Sister Constance (Connie) Bauer, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died at home in St. Louis, MO, on October 3, 2025. She was 81 years old.
Sister Connie Bauer was born in Colorado on May 24, 1944, to Peter and Leona Meuer Bauer. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill, NY, on September 8, 1962, and received the name Sister Leo Peter. Sister Connie professed her first vows in 1964 and final vows in 1969.
Sister Connie earned a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY, in 1967 and an LPN at St. Mary’s School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO.
Sister Connie began her teaching ministry in New York at St. Helena School in the Bronx, NY, from 1965 to 1968. She returned to St. Louis, MO, and taught at St. Kevin School from 1968 to 1975 and at St. Elizabeth School from 1975 to 1982. From 1982 to 1983, Sister Connie studied at St. Mary’s School of Nursing and earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). After completing her studies, Sister Connie worked with children as an LPN at Rankin Jordan Pediatric from 1983 until 2002. From 2002 to the present, she served as a Receptionist at Catherine Labouré Parish in St. Louis.
Sister Connie’s parents, Peter and Leona Meurer, predeceased her. She is survived by her beloved brother Peter, her niece Amy Sidenstricker, her nephew Tim Bauer, and many relatives, her Dominican Sisters and Associates, and friends.
Sister Connie leaves a legacy of educating and empowering the minds and hearts of young children, and as a nurse, of extending compassion, kindness, and a gentle, healing presence. She also brought these gifts to her Dominican Sisters and Associates. Sister Connie lived and proclaimed the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill 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, Sister Connie Bauer, and may you be held in the palm of God’s hand!
A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a date to be determined.