Sister Juanita Marie Morales, OP

December 28, 1931 ~ April 30, 2025

Sister Juanita Marie Morales, OP of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died on April 30, 2025, at Berkemeier Living Center, at the Wartburg, Mt Vernon, NY. She was 93 years of age.

The daughter of the late Juan Morales and Inocencia Borges, she was born December 28, 1931, in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico.

Sister Juanita entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York, in September 1957, made her First Profession in June 1958, and Final Profession in August 1962. Sister Juanita earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Puerto Rico. She held certification in Pastoral Ministry from Fordham University. She was also an accredited teacher of Tai Chi Chih and gave introductory workshops on contemplative prayer in Orange County.

Sister Juanita began her teaching ministry at St. Mary School in Newburgh, NY (1957-58). She taught Spanish at Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester, NJ, and taught elementary level at Academia San Jose Elementary School in Guaynabo, PR, St. Mary School in Newburgh NY, Our Lady of Lourdes School in Paterson NJ, Holy Trinity School in Passaic NJ, and Saint Paul School in Jersey City, NJ. For the next few years, Sister Juanita then became involved in a Spanish apostolate in various schools in New Jersey including Saint Joseph Parish in Paterson, Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Newark, and Our Lady of Lourdes School in Paterson. She was librarian at Passaic Catholic Regional School in Passaic NJ (1978-79).

After serving as pastoral minister at Our Lady of Lourdes in Paterson NJ (1979-81), Sr. Juanita worked at the Hispanic Multi-Purpose Center as a family counselor (1981-82). From 1982-1994, she worked as a family service specialist with the Division of Youth and Family Services in Paterson, Clifton, and Pompton Lakes NJ. From 1995-97, she worked at the Newburgh Ministry in Newburgh, NY doing community outreach mostly to the Hispanic community. From 1997-98, she did service coordination for children with developmental disabilities at Family Empowerment Council in Middletown NY. From 1999 until her retirement, Sister did part time clerical work for the Family Empowerment Council.

Sister Juanita was fond of sharing her culture and language and was dedicated to serving those in need.  She loved to sew and created intricate doll clothing for others. Juanita was a people person and always enjoyed a party.  Those close to her will remember her for her friendliness, quick speech, and precise teaching of the slow movements of Tai Chi.

Sister Juanita is survived by her Dominican Sisters of Hope, several nieces, nephews and their families. She is predeceased by her parents and by her siblings Victoria, Haydee, Juan, Raul, Ismael and José.

A celebration of Sister Juanita's life will take place on Monday May 19, 2025, at the Dominican Center, in the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary, at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY. The viewing will take place starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by a wake service at 10:15 a.m., and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the liturgy Sister will be buried in the Dominican Sisters of Hope Cemetery on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary College.

Donations in Sisters memory can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Hope Development Office, 299 North Highland Ave, Ossining, NY 10562.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home, Newburgh, NY.