Sr. Evelyn O'Conner

Sister Evelyn O'Conner, CSJP, aka Sister Mary Colum, 81, died peacefully at St. Michael Villa Infirmary, Englewood Cliffs, on December 17,2014. She was born on July 22, 1933 in County Galway, Ireland, to Arthur G. O’Connor and Nellie Fox O’Connor. Sr. Evelyn entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace at St. Michael Villa Novitiate, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on July 2, 1956 and pronounced final vows there on August 22, 1961. An educator, Sr. Evelyn taught in several catholic grammar schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, prior to her assignment, in 1973, to the Harambee School, in Shikoti, Kenya, where she served for 5 years. Returning to the US, she attended Fordham University obtaining a Masters degree in Religious Education. She then served as pastoral minister in various NJ parishes, including St. Lawrence, Chester; and Star of the Sea Parish, Lake Hopatcong and in the Pastoral Care Dept. at Hackensack Medical Center. Sr. Evelyn retired to St. Michael Villa in 2006. Sr. Evelyn is survived by her brother, Martin in Ireland, Breege Wrenn in Ireland, sisters-in-law; Mary O’Connor and Margaret O’Connor, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Sr. Evelyn is pre-deceased by her brothers; Arthur, Joseph, Patrick and Colum and sisters; Mary Teresa and Claire O’Connor Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at St. Michael Villa, 399 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 9:30 AM in St. Michael Villa Chapel. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. Arrangements made by Angelo G. Mania Funeral Directors, Rutherford, NJ 201-939-1050. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Shalom Center, 399 Hudson Terrace, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.