Sister Mary Jo Lynch, OP, formerly Sister M. Alan, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic for 71 years, entered eternal life on January 12, 2025. Sister Mary Jo was born in the Bronx, NY to Martin and Mary Haugh Lynch on June 28, 1934. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on September 10, 1953 from St. Thomas Aquinas, Bronx, NY and professed her first vows on July 6, 1955.
Sister Mary Jo Lynch leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, love, and dedication to education. For over six decades, she nurtured countless students, colleagues, and friends with her warmth, wisdom, and passion for service, all while carrying her calling with grace and strength. Her impact was felt far and wide, particularly in the realm of education, where she devoted her life to guiding and nurturing those around her.
Sister Mary Jo's educational journey began at Dominican College where she earned both her AAS and BS in Education in 1960. In 1969, she earned an MA in Business Education from New York University. These accomplishments were the beginning of her extraordinary career that touched the lives of many in the Catholic educational system.
Her teaching career began at Holy Cross Convent from 1957 to 1960, followed by positions at St. Anselm School (1960-1963), St. Anthony Convent (1963-1966), and St. Pius V High School (1966-1972). However, it was at St. Pius V High School that she truly became an educational icon. Sister Mary Jo began teaching there in 1966, and in 1972, she was appointed Principal. Her tenure as principal was marked by a remarkable transformation of the school, which, under her leadership, became known for its academic excellence, commitment to faith, and nurturing environment.
In 1989, when St. Pius V High School was slated for closure due to financial difficulties, Sister Mary Jo Lynch’s unwavering perseverance and leadership became the driving force behind its survival. Taking extraordinary measures, she personally met with Archbishop John Cardinal O'Connor and rallied support from prominent figures to secure the school’s future. Through her tireless appeals to the corporate community, Sister Mary Jo secured crucial funding to keep the school open. Sister Mary Jo was also approached by a group of Manhattan-based corporate executive women to form the St. Pius Committee. This collaboration later led to the creation of a Board of Directors in 1996, which successfully managed fundraising and renovation efforts that brought the school into the 21st century. Her leadership not only saved St. Pius V but allowed it to flourish, offering generations of students a strong academic and spiritual foundation. Her legacy as a champion for the school’s survival is deeply etched in the hearts of all who walked its halls, and her efforts ensured that the mission of faith-based education continued to impact students long after the school’s closure in 2011.
In 1997, Sister Mary Jo Lynch was honored with the prestigious Excelsior Award, recognizing individuals who embody the words of President Calvin Coolidge: "No person was ever honored for what she received. Honor has been the reward for what she gave." Her integrity, passion, and compassion defined her life’s work, rooted in her belief in the dignity of each person. As both a teacher and administrator, Sister Mary Jo gave everything to those she educated, dedicating herself to their growth and well-being. Her dedication to the pursuit of truth, and the love, care, and concern she offered to all whom she served, made her a deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition.
After an illustrious career as an educator, Sister Mary Jo continued her service to her Dominican community as the Congregation’s Secretary General from 2011 to 2017. Even in her later years, she remained deeply engaged in convent life, serving as one of the Congregational Sacristants and delivering the mail with the same radiant smile and heartfelt care that had always defined her.
Sister Mary Jo’s life was a powerful reflection of her deep faith and her tireless commitment to others. Her devotion to the mission of the Dominican Order and her passionate advocacy for Catholic education will forever be remembered. Her work touched the lives of so many – students, teachers, and the wider community – and her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In addition to her religious family Sister Mary Jo is survived by her brother Martin Kieran Lynch and his wife Catherine, her nieces and nephews, Maryann and Thomas O’Donnell, Carol Kiehn Kirkey, Catherine and Adam Ross, Martin and Jenny Lynch, Michael and Liz Lynch, James and Deb Lynch, John and Ann Lynch, Richard and Marjorie Kiehn, David and Debra Kiehn, and her many great nieces and nephews. Sister Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Mary Lynch; her sister Peggy (Lynch) Berkey; her brother-in-law, Harold Berkey; and her niece, Janet Kiehn; and nephew, Terry Kirkey.
Sister Mary Jo leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. May she rest in the peace of Christ, and may her soul rejoice in eternal life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at:
ST. DOMINIC’S CONVENT, 496 WESTERN HIGHWAY, BLAUVELT, NY 10913
WAKE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 3:30PM – 7:00PM
EVENING PRAYER: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 at 6:00PM
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 at 10:30AM
BURIAL: ST. DOMINIC’S CONVENT CEMETERY, immediately following Mass.
Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt.
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