Obituaries

Celebrate with us the lives of our Sisters, who have gone before us and have answered God’s call in her own unique way. If you are having trouble finding the obituary of one of our Sisters, please email info@oppeace.org for assistance.

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Dominican Sister of Peace Blaise Flynn, OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Blaise (Kathleen) Flynn, OP (78), a native of Rochester, New York, died on September 14, 2023, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, Kentucky.

Blaise was born to Margaret McCullough and William J. Flynn on May 12, 1945. A Dominican for 57 years, she entered the congregation in 1964 and made Profession in 1966.

Sr. Blaise earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art/Theology from Siena College (Memphis, TN) and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Fordham University (Bronx, NY).

She ministered as a teacher, Head of the Religion Department, and Regional Coordinator of the Western Region for three years for the former Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine, St. Catharine, KY. Sister devoted many years to the cause dearest to her heart – ending homelessness.

For more than 20 years, she served as Administrator of Programs for Women and Children, and then as Case Manager at Pine Street Inn in Boston, MA. Pine Street Inn is the largest resource for homeless men and women in the New England area.

In her ministries and personal life, she was a gatherer of people.

In her preaching at the funeral, Sr. Joye Gros, OP, said: “Blaise was a master of the art of Visitation. In her many ministries, her desire was to call forth the best in people and help others see the life that was within them.”

Sr. Blaise is survived by three sisters: Jean Flynn (Illinois), Margaret Flynn Myers (New York), Carole Korupp (North Carolina) and three brothers: Richard Flynn (New York), James Flynn (New York), and Thomas Flynn (Pennsylvania) and several nieces and nephews.

A cremains visitation took place on Wednesday, September 20, at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel. The funeral followed on Thursday, September 21, at Sansbury Care Center Chapel. Burial is in the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Blaise’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.  

To print this obituary, click here.

Posted in News, Obituaries

Dominican Sister of Peace Mauryeen O’Brien, OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Mauryeen O’Brien, OP, (92), of Flushing, NY, died at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH, on August 22, 2023.

Sr. Mauryeen was born to Aline Kehoe and Leo O’Brien in 1930. In 1949, she made her Profession as a Dominican Sister and has spent the last 74 years serving God’s people.

Sr. Mauryeen earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio Dominican University and a Master of Arts in English from Notre Dame University. 

She served in Divorce and Bereavement Ministries for over 30 years, was a retreat director, teacher, and administrator in schools in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, and was a published author. She also journeyed as a companion with Sisters entering the Congregation.

Her work with the bereaved will live on through the five books she wrote on dealing with grief and loss and through the “New Day Program,” which is used nationally.

Sr. Mauryreen was beloved at Albertus Magnus College where she served on the Board of Trustees for many years. In 2015, she was awarded an honorary doctorate. 

In her preaching at the funeral Sr. Anne Kilbride, said, “In all her ministries, she relied on God’s grace as she helped others find their peace. She did this with a listening ear, speaking with kindness and gentleness even when it was difficult, recognizing these gifts were from her loving God.” 

She was preceded in death by her parents Leo O’Brien and Aline Kehoe O’Brien, and her brothers Brian O’Brien and Eugene O’Brien, S.J.

A vigil of remembrance was held on September 5, 2023, at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel, Columbus, OH. 

The funeral liturgy was held at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel on September 6, 2023, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery by Egan-Ryan Funeral Home.  

Memorial gifts in Sr. Mauryeen’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.  

To print this obituary, click here.

Posted in Obituaries

Dominican Sister of Peace Margaret Scullin, OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Margaret Scullin, OP, (97), born in Philadelphia, PA, died on July 28, 2023, at Mount Carmel East Hospital, Columbus, OH.

Margaret was born to Hugh and Margaret McKenna Scullin. She entered the Congregation in 1951 and has been a professed religious Sister for 69 years.

Sr. Margaret earned a Bachelor of Arts in in English from Rosemont College and Villanova University in PA, where she immersed herself in a wide range of courses from Biblical Foundations to Assertiveness Training for Women.

She served in various retreat ministries in NY, OH and PA for many years. Later, she transitioned to residence ministry at the Lucy Eaton Smith Residence, a place of affordable and safe housing for women in inner city Philidelphia.  

Sisters who were lucky enough to minister alongside of Sr. Margaret noted that, “her joyful, enthusiastic personality was especially suited for making visitors feel welcome and comfortable in any setting.” When she assisted in the closing of the Lucy Eaton Smith house, Margaret said, “When I die, they are going to have to go around and pick up my heart as it is in little pieces in all of these places.”   

In a reflection at her funeral, Sr. Carol Gaeke said, “A piece her heart is still alive in all of the places she ministered, and I think a piece of her heart also beats in each of us whom she loved.” 

Sister Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Margaret, her brothers, Hugh and John Scullin, and her sisters, Therese Scullin, and Marie Mallon.

A vigil of remembrance was held on August 9, 2023, at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel, Columbus, OH. 

The funeral liturgy was held at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse Chapel on August 10, 2023, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery by Egan-Ryan Funeral Home.  

Memorial gifts in Sr. Margaret Scullin’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.  

To print this obituary, click here.

Posted in Obituaries

Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Brennan, OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Brennan, (81) of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn on July 6, 2023. 

Mary was born to Patrick and Mary (Buckley) Brennan in 1935. She entered the Dominican Sisters of Peace at the St. Catharine Motherhouse in Springfield, KY, in 1958, and made final profession in 1960.

Sr. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Spanish from Siena College, a Master of Arts  in Reading and Elementary Education, a Master of Science S in Administration, and a Master of Art in Theology.

Sr. Mary made caring for her community and society her life’s work, ministering as a teacher in Illinois, Nebraska, and New York and then worked as an Administrative Assistant and an accounting clerk. Mary then joined the Congregational Finance Office in St. Catharine, KY, where she had a deep appreciation for the land and its legacy. Her final ministry was spent serving the elderly, poor and marginalized in Brooklyn, NY, as a Social Service Case Manager for Catholic Charities and as a Social Work Supervisor for the homebound elderly. 

In an interview, Sr Mary once said, “Knowing the impact that we, as religious, have had on social justice issues encourages me to continue to work for causes that are important to society.” 

In her preaching at the funeral, Sr. Lois McGovern said: “What you see is what you get. And you may or may not always be prepared for it. But that was the kind of friend she was. A person of few words…and what you got was something special.” 

Mary Brennan was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Mary and by her sister, Patricia Buhse. She is survived by her beloved nephews, John, Kevin and Phillip Buhse, her Godmother and cousin Kathleen Brady, many cousins and friends, and her Community at St. Catharine and the Dominican Sisters of Peace. 

The Funeral Mass and internment took place at the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse in St. Catharine, KY, on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20, 10:30 am.

A special memorial service will be held for her many local family and friends at the office of Catholic Charities in Brooklyn. She will be remembered especially there for her loving kindness, and the impact she made on the many that she served.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Mary Brennan’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

To download a printable copy of this memorial, click here.

Posted in News, Obituaries

Dominican Sister of Peace Eleanor Fabrizi, OP 

Dominican Sister of Peace Eleanor Fabrizi, 91, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, died July 5, 2023, at the Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, KY.

Eleanor was born to Margaret (Mullaney) and Patrick Fabrizi. She entered the community in 1950 and took her Final Vows in 1955. She was 71 years professed.

Sr. Eleanor earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Social Studies from Siena College and a Master of Supervision and Administration in Education from State College in Lowell, MA.

She excelled in her ministries as a teacher, principal, and a librarian in Massachusetts and New York. Sister went on to serve as Coordinator at Rosary Manor. Like our founder, St. Dominic, she was an attentive listener that made all feel valued and understood. 

In her preaching, Sr. Juanita Carrigan spoke about Eleanor’s great love for Pope Francis. She admired his writing, his abundant joy, and his gracious way with people from all walks of life. Like the Pope she admired, Eleanor was a model of joy to members of her community, who will remember her for her fun-loving spirit. She recognized when a smile was needed and did what she could to share joy with her sisters. 

Sr. Eleanor is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

A Vigil of Remembrance Service and wake was held on July 12. Her Funeral Mass took place on July 13 at Sansbury Chapel. Burial followed at St. Catharine Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts in Sister’s name memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

Memorial gifts in Sr. Eleanor’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

To download a printable copy of this memorial, click here.

 

 

Posted in Obituaries