Sister Mary Louise Bloomingdale RSHM, previously known as Sister Ricardo, died peacefully at Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, NY, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She was 89 years of age and had been a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 70 years.
She was born Mary Louise Bloomingdale on November 23, 1935, in Bronxville, NY, to Richard F. and Mary E. Tulip Bloomingdale.
She received a BA in History and English from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, and an MST in Scripture and Theology from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN.
A graduate of Sacred Heart of Mary Academy, Marmion Avenue, Bronx, NY, she entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary on September 8, 1953, at the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, NY. She made her first vows on April 10, 1955, in Tarrytown, where she later made her final vows on August 28, 1960.
After making her first vows, Sr. Mary Louise was assigned to the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Park Terrace, Manhattan, NY, where she taught for two years (1955-1957).
She returned to Tarrytown to complete her studies in History and English, before moving to St. Mary’s College, South Bend, IN, where she earned an MST in Scripture and Theology (1957-1964).
Returning to her original ministry in education, Sr. Mary Louise taught at Mother Butler Memorial High School, Bronx, NY (1964-1966). She was principal of St. John’s School, McLean, VA (1966-1972) and taught at St. Anne’s School, Garden City, NY (1972-1982).
She served for ten years at Marymount School, Richmond, VA, first as a teacher (1983-1989) and then as maintenance supervisor (1989-1993). Her next ministry was at Marymount University, Arlington, VA, where she served as the sacristan and worked in the archives (1994-2001).
Sr. Mary Louise continued her ministry in education in France as a member of the staff at Marymount International School Paris (2001-2006). She also served as a member of the staff at Cormaria Retreat House, Sag Harbor, NY (2006-2010).
She moved to Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, New York in 2010. She was appointed archivist of the Eastern American Province and served in this position for several years. She was living at Marymount Convent at the time of her death. Sister Mary Louise is predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Richard Bloomingdale and John Fredrick Bloomingdale. She is survived by her sister Ann Bloomingdale Toohey; her sister-in-law Joanne Bloomingdale; her nieces and nephews, Jennifer Toohey Chisholm, Carolyn Toohey Gullion, Norma Bloomingdale, and John Bloomingdale; and by the members of her religious community.
Services are at Marymount Convent, 32 Warren Avenue, Tarrytown, NY. Visiting is on Thursday, July 17, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm with the Vigil Service scheduled at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial is on Friday, July 18, at 10:30 am. Burial is at Mount Calvary Cemetery, White Plains.
We invite you to join us for the Vigil Service and Mass at Marymount Convent or by livestream on our website (www.rshm-east.org), where they 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.
Thanks, Kathy,
Wasn’t Anne in our year? I remember Ricardo as tall and Anne as short but then I don’t remember what I had for breakfast!
Hope this finds you well!
Margaret Keaveney
Mother Ricardo was a lovely woman and an excellent teacher. I really enjoyed her. She had a calm demeanor which made students feel very comfortable. She was a true saint
I was just thinking about the “good” old days recently.
Mother Ricardo was a beautiful person. I had her for several classes. She was my favorite teacher.
I’ll keep her my prayers, as well as Anne and the rest of her family.
This heartfelt obituary beautifully captures the life and legacy of Sister Mary Louise. The detailed account of her ministries and the warm tributes from fellow community members make it a touching read. A truly inspiring remembrance.earth zoom out