Sr. Mary Thomas Aussem, O.P.

Sr. Mary Thomas Aussem OP, 90, died on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell, NJ. Sr. Mary Thomas was a woman of joy and simplicity of life who served her God and Congregation faithfully for 70 years as a Dominican Sister of Caldwell.

A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine of Siena Convent Chapel, 7 Ryerson Avenue, (Mt. St. Dominic) Caldwell on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30am. Visiting will be in St. Catherine of Siena Convent on Tuesday, May 7 from 2 to 7pm. Office for the Dead will be prayed on Tuesday at 4pm in St. Catherine of Siena Convent Chapel.

Born in Passaic, NJ, Sr. Mary Thomas first knew of God's love for her from her parents, Joseph and Catherine. Sister entered the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell on September 8, 1949, received the Dominican habit on April 13, 1950, made first profession on April 14, 1951 and final profession on April 14, 1957.

Sr. Mary Thomas attended Caldwell College (Caldwell University) and for the first twelve years of her ministry taught elementary school at St. Catherine, Elizabeth, St. Joseph, Union City and St. Aedan, Jersey City. Experienced in secretarial skills, Sr. Mary Thomas spent the next three decades in direct service to the community as the secretary for the Congregation's Major Superiors. Sr. Mary Thomas also served as a receptionist and administrative assistant at Siena Village, Wayne, NJ for sixteen years.

When it was time to retire, Sr. Mary Thomas, continued her ministry at St. Catherine Convent and Healthcare Center visiting and praying with the sisters, driving them to doctor's appointments or taking them on scenic drives.

Sr. Mary Thomas's sincere interest in each person lifted many spirits over many years of faithful service to the people of God.

Sr. Mary Thomas was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Catherine and her siblings, Muriel, Joan, Joseph and Stewart. Sister is survived by her loving Sisters of St. Dominic, her nephew, Tom Aussem and sister-in-law, Mary Aussem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of St. Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated.