Bernadette Connor

Sister Bernadette Connor, known in religious life as Sister Peter Maria, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, entered eternal life on March 11, 2026, in Morristown, New Jersey, at the age of 91. Born on February 9, 1935, in New York City, she was the daughter of Peter and Mary Ann (Shanahan) Connor. She entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh in February 1954, professed First Vows in June 1956, and Final Vows in August 1959. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York.

Sister Bernadette devoted more than five decades to the ministry of Catholic elementary education, serving as both teacher and principal. She began her teaching ministry in 1956 at St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and later served at Christ the King School in Yonkers, New York, and Saints Peter and Paul School in Trenton, New Jersey. From 1973 onward, she ministered at Saint Christopher School in Parsippany, New Jersey, continuing part time at All Saints School in Parsippany after Saint Christopher closed. Her steadfast dedication to Catholic education was recognized by the Diocese of Paterson, which honored her as an outstanding educator.

Though born in New York, Sister Bernadette spent part of her infancy in Ireland before returning to the United States. Deeply proud of her Irish heritage, she studied the Gaelic language and remained an active member of the Irish American Association of New Jersey, where she helped with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy and other cultural events. She also took great joy in traditional Ceili dancing with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Sister Bernadette was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her cousin Mary Forrest and several cousins in Ireland.