SISTER JAMES PATRICK KAVANAGH. O.P., formerly Mary Cecelia Kavanagh, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 62 years, died on October 24, 2020 at Einstein Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y. Sister James Patrick was 81 years of age.
Sister James Patrick was born to James and Anna McKeon Kavanagh in the Bronx, New York and entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 7, 1958 from Holy Spirit Parish, Bronx, N.Y. She received the Dominican Habit on June 20, 1959, professed first vows on June 21, 1960, and final vows on July 5, 1966.
Sister held the BA in History from Dominican College, Orangeburg, N.Y. and the MA in Education from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut.
Sister James Patrick’s many years in ministry as an educator included Sacred Heart Academy, (1961-1966), and St. Theresa School, (1966-1969) both in Jamaica, West Indies; St. Margaret of Antioch, (1969-1972), Pearl River, N.Y; and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (1972-1981), Tappan, N.Y. Sister taught in the Bronx at Saints Philip and James, (1981-1982); St. Mary’s School (1982-1985); and St. Raymond School (2006-2009). Sister served as Principal of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, City Island, Bronx, N.Y. (1985-2004); and served as Assistant Superintendent for the Archdiocese of New York (2004-2006). Sister’s final ministry was with Catapult Learning at St. Brendan School, Bronx, N.Y. (2006-2018).
In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. James Patrick is survived by her sister, Ann Seckler, and her brother and sister-in-law, James and Teresa Kavanagh, along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Anna Kavanagh, and brother in-law, Arthur Seckler.
Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, N.Y.