Sr. Mary Ann O’Connor OP Obituary (1931 - 2022)

Sister Mary Ann O'Connor, OP, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 74 years, entered into eternal life on November 4, 2022 at home in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, at the age of 91. On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, a wake and funeral mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 - 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds in Caldwell. Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 30, 1948, received the habit on April 21, 1949, made first profession on April 22, 1950 and final profession on April 22, 1956. She was a woman of faith and compassion, which she learned from her parents, Walter and Antoinette O'Connor. Sister Mary Ann earned a BA from Caldwell University in Music and a MM in Music Education from Catholic University of America. She also completed a Private Voice Study with Louise Natale and attended numerous liturgical conferences at Notre Dame University. Sister spent 53 years teaching music to students of all ages. She taught at St. John the Baptist, Jersey City; St. Paul, Irvington; Mt. St. Dominic Grade School and High School, Caldwell; and St. Dominic Academy, Jersey City. Sister Mary Ann was fondly remembered as an Associate Professor of Music and Department Chair at Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), where she often produced Disney-themed performances which delighted children of all ages. She directed the Children and Adult Choirs in Our Lady of Peace, New Providence. Her final 25 years in ministry were spent at St. Catharine Parish in Spring Lake, teaching and serving as Director of Parish Music Ministry, working with the Children and Adult Choirs. Sister Mary Ann retired in 2013. She led a beautiful life filled with faith, family and friends. She will be remembered for her sparkling blue eyes, lovely singing voice, ready smile, laughter at a good joke and her patience, kindness and generosity. Sister Mary Ann lived her life by the prayer of Saint Francis, as an instrument of peace. Sister brought love, faith, hope, light and joy to all who knew her. She will be missed, but her angelic voice and fond memories remain. Sister Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Antoinette (nee Cossolini), her brother, John and sister, Joan. She is survived by her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 12 at 10:30 am in Saint Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, New Jersey. Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.