Margaret Joseph Gillis

Sister Margaret Joseph Gillis, O.P., formerly Josephine Margaret Gillis, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for the past 75 years died on October 15, 2007, in St. Martin de Porres Infirmary at St. Dominic's Convent, Blauvelt, New York. Sister Margaret Joseph was 95 years of age. Sister Margaret Joseph was born to Margaret Murray Gillis and Joseph Gillis on October 4, 1912, in the Bronx, New York. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 8, 1932, from the parish of Our Lady of Victory, Bronx, New York. Sister received the Dominican habit on March 7, 1933, professed her first vows on March 8, 1934, and her final vows on March 9, 1938. Sister held the B.S. in Education from Fordham University, Bronx, New York and the Masters of Fine Arts from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Sister's many years of active ministry were devoted to education at the elementary and college level. She taught in the following schools in the Bronx: St. Luke's 1934-1941, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, 1941-1948, Our Lady of the Assumption, 1948-1954, Holy Spirit, 1954-1964 and St. Mary's, 1964-1965. In 1958, Sr. Margaret Joseph began her teaching career at Dominican College teaching weekends. She became a full time faculty member as Associate Professor of Art History in 1965 and taught at Dominican College until 1996. From 1996-2002 Sister continued to assist students through the continuing education program and volunteer services at Dominican College. Sister volunteered at Assumption Academy, Emerson, New Jersey, 2002-2003 and at St. Dominic's Convent, 2003-2006. Due to failing health Sister Margaret Joseph retired to the Infirmary in 2006. In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Margaret Joseph is survived by her sister, Catherine (John) Weinbrecht of Yonkers, New York, her nieces: Bernadette Gillis, Kay Finer, Margaret (James) McGovern, and Carol (Joseph) Berry as well as her nephews: John (Helen) and Gerard (Margaret) Weinbrecht, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister was predeceased by her sister, Sr. Bernadita Gillis, O.P. of the Blauvelt Congregation, and her brother Bernard Gillis. Relatives and friends are invited to attend services at: ST. DOMINIC'S CONVENT 496 WESTERN HIGHWAY, BLAUVELT, NY. WAKE: Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 3-8 pm. EVENING PRAYER: Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, October 19, 2007, 10:30 am. BURIAL: St. Dominic's Convent Cemetery. Arrangements have been made by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home of New City, New York. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt.