Sr. Ellen McMahon, OP

Sister Ellen McMahon, OP (formerly Sister Mary James), a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 60 years, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the age of 78 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell, N.J.

On Monday, December 20, a wake and Mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 to 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will follow the Mass at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds. The Mass will also be live-streamed at https://livestream.com/accounts/2417728/events/10012140.

A woman of faith, Sister Ellen's love for the Dominican life was apparent to all who came to know her. A humble woman, she often noted that her vocation as a Dominican Sister was her greatest gift. She was known in the community as a welcoming person, a dedicated educator, a financial wizard and a sports enthusiast. Sister Ellen came from a loving, faith-filled and hospitable family whose doors were always open to visitors. She learned this from her parents, James and Dorothy (Friend) McMahon. Sister Ellen entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on September 8, 1961, received the habit on June 23, 1962, made first profession on June 29, 1963 and final profession on June 23, 1969.

Sister Ellen earned a bachelor's degree in Social Studies and Elementary Education from Caldwell College (now University) and a master's degree in School Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Sister was a gifted and dedicated teacher and principal who touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministries. Sister Ellen was a teacher at Our Lady of the Lake, Verona; St. Peter the Apostle, Parsippany; St. Virgil, Morris Plains and St. Theresa, Paterson. Sister served as principal at St. Catherine, Elizabeth; St. Aedan, Jersey City; and Notre Dame Interparochial School, Ridgefield/Palisades Park. She also served as principal and director of planning and development at St. Matthew, Ridgefield. Sister Ellen embraced the opportunity to work with senior citizens as the assistant resident manager at Marian Manor, Caldwell with the same energy and commitment that had marked her years in education. She also brought her warm, kind and gracious spirit to Catherine of Siena Convent and Healthcare Center where she served as receptionist.

We can honor Sister Ellen's memory by striving to manifest to others the Gospel message she lived so gently and lovingly, "to love God and our neighbors."

Sister Ellen was predeceased by her parents, James and Dorothy and her brother-in-law, John Tully.

She is survived by her siblings, James McMahon, Dorothy Smith (Matthew), Michael McMahon and Kathleen Tully; many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews; her friends; and loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.

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

Condolences may be left at proutfuneralhome.com.