Sr. Florence Dwyer, O.P., formerly Sr. Mary Purissima, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 75 years, died on December 27, 2018 at the Motherhouse. Sister Florence was 98 years of age.
Sister Florence was born to James Dwyer and Mary Rice Dwyer on October 19, 1920 in New York City. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 7, 1943 from Holy Name parish, NYC. Sr. Florence received the Dominican habit on August 25, 1944, professed her first vows on August 26, 1945, and her final vows on September 3, 1948.
Sister held the BA in Liberal Arts from Manhattan College, and the MS in Educational Speech from Fordham University.
Sister Florence’s many years in active ministry were devoted to education. Sister taught in the Bronx at St. Luke School (1946-1952), St. Anselm School (1952-1958), and St. Benedict School (1958-1965) and was Principal at Our Lady of the Assumption School, Bronx (1965-1970.) Sister served at Dominican College (1970-1977) as a member of the English Department and later (1977-1991) as Director of Evening Sessions. Upon retiring from Dominican College in 1991, Sr. Florence provided service to the congregation as a member of the staff of the Development Office, as receptionist and as a local community treasurer.
In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Florence is survived by her nieces, Patricia Petty and Teresa Coffin, and nephews, Robert and James Dwyer. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Mary, her brother, Jim and sisters, Elizabeth and Marie.
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS MAY ATTEND SERVICES AT:
St. Dominic’s Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York
Wake: Thursday January 3, 2019, 3PM-7PM.
Evening Prayer: 6:30 PM
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday January 4, 2019, 10:30 AM.
Burial: St. Dominic’s Cemetery immediately following Mass
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.