SISTER BERNADITA




GILLIS, SISTER BERNADITA - Sister Bernadita Gillis, OP, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY for the past 70 years, died on May 10, 2003 in St. Dominic's Convent, Blauvelt. Sr. Bernadita was 89 years of age.

Sr. Bernadita was born to Joseph Gillis and Margaret Murray Gillis on December 10, 1914 in the Bronx, NY. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on March 12, 1933 from the parish of Our Lady of Victory, Bronx. Sister received the Dominican Habit on September 13, 1933, professed her first vows on September 14, 1934 and her perpetual vows on September 14, 1937. Sr. Bernadita held a BS in Education from Catholic Teachers College, Rhode Island and an MS in Psychology and Guidance from Fordham University, Bronx. Her many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth as an Elementary, High School Teacher, Principal and College Professor.

Sister taught in the following schools in the Bronx: St. Nicholas of Tolentine, 1934-1938 and St. Anselm School, 1946-1955. Sister taught in Providence, RI at the following schools: St. Pius School, 1938-1944-1978-1987 and St. Raymond School, 1944-1946. She ministered as Principal at St. Paul Grade School and High School in Daytona Beach, FL, 1955-1969 and Fr. Lopez High School, 1959-1969.

Sister Bernadita ministered at Dominican College 1969-1978 as Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Student Personnel. She also was a Guidance Counselor at St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School, 1987-1991 and Director of Religious Education in the Parish of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, 1991-1999. In 1999, Sister Bernadita came to St. Dominic Convent where she remained until her death. In addition to her religious congregation Sr. Bernadita is survived by her sisters: Sr. Margaret Joseph of the same congregation, Catherine Weinbrecht of Yonkers, NY and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Bernard. Relatives and friends can attend services at St. Dominic Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, NY. Wake: Monday, May 12, 2003, 3-8 pm. Evening prayer: Monday, May 12, 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, May 13, 10:30 am. Burial: St. Dominic Cemetery. Arrangements have been made by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Services, New City, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY.

Published: Monday, May 12th, 2003