Sister Catherine Marie Federici

Newburgh, NY

Sister Catherine Marie Federici, O.P. (nee Alberta) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Newburgh, NY, died October 18, 2008 in the infirmary of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Newburgh, NY. She was 97 years old.

The daughter of the late Albert Joseph and Catherine Reinhardt Federici, she was born March 13, 1911 in Paterson, NJ.

Sister Catherine Marie entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh on September 7, 1932, made her First Profession on June 29, 1934, and Final Profession on August 20, 1940. Sister began her education at St. Joseph Elementary School and St. John High School in Paterson, NJ. She earned her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Music from Catholic University in Washington, DC. Sister was a nationally certified piano teacher.

Sister Catherine Marie began her ministry as school music teacher at Casa San Jose in Newburgh, NY (1934-41). After completing her studies with a Master of Music degree from Catholic University in Washington, DC, she returned to Mt. St. Mary as a piano instructor, where she has continued until her recent illness. The only exception was the few months she taught in Raleigh, NC and the seven years she was assigned as choral director at Pope Pius XII Regional High School in Passaic, NJ (1958-1965). During the 1950's, Sister was asked to teach Gregorian Chant t the seminarians at the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Seminary. Sister was director of the Domus Angelorum, the Congregation's music school. She taught music courses at Mt. Saint Mary College, and on Fridays and Saturdays, taught courses to senior citizens. She also taught music in elementary grades. In 1976, Sister was appointed administrator of Mt. Saint Mary Convent (1976-79) and from 1980 to 2006, she was piano instructor, liturgy coordinator, and organist. Sister Catherine Marie believed her greatest contribution in her religious life occurred when Latin choral works were changed into English. She was asked to change the wording of the Latin liturgical hymns and chants for the Divine Office. Sister is credited with the composition of the music for the Salve Regina, O Lumen and many other hymns still used.

Sister Catherine Marie became a member of the Residential Care Community in 2006.

She is predeceased by a sister, Bernice Kelley. She is survived by a niece, Karen of Fair Lawn, NJ, and nephew, Gene of Wayne, NJ.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Newburgh, NY, with Prayer Services to be held Monday evening at 6 p.m. in the chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, in the chapel, with the Rev. William Scafidi, celebrant. Burial will immediately follow the Mass in the Dominican Sisters Cemetery.

Arrangements by Brooks Funeral Home, Inc., 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, NY; 845-561-8300 or www.BrooksFH.com.