Sister Sheila Marie O’Regan, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on July 30, 2021 in Montefiore Nyack Hospital, Nyack, New York. She was 87 years old.
Born in the Bronx on June 30, 1934, Mary was the daughter of Charles and Mary Catherine McCaffrey O’Regan. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1953 and received the name Sister Sheila Marie. She professed first vows in 1955 and final vows in 1960.
Sister Sheila Marie received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1958; and an MLS (Library Science) from St. John University, NY, 1971. She received certification in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, 1984.
Sister Sheila Marie began her teaching ministry at St. Martin of Tours, Bronx, NY (1955-1958 and 1966-1969); St. James, Carmel, NY (1958-1961); Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middletown, NY (1961-1966); Holy Family, Hicksville, NY (1969-1981); St. Edmund, Brooklyn, NY, Assistant Principal (1981-1984); St. Benedict, Bronx, NY (1984-1989), and served as Librarian at St. Catharine Academy (1989-2001) and at Cardinal Hayes HS (2001-2004).
Sister Sheila Marie is predeceased by her parents Charles and Mary Catherine McCaffrey and her brother Charles. She is survived by her brother Timothy and his wife Claire and nephews Timothy; Tom (Jeanne) and niece Cathy (Ross) Bingham.
Sister Sheila was a woman who made a difference in the lives of so many—students, parents, and colleagues— as teacher and administrator. She lived the Dominican Sisters’ mission of ministry for justice and reverence for all creation in her ministry. We thank God for her life in community and pray that she will enjoy the fullness of God’s presence. Her Dominican Sisters, Associates, family, and countless students will miss her presence. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant, Sister Sheila Marie O’Regan.