Lest We Forget
Sister Dorothy O'Donnell, CSJP (1921-2008)
This morning we gather to celebrate the life of Sr. Dorothy O’Donnell, a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace, a beloved aunt, cousin and friend.
Dorothy Marie was born in Philadelphia to Emma and Edmund O’Donnell. She described herself as “the middle child--born after my brother and before my sister.” As a young child she moved with her family to a small town called Churchtown. Dorothy attended St.JamesSchool in Penns Grove and fell in love with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Dorothy wrote: “My vocation was given to me during my years at school; the seed was sown, and it grew, and was nurtured by these saintly, dedicated Sisters.”
In 1941 Dorothy entered the congregation. During her many years of active ministry, Dorothy served in numerous ways. Her first assignment was to St. Joseph’s Home in Englewood Cliffs, and then it was on to St. Joseph Home and School in Jersey City. She spent time at the Magazine Office as Correspondence Minister. In 1949 the call came from the Congregation for volunteers to go to the Philippine Islands. Dorothy responded and spent eleven years there. She once said that it would take a book to recount her experiences. Upon her return to New Jersey, she served at EnglewoodCliffsCollege, Villa Marie Claire, St. Joseph’s Home for the Blind, and St. Mary’s in Salem. In 1983 Dorothy headed to Florida where she was an active participant at Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park, until ill health caused her to return to St. Michael Villa in 2005.
For those of us who knew Dorothy, we know what an extraordinary woman she was. She had a smile for everyone and a complaint never crossed her lips. She was a woman of deep gratitude and never tired of thanking God for His abundant gifts. Many years ago Dorothy chose as her motto: “Serve the Lord with Joy.” That she has done, and done well. On the occasion of her 60th Jubilee she wrote: “I have earnestly tried to live that motto for 60 years, and will continue until my last day on planet earth, and on for eternity.” Today there is great joy in heaven because Dorothy is there, but we can be grateful that our lives have been blessed by this holy and joyful woman.
Maureen Collins, CSJP
September 4, 2008