Sr. Mary Teresa Cahalin, O.P., formerly Sr. Mary Fidelia, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 70 years, died on February 26, 2018, in St. Martin De Porres Community. Sister Mary was 89 years of age.
Sister Mary was born to Peter Cahalin and Bridget Conroy Cahalin on November 12, 1928, in Lexington, Massachusetts. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on January 6, 1949, from the parish of St. Pius, Bronx, New York. Sr. Mary received the Dominican habit on September 8, 1949, professed her first vows on September 9, 1950, and her final vows on September 9, 1953.
Sister held the B.S. in Education from Dominican College, Blauvelt, New York.
Sister Mary’s many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth. Sister Mary ministered in St. Dominic Convent and St. Dominic Home 1951-1954. Sister taught in the following schools: Holy Cross, NYC, 1954-1963; St. Benedict’s, Bronx, 1963-1964; St. Martin de Porres, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1964-1969; Holy Spirit, Bronx, 1969-1976, and Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx 1976-79. She was also the principal at Ss. Philip and James School, Bronx, 1979-1987. She served her congregation as Secretary General 1987-1993 and was Administrative Secretary at St. Dominic’s Home, Blauvelt, 1993-2002. Due to failing health, Sister Mary retired in 2002, from then until death, her ministry was that of prayer.
In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Mary is survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Cahalin of Zephyrhills, FL, her nephew Michael Cahalin of Eastchester, New York, and many other cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Peter and Bridget, and brothers Patrick, Peter, and Jack.