Sister Mary Elizabeth Mooney, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on August 26, 2026, at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Sister was 82 years old and in her 64th year of religious life.
Sister Mary Elizabeth was born in New York on August 15, 1944, to Patrick and Mary Cosgrove Mooney. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1962, and received the name Sister John Carmel. Sister Mary Elizabeth professed her first vows in 1964 and final vows in 1969.
Sister Mary Elizabeth earned a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY, in 1969; an MS in Education from City College in NYC in 1974; and certification in Administration from Fordham University in NY in 1986.
Sister Mary Elizabeth began her educational ministry at Sacred Heart School in Monroe, NY, where she served from 1966 to 1968. She then moved to St. Rose of Lima School in New York City, where she worked from 1968 to 1974. From 1974 until 2025, Sister Mary Elizabeth dedicated herself to the children and families of the South Bronx at St. John Chrysostom School. She served as Teacher and Assistant Principal from 1974 to 1994 and then as the Principal until 2025, an extraordinary commitment of 51 years. In 1995, Sister Mary Elizabeth received the Law Enforcement Support Award from the New York Shields, and in 2014, the Midtown Hero Education Award sponsored by the Daily News. In 2018, Sister Mary received the Founders Award from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Sister Mary Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Mary Cosgrove Mooney. She is survived by her brothers, Thomas, Terence, and John and their families, as well as her beloved Dominican Sisters, Associates, friends, and colleagues.
Sister Mary Elizabeth leaves a legacy of educating, uniting, and empowering teachers, children, and parents during her 51 years of dedicated service. She served an inner-city population, promoting values of faith, hope, and love. Sister Mary Elizabeth was a living example of the power of the Dominican Pillars of Prayer, Community, Study, and Preaching, embracing the mission of the Dominican Sisters through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. Well done, good and faithful servant. May the road rise up to meet you, Sister Mary Elizabeth Mooney. Rest in peace in the hands of the God you loved and served so faithfully!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service: 10:00 am; Mass: 11:00 am