Sister Bartholomew Swayne OP, formerly Mary Catherine Swayne, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, N.Y., for the past 65 years, died on October 2, 2011 in St. Martin De Porres Infirmary, Blauvelt, NY. Sr. Bartholomew was 84 years of age.
Sr. Bartholomew was born to James M. Swayne and Mary Catherine Callahan Swayne on May 26, 1927 in New York City. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 12, 1946 from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Bronx, N.Y. Sister received the Dominican habit on September 2, 1947, pro fessed first vows on September 3, 1948, and final vows on September 5, 1951.
Sr. Bartholomew's many years of active ministry were devoted to the care of children and the terminally ill. Sister ministered in Astor Memorial Home, Rhinebeck, N.Y., 1949-1952 and St. Dominic's Home, 1952-1967 as a group mother.
She served the Congregation in the Priest's Dining Room, 1967-1974 and as Motherhouse Administrator, 1974-1983. Sister ministered in Calvary Hospital, Bronx, N.Y., 1983- 2000 as a nurses' aide and cancer care technician. Since 2000, Sister Bartholomew has ministered as Assistant Teacher in the Universal Pre-K and as Secretary at Tolentine Zeiser Community Life Center. In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Bartholomew is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers John and James Swayne.