Sister Maurice Doody, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on September 25, 2022 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 86 years old.
Born in Bronx, NY, on June 12, 1936, Mary Theresa was the daughter of Maurice and Nora Collins Doody. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1954 and received the name Sister Maurice. She professed her first vows in 1956 and final vows in 1961.
Sister Maurice received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1959; and an MS in Reading from Manhattan College, 1973.
Sister Maurice began her ministry at St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1956-1958); St. Theresa School, Bronx, NY (1958-1959); Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Richmond Hill, NY (1959-1966); SS Peter & Paul School, Easton, MD (1966-1969); and St. Teresa School, Woodside, NY as teacher/principal (1969-1975). From 1975 to 2013, Sister Maurice served as Director of the Office of New Directions, a ministry dedicated to providing education and assistance on alcoholism and chemical dependency to religious communities. For more than 38 years she provided counseling and support services and facilitated retreat programs across the country. Sister Maurice was a highly esteemed, distinguished lecturer and motivational speaker for people in recovery. In 2006, Sister Maurice received the Sister Ignatia Gavin Award by NCCA for her dedication and commitment to this healing ministry.
Sister Maurice is predeceased by her parents Maurice and Nora Collins Doody. She is survived by Sister Nora Doody, OP, her sister and cousins in Ireland.
Sister Maurice Doody touched the lives of countless children in her teaching ministry. As founder of New Directions, she brought healing and empowerment to many in overcoming addiction and restoring them to new life in her spiritual retreat program. Sister Maurice was committed to the mission of the Dominican Sisters for 68 years where she proclaimed the Word of God through her ministry of justice. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Maurice Doody. May you be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence and May the Road Rise Up to Meet You.