Sister Julia O’Brien O.P., formerly Maureen O’Brien, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for the past 64 years, died on February 11, 2020 in St. Martin de Porres Community at the Motherhouse in Blauvelt. She was 82 years of age.
Sister Julia was born to John O’Brien and Julia Sutton on June 16, 1937 in the Bronx. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 11, 1955 from St. Benedict’s Parish, Bronx, N.Y. She received the Dominican habit on June 16, 1956, professed her first vows on June 17, 1957, and final vows on July 2, 1963.
Sister received the B.S. in Education from Dominican College, Orangeburg, N.Y., an M.A. in Social Studies from Hunter College, N.Y.C., and an MSW in Clinical Social Work from New York University in N.Y.C.
Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the care and education of youth. Sister Julia’s ministries included: St. Anselm’s School, Bronx, N.Y., (1957-1959); Holy Spirit School, Bronx, N.Y., (1959-1965). St. Dominic’s Home, Blauvelt, N.Y., cottage mother, (1969-1975); child guidance worker (1979-1988); Dominican College, Blauvelt N.Y. campus minister (1979-1986); and New Hope Manor Garrison, N.Y., teacher/counselor, (1975-1978). Sister Julia served the Congregation as Motherhouse Administrator, (1988-1993); Councilor on the Leadership Team, (1993-1998); and Administrator of the Sisters’ Infirmary, (1998-2001). Sister served as guidance counselor at St. Pius High School, Bronx, N.Y(2001-2011). She retired in 2011 and was active in prayer ministry until her death.
In addition to her religious congregation, Sister Julia is survived by her brothers Neil and Michael O’Brien and her sisters Peggy Buratowski, JoAnn Major, and Judy Doherty, as well as, several nieces and nephews. Sister was predeceased by her parents, John and Julia Sutton and her brothers John, Donald and William O’Brien.
WAKE: Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 4 -7:30 p.m.
EVENING PRAYER: Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
BURIAL: St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery
Arrangements have been made by Hannenmann Funeral Service, Nyack, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, N.Y.