Sister Lois Liekweg OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on August 3, 2023, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill. Sister was 106 years old and in her 91st year of religious life.
Born in St. Louis, MO, on December 6,1916, Lois was the daughter of William and Eleanor McLaughlin Liekweg. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on July 8,1933 and received the name Sister M. Lois. She professed her first vows in 1935 and final vows in 1940.
Sister Lois received her BA in English from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, 1953 and an MA in Theology from Notre Dame University, IN, in 1966.
Sister Lois’s ministry of education and service in Missouri included St. Mark Elementary and HS (1937-1945, 1951-1952, 1967-1969); St. Patrick (1945-1946); St. James (1946-1949); Little Flower (1953-1959); St. Kevin (1959-1967); Epiphany of Our Lord (1969-1974) as principal; St. Thomas More (1974-1977) as teacher and principal; and St. Elizabeth (1989-1991) as Librarian. Sister Lois ministered in the following schools in New York: St. Teresa, Woodside, NY (1935-1936); St. Mary, Syracuse, NY (1936-1937), St. Helena, Bronx, NY (1949-1951), St. Brendan, Bronx, NY (1952-1953); Rosary Academy, Sparkill, NY (1977-1980); Albertus Magnus HS, Bardonia (1984-1989) as Treasurer and Business Manager. From 1980-1984, Sr. Lois served as a Regional Consultant for the Archdiocese of New York Catechetical Office. Sister Lois was a Research Associate for Project OPUS (Order of Preachers United States) from 1991-1995. She continued her ministry of volunteer service from 1995-2001.
Sister Lois is predeceased by her parents William and Eleanor McLaughlin, brothers, Lawrence and Frank, and sisters, Lorine and Celeste. She is survived by beloved nieces and nephews.
Sister Lois Liekweg made a difference in the lives of countless young people, parents, and colleagues in her ministry as teacher, administrator, consultant, and researcher. She was committed to the mission of the Dominican Sisters for more than 90 years, proclaiming the word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. God blessed her with a long life. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Lois. May the angels lead you into paradise!
You may view the Livestream link for Sister Lois’ funeral mass here.