Sister Mary Joyce OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on January 4, 2024 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent Sparkill NY. Sister was 93 years old and in her 70th year of religious life.
Born in New York City on December 21, 1930, Mary was the daughter of Thomas and Mary King Joyce. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1954 and received the name Sister Mary Dominica. She professed her first vows in 1956 and final vows in 1961.
Sister Mary received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1959, and an MS in Guidance from St. John University, NYC, 1963.
Sister Mary’s ministries include St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1954-1955); St. Anthony School, Nanuet, NY (1956-1960); Holy Family School, Hicksville, NY (1960-1964); St. Edmund High School, Brooklyn, NY (1964-1967); Guidance Counselor, Holy Trinity High School, Hicksville, NY (1967-1969); Guidance Counselor, Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY (1969-1971, 1998-1999); St. Columba School, Chester, NY (1971-1974);
St. Brendan School, Bronx, NY (1974-1980); St. Martin of Tours School, Bronx, NY (1980-1982); St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1982-1986); Teacher/parish work, Sacred Heart Parish, Monroe, NY (1986-1992); St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1992-1997, 1999-2003); Notre Dame Interparochial School, Springfield, FL(1997-1998); Coordinator, Spirit Alive, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY (2003-2007); Volunteer, Dominican Learning Center, Sparkill, New York (2007-2011); and Parish Volunteer, St. Anne Parish, Brooksville, FL (2011-2012).
Sister Mary is predeceased by her parents Thomas and Mary King Joyce, her brother Michael and sister Brenda Grennon. She is survived by her sister Patricia Begley, loving nieces, nephews, relatives, Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Mary made a difference as classroom teacher, guidance counselor, pastoral minister, and tutor. She will be remembered for her spirit, presence, and love of music which she shared so generously. Sister Mary lived the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, proclaiming the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all God’s creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Mary Joyce!
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Friday January 12, 2024
Wake: 9:15 AM; Prayer Service, 10:00 AM; Mass at 11:00 AM
You may view the Livestream link for Sister Mary’s funeral mass here.
Click here for Funeral Mass booklet.