Sister Eileen Donovan, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on March 13, 2023 in Montefiore Nyack Hospital. Sister was 97 years old and in her 78th year of religious life.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 30, 1925, Eileen was the daughter of Jeremiah and Ellen Shea Donovan. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1945 and received the name Sister Mary Veronica. She professed her first vows in 1947 and final vows in 1952.
Sister Eileen received her BS in Education from Fordham University, NY, 1955 and an MA in Business Education, College of St. Rose, Albany, NY, 1965. Sister Eileen received Chaplaincy certification from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in 1986.
Sister Eileen taught in the following schools: Sacred Heart, Suffern, NY (1947-1950); St. Paul, Norwich, NY (1950-1952, teacher; 1969-1971, principal); St. Rose of Lima, NYC (1952-1955); St. Anthony, Nanuet, NY (1955-1958); St. Helena/Msgr. Scanlan HS, Bronx, NY (1958-1969, 1971-1983). From 1983-1984, Sister Eileen participated in the Career Options Program at Calvary Hospital. She served as pastoral care minister at Eger Nursing Home, Staten Island, NY (1984-1985), and Director of Chaplains for the Rockville Center Diocese (1985-2002). From 2002-2015, Sister Eileen volunteered her services in Dominican Convent.
Sister Eileen is predeceased by her parents Jeremiah and Ellen Shea Donovan, her brother William and sister Patricia Clausen. She is survived by her sister, Ann Slattery and loving nieces and nephews.
Sister Eileen touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry of education as teacher and administrator and in her pastoral care of the elderly. For more 77 years, Sister Eileen proclaimed the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill. Her Dominican Sisters, Associates, family, friends and all she served in ministry will miss her gentle, loving presence. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant, Sister Eileen Donovan. May the road rise up to meet you…and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand!
You may view the Livestream link for Sister Eileen’s funeral mass here.