Sister James David McDonough OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on August 25, 2022 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 95 years old.
Born in New York City on November 3, 1926, Kathleen Teresa was the daughter of James and Della Fahey McDonough. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1944 and received the name Sister James David. She professed her first vows in 1946 and final vows in 1951.
Sister James David received a BA in Liberal Arts from Manhattan College,1955 and an MS in School Administration from St. John University,1973. She studied the Spanish language at Catholic University in Puerto Rico and the Pontifical University, Bogota, Columbia.
Sister James David’s teaching and administrative ministry includes St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1946-1948); St. Paul School, Norwich, NY (1948-1949); St. Martin of Tours School, Bronx, NY (1949-1950); Holy Redeemer School, St. Louis, MO (1950-1951); St. Agnes Home & School (1951-1953 and 1968-1970 as principal); St. Edmund School, Brooklyn, NY (1953-1955); Mary Queen of Heaven School, Brooklyn, NY (1955-1966); Holy Family School, Hicksville, NY (1966-1967); St. Joseph School, Bronx, NY (1967-1968); and principal of St. Rose of Lima School, NY (1970-1977). From 1977 to 2003 Sister James David was the Coordinator of Non-Public Schools for the New York City Board of Education.
Sister James David is predeceased by her parents James and Della Fahey McDonough, her sister, Helen Schiela, her brother James and nephew Brendan Moyna. She is survived by her sister Irene Moyna, brother Paul, 18 beloved nieces and nephews, 44 grandnieces and grandnephews, Dominican Sisters and Associates.
Sister James David touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry of education, as teacher, principal and administrator. She bridged the gap as coordinator of Non-Public Schools accessing resources for Catholic elementary schools. She lived the Mission of the Dominican Sisters proclaiming the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for creation for 78 years. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done good and faithful servant, Sister James David McDonough. May God hold you in the palm of His hands!