her 67th year of religious life.
Born in the Bronx, NY, on September 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 September 8, 1959, and received the religious name of Sister Eileen Richard. She professed first vows in 1961 and final vows in 1966.
Sister Eileen Richard earned a BS in Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1964, and an MS in Science from Villanova University, Pennsylvania, in 1975.
Sister Eileen Richard’s ministry of education included: St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1961-1963); St. Ann School, Bronx, NY (1963-1968); St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1968-1969); and her Alma Mater, Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY, 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 and empowered young Women at Aquinas High School to achieve excellence in entering 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.
Sister Eileen Richard lived the mission of the Dominican Sisters in her ministry of education, earning the lasting love and respect of her Aquinas High School students. In her retirement she ministered to senior citizens in Thorpe Senior Center and made countless phone calls to the homebound. Her generosity and caring presence were amazing—in the classroom, at Thorpe Senior Center, in her Dominican Convent Community, as receptionist at Switch Board, and to her Sisters in Siena Hall and Dominican Convent. Well, done, faithful servant Sister Eileen Richard Leavy. Rest in peace!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service: 10:00 am; Mass: 11:00 am