In Memoriam - Sister Mechtilde Doherty, OP

Sr. Mechtilde Doherty, OP, a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for 71 years, died peacefully on September 10, 2026, in the St. Martin de Porres Community. She was 89 years of age.

Born Marie Doherty in the Bronx on March 13, 1937, she was the daughter of Leo and Margaret Rice Doherty. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic from St. Pius V Parish in the 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. Mechtilde earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dominican College and a Master of Science in Education from Fordham University. She devoted her life to the ministry of education, teaching at St. Catharine’s School in Blauvelt from 1960 to 1969 and Our Saviour School in the Bronx from 1969 to 1972. She then spent 42 years at Saints Philip and James School and Parish, from 1972 to 2014, where she taught second grade and directed the CCD program. Generations of children and families knew her kindness, patience, and joyful love of faith. In 1994, she was nominated for the Archdiocese of New York’s Elizabeth Ann Seton Compassionate Educator Award in recognition of her reverent concern for students, her ability to recognize the potential in each child, and her daily incorporation of Catholic values.

Following her retirement from teaching, Sr. Mechtilde returned to St. Dominic’s Convent in Blauvelt, where she served as Housekeeping Supervisor. She took great pride in making the convent a welcoming home for Sisters, staff, and guests, expressing her generous spirit through the many thoughtful details of her daily care.

Sr. Mechtilde was devoted to her family, her Dominican community, and her many friends. She was known for her warm smile and generous, joyful spirit. She especially enjoyed the Fall Festival, happily saving and gathering items throughout the year, and treasured her annual trips to Chicago to visit her sister.

For 71 years, Sr. Mechtilde faithfully lived her Dominican vocation through prayer, service, teaching, hospitality, and love. We give thanks for the gift of her life and for the many people she touched. May she now rejoice in the fullness of God’s love, welcomed home to the peace of Christ.

In addition to her religious family, Sr. Mechtilde is survived by her sisters, Sr. Bernadette Marie Doherty, OP, and Kathleen Fitzsimmons, and her many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Margaret Doherty, her brother, Patrick Doherty, and her sisters Ann Mangan and Bernadette Schwartz.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at:

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

WAKE:  Wednesday, September 16, 9:30 am – 11:00 am

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:00am

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.