Sister Mary Magdalen Fleming, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on November 5, 2023, in Montefiore/Nyack Hospital. Sister was 95 years old and in her 76th year of religious life.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 9, 1928, Mary Jean was the daughter of John and Margaret Riedy Fleming. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1948 and received the name Sister Mary Magdalen. She professed her first vows in 1950 and final vows in 1955.
Sister Mary Magdalen received her BA in Education from Webster College, St. Louis, MO, 1958; an MA in Theology, Providence College, Rhode Island, 1962; and Certification in Spiritual Direction and as a Director of Religious Education from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, 1977 and 1984.
Sister Mary Magdalen commenced her ministry at St. James the Greater School in St. Louis, MO (1950-1958); St. Anthony School, Nanuet, NY (1958-1965); principal, St. Paul School, Norwich, NY (1965-1969; Novice Director, Dominican Convent (1969-1970); Albertus Magnus HS (1970-1974); Director of Religious Education, Holy Family Parish, Staten Island, NY (1974-1985); Guidance Counselor, St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island (1985-1993); Child Care Specialist, Victims Services (1993-1998); Telemarketing, National Pastoral Life Center (1999-2004).
Sister Mary Magdalen is predeceased by her parents John and Margaret Riedy Fleming and siblings John, Edward, Margaret George, Thomas, and Rita Dunn. She is survived by her sisters Helen Liston, Jo-Ann Reber, and Catherine Bruno, along with nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Sister Mary Magdalen made a difference in the lives of children and adults in her teaching ministry, as teacher, principal, guidance counselor, in her pastoral care ministry as Director of Religious Education, and her outreach to battered and unwed women. She carried forth the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill to proclaim the word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Mary Magdalen, OP.
You may view the Livestream link for Sister Mary’s funeral mass here.