In Memoriam - Sister Joseph Mary Mahoney, OP

Sr. Joseph Mary Mahoney, OP (formerly Sr. Joan Mahoney), a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for 71 years, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in the St. Martin de Porres Community. She was 88 years of age.

Born in the Bronx, New York, to Cornelius and Mary Neenan Mahoney on September 29, 1937, Sr. Joseph Mary entered the Sisters of St. Dominic from St. Pius Parish, Bronx, on September 11, 1955. She received the Dominican Habit on June 16, 1956, professed her first vows on June 18, 1957, and made her final profession on July 2, 1963.

Sr. Joseph Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dominican College and a Master of Science in Education from Fordham University. Her early years in ministry were devoted to the education of youth, where she served as both teacher and principal. She ministered in the following schools: St. Luke School, Bronx, NY (1959–1961); Transfiguration School, Collingswood, NJ (1963–1965); St. Martin de Porres School, Poughkeepsie, NY (1965–1970); and St. Dominic’s School, Blauvelt, NY (1970–1971), where she later served as principal from 1971 to 1977.

In 1977, Sr. Joseph Mary began her transformative ministry at St. Dominic’s Home in Blauvelt as Assistant Administrator, becoming Executive Director in 1978—a role she held with vision and dedication until 2005. Under her leadership, St. Dominic’s Home evolved from a traditional orphanage into a dynamic, comprehensive nonprofit organization. Today, it provides a wide range of services, including foster care and prevention programs, children’s care coordination, developmental disabilities services, community-based mental health programs, and therapeutic education and support for children, adults, and families. Through her leadership, the organization became a place of hope and healing for thousands, especially those most vulnerable and underserved.

In 2005, Sr. Joseph Mary became President of Friends of St. Dominic’s, the organization’s fundraising arm, continuing her commitment to its mission until her retirement from active ministry in 2013 due to declining health.

Deeply committed to the broader community, Sr. Joseph Mary was actively involved in numerous organizations throughout Rockland County and beyond. Her service included the Rockland County Advisory Council, Family Court Advisory Board, Catholic Charities Directors of Child Care Agencies, the New York State Association of Human Services, the Board of Directors of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, and as Vice-Chairperson of the Rockland County Community Services Board.

A visionary leader, Sr. Joseph Mary developed innovative programs that expanded care for those in need, including treatment programs, community residences, prevention services, and group homes for children, adolescents, and young adults facing emotional, developmental, and mental health challenges.

Her lifelong dedication was recognized through numerous honors, including the New York State Assembly Outstanding Service to Youth Award, the Myrtle Wreath Award for Service to Youth, the Dominican College Veritas Medal, the FAMILYA Florence Gould Gross Award, the Joseph R. Bernstein Award from the Mental Health Association, and multiple certificates of recognition and distinguished service from civic and governmental organizations. She was also named in Who’s Who in Religion and received the Venture “Friend of the Handicapped” Award. Sr. Joseph Mary’s remarkable ministry and leadership were featured in publications such as the Rockland Journal News, Women’s News, and Network Connection, highlighting her enduring impact, perseverance, and compassion.

Sr. Joseph Mary will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to justice, her compassionate care for those most in need, and her visionary leadership that transformed countless lives. Her legacy continues in the thriving ministries she helped build and the many lives she touched.

In addition to her religious family, Sister Joseph Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Mahoney; her niece, JoAnn Mahoney; her nephews, Neil (Rachel), Kevin (Emily), Ryan (Anne), and Brian Mahoney; as well as many beloved cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius and Mary Mahoney, and her twin brother, Neil.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at:

ST. DOMINIC’S CONVENT, 496 WESTERN HIGHWAY, BLAUVELT, NY 10913

WAKE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

EVENING PRAYER: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026, 6:00pm

Click here for Evening Prayer Livestream.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026, 10:30am

BURIAL: ST. DOMINIC’S CONVENT CEMETERY, immediately following Mass.

Click here for Mass of Christian Burial Livestream. Please note: The Funeral Mass link is available for live viewing only and will not be accessible after Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt. www.opblauvelt.org/giving

Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, NY.