Sister Elizabeth McAleavey, OP, a Dominican Sister of Sparkill, New York, entered into eternal life on May 20, 2025, at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. She was 89 years old and had devoted 72 years to religious life.
Born in New York City on July 21, 1935, Elizabeth was the daughter of Francis and Margaret McGuiness McAleavey. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1953, and received the name Sister Francis Margaret. She professed her first vows in 1955 and final vows in 1960.
Sister Elizabeth received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1958, an MA in Business Education from the College of St. Rose, Albany, NY, in 1965, and Certification in Administration and Supervision from New York University, NYC, in 1971. Sister Elizabeth’s teaching ministries include St. John Chrysostom, Bronx, NY (1955-1958); St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1958-1959); Thorpe Secretarial HS, NYC (1959-1966); Assistant Principal/teacher, Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia, NY (1966-1970); Principal, Rosary Academy, Sparkill, NY (1970-1975); Assistant Principal, Holy Trinity HS, Hicksville, NY (1975- 2006); Administrative Assistant, Aquinas HS, Bronx, NY (2006-2011). In 1998, Sister Elizabeth received the National Catholic Education Association Secondary Educators Award for her years of distinguished service to Catholic education.
Sister Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Margaret McGuiness McAleavey, and her sister, Joan. She is survived by her brother Stephen and wife Carol Anne, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and her Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Elizabeth made a difference in the lives of countless children and parents as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She faithfully proclaimed the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all of God’s creation. We thank God for her life and commitment as she is welcomed into God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Elizabeth McAleavey, OP. May God hold you in the palm of his hand!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, May 29, 2025
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service 10:00 am;
Click here for the livestream link.
Mass at 11:00 am
Click here for the livestream link.