Sister Maeve O’Connor RSHM, previously known as Sister Brendan, died at Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, NY, Saturday, April 15, 2023. She was 90 years of age and had been a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 72 years.
She was born Bridget Maeve O’Connor in Irishtown, Co. Galway, Ireland, on March 4, 1933, to Michael and Mary Julia Treacy O’Connor.
She received a BA in History from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, and an MA in Education/Guidance from Hunter College in New York City. She earned CPE certification from the University of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.
Sr. Maeve entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary at the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, NY, on March 5, 1949, where two years later she made her first vows on February 12, 1951. She also made her final vows in Tarrytown on August 26, 1956.
Her first years of ministry were in education. She taught at St. Anne’s, Garden City, NY (1951-1954) and Gerard School, New York City (1954-1958). She taught at Marymount International School, Rome, Italy (1958-1965), Marymount School, Bougival, France (1965-1967), and Istituto Marymount, Rome, Italy (1967-1969 and 1997-1998). She was a guidance counselor and teacher at Marymount International School, Paris, France (1971-1972) and Marymount International School, London, England (1972-1979).
Sr. Maeve’s second phase of ministry began when she went to Sag Harbor, NY, where she served on the staff of Cormaria Retreat Center (1979-1982). After spending a year at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program, she joined the pastoral care department at St. Peter’s Medical Center, New Brunswick, NJ (1983-1991) and later was a chaplain at Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, NY (2001-2008).
She was the Coordinator of Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, NY (1991-1997). She was part of the parish outreach programs of St. Anne’s, Garden City, NY (1998-2001) and St. Catharine of Alexandria, Brooklyn, NY (2008-2014).
In 2014, Sr. Maeve retired to Marymount Convent, where she lived at the time of her death.
Sr. Maeve is predeceased by her parents and her brothers and sisters, James, Michael, Bernadette, Noel, Jarlath, Brendan, and Anne. She is survived by her sister, Sr. Edna O’Connor, RSHM, by her nieces and nephews, and by the members of her religious community.
Services at Marymount Convent, 32 Warren Avenue, Tarrytown, NY. Visiting Thursday, April 20, 4:00 – 7:00 pm, with Vigil Service 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, April 21, 10:30 am. Burial Mount Calvary Cemetery, White Plains.
We invite you to join us for the live-streamed Vigil Service and Mass on our website (www.rshm-east.org), where it will be archived.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name may be made to Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 50 Wilson Park Drive, Tarrytown, NY, 10591.
Deepest sympathy to Sr Edna on the death of your beloved sister Maeve. You and all the family, community and friends are in my thoughts as you mourn the loss of Maeve. It is a sad and lonely time for all, but you will be consoled by the many lovely memories you have had over the years and the God of all consolation whom Maeve served so well, will raise you up and give you the comfort and peace you need. You will all be specially remembered at Mass and in prayer.
Virginia SHM. Naomh Brid, Ferrybank
Was so sorry to hear of Maeve’s passing. She had such a beautiful spirit and made a great team member. She, Sr. Beth Molnar, Barbara Ortmann & I worked together at St. Peters. Sending prayers to Sr. Edna & family.