Bernadette Connor

Sister Bernadette Connor, OP, (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. Sister Bernadette 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, NY.

Sister Bernadette devoted her life to the ministry of elementary education. She began teaching at St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, New Jersey, in 1956 and continued to serve faithfully as both teacher and principal for more than five decades, retiring in 2009. During her 53 years in education, she ministered at Saint Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ; Christ the King School in Yonkers, NY; Saints Peter and Paul School in Trenton, NJ; and, beginning in 1973, at Saint Christopher School in Parsippany, NJ. After Saint Christopher School closed, she continued her ministry part time at All Saints School, also in Parsippany. Her 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 was an active member of the Irish American Association of New Jersey, assisting with the annual St. Patrick's Day Liturgy and other cultural events. She also delighted 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.

Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher Church, 1050 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ. Viewing Sunday March 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Monday March 16, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by a Remembrance Service at 9:15 AM, and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Sister Bernadette will be buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.

Arrangements are under the care of Par Troy Funeral Home, Parsippany, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Bernadette's name can be made to the Development Office of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 299 North Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.