Sister Margaret Patricia McDermott of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on November 2, 2022 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 90 years old.
Born in New York on October 20, 1932 Catherine Frances was the daughter of Patrick and Catherine McGovern McDermott. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1951 and received the name Sister Margaret Patricia. She professed her first vows in 1953 and final vows in 1958.
Sister Margaret Patricia received a BS in Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, 1958; an MS in Education from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, 1974; and Administration and Supervision certification from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY,1980.
Sister Margaret Patricia taught at St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1953-1958); St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1958-1968); St. Anthony School, Yonkers, NY (1968-1974); St. Brendan School, Bronx, NY (1974-1975); Principal, St. Christopher School, Red Hook, NY (1975-1980); Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY (1980-1983); Assistant Principal, St. Barnabas School, Bronx, NY (1983-1986); St. Denis School, Yonkers, NY (1986-1987); Principal, St. Matthew School, Hastings, NY (1987-1988, teacher, 1988-1998, principal); Assistant Principal, Blessed Sacrament School, Bronx, NY (1999-2005, Tutoring Program 2005-2010); and Health Office Assistant in Dominican Convent (2010-2013).
Sister Margaret Patricia is predeceased by her parents Patrick and Catherine McGovern McDermott, and her brother, Owen. She is survived by her sisters Rosemary McDermott (twin), Alice Negron and Josephine Brazier, and beloved nieces.
Sister Margaret Patricia McDermott made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry as classroom teacher and administrator. She served God and her congregation faithfully for more than 70 years as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill. We thank God for her life, presence and commitment as she was welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Margaret Patricia!
May God hold you in the palm of His hands!