Sister Catherine William Moran, OP died on December 1, 2020 in Montefiore Nyack Hospital. She was 94 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 23, 1926, Marie Therese was the daughter of William and Catherine Heaney Moran. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1945 and received the name Sister Catherine William. She professed her first vows in 1947 and her final vows in 1952.
Sister Catherine William received a BS in Education, Fordham University, NY, 1954; an MA in English, St John University, NY,1958; and Certification in Administration, Hofstra University, 1972. In 2000 she received an Honorary Doctorate in Pedagogy from St. Thomas Aquinas College and the St. Thomas Aquinas Founders’ Award. On September 12, 2000 Sister Catherine William was welcomed as Guest Chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives, the first non-ordained woman to offer the Opening Prayer.
Sister Catherine William’s ministry in education included St. Agnes Home and School , Sparkill, NY (1947-1948); St. Martin of Tours School, Bronx, NY (1948-1952); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Richmond Hill, NY (1952-1959); Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia, NY (1959-1962), as teacher and as principal (1975-1983); St. Vito School, Mamaroneck, NY principal (1962-1966); Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY, assistant principal (1966-1975). Sister Catherine was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark from 1983-1986 and Human Resources Director of New Community Corporation, Newark, NJ (1986-2006).
Sister Catherine William is predeceased by her parents William and Catherine Heaney and siblings, William, Ellen, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Anne and Dolores. She is survived by her sister Anne Boardman and 22 nieces and nephews.
Sister Catherine William Moran made a difference in the lives of countless young people in her ministry of education. She shared her leadership skills as Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Human Resources Director in carrying forth the mission 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 Catherine William Moran. May you rest in peace.