Sister Rosemary Kelly, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on August 29, 2025, in Nyack Montefiore Hospital. She was 94 years of age and had served faithfully for 76 years as a Dominican Sister.
Born in New York City on March 19, 1931, Rosemary was the daughter of Thomas and Della Lloyd Kelly. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1949, and received the name Sister Paul Thomas. She professed her first vows in 1951 and final vows in 1956.
Sister Rosemary received her BA in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1958 and an MA in History from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, in 1977.
Sister Rosemary began her ministry at St. Ignatius Day Nursery, NYC (1951-1953); St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1953-1956); St. Rose of Lima School, NY (1956-1962); St. Pius X School, Scarsdale, NY (1962-1963); Thorpe Secretarial School, NYC (1963-1967); Principal, Holy Family, Fulton, NY (1967-1971); Principal, St. Mary, Fulton, NY (1970-1971); and St. Helena Commercial HS, Bronx, NY (1971-1987) where she served as chairperson of the Business Department. From 1987 to 1988, Sister Rosemary participated in the Career Options Program, sponsored by the Archdiocese of New York. She shared her experience in pastoral care as the Director of Intermediate Care for the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill from 1988 to 2013.
Sister Rosemary was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Della Lloyd Kelly, and her brother Thomas and his wife, Barbara. She is survived by her nieces, Cathy Barbara, Colleen, and her nephews, Thomas and Kevin, as well as her grandnieces, grandnephews, and Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Rosemary Kelly was a woman who made a difference as a teacher, administrator, and in her ministry to her Sisters in Dominican Convent. Her joyful presence enriched the lives of everyone she met. Sister Rosemary proclaimed the Word of God through her ministry of presence and commitment to the Congregation’s goal of peace, justice, and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Rosemary Kelly, OP. May you rest in peace!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, September 4, 2025
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service 10:00 am
Click here for the Livestream link.
Mass at 11:00 am
Click here for the Livestream link.