Sister Nora McArt, OP, of Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York, died on September 20, 2013 at the Joe Raso Hospice Home, New City, NY. Born in New York City, on November 16, 1944, Nora Teresa was the daughter of William and Mary Daly McArt. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1963 and became known as Sister Eileen Daniel, professing her first vows in 1965 and her final vows in 1970.
Sister Nora earned a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, NY and an MS in Education from City College, NY. Sister Nora was an elementary school teacher and administrator serving in the Archdiocese of New York. She taught at St. John Chrysostom, Bronx, NY (1966-69) and served at St. Martin of Tours, Bronx, NY (1969–2006 as teacher; 2006-2011 as principal). Sister Nora was very involved in the life of St. Martin of Tours parish: she spent many hours outside of the classroom directing the Young People’s Choir; she was a member of the Parish Team and a Eucharistic Minister; she supervised the After School Enrichment program; and served on numerous parish committees. When St. Martin’s School closed, Sister Nora took up residence in the Motherhouse in Dominican Convent.
Sister Nora is predeceased by her parents William and Mary McArt of Dublin City and Limerick, Ireland and her sister Sheila Purvis, Pearl River, NY. She is survived by her sister Eileen Dudzinski (John) of Wilmington, DE; her brother-in-law Bud Purvis of Wilmington, NC; her niece Karen Brunswick (Rhett) of Centerport, NY; her nephews Buddy Purvis (Kathryn) of Nanuet, NY, Tom Purvis (Allison) of Charlotte, NC, Billy Purvis (Molly) of West Nyack, NY, John Dudzinski (Jonna) of Hockessin, DE; and grandnieces and grandnephews Jacob, Ellen and Jack Dudzinski and Peyton, Caitlin, Tommy and Matthew Purvis.
We will remember Nora for her commitment and dedication in the field of education. Her love of teaching for forty-four years has left an impact on the many students she has taught. She served her congregation faithfully for 50 years, and we know how much she enjoyed celebrating her Golden Jubilee this past May. What a happy time for her, her family and her friends. We are grateful for the time she spent among us. She was gift to us and now we commend her to the God she loved, and we ask the good Lord to give her peace among the company of the saints in heaven. Tribute to Sister Nora (New York TImes, 9-23-13…