Sister Lois Cele Dee

November 7, 1940 ~ November 13, 2024

Sister Lois Dee, OP (Sister Ellen Elizabeth) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died November 13, 2024, in Newburgh, New York. She was 84 years old and currently serving on multiple congregational committees, as well as coordinator of New Life/Funerals for the Dominican Sisters of Hope.

The daughter of the late Gustave J. of Bayonne NJ, and Veronica (Yurko) Dee of Burlington NC, Lois was born November 7, 1940, in Jersey City, NJ.

Sister Lois entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, NY, in September 1958, made her First Profession in June 1960, and Final Profession in August 1963. Sister Lois earned her BA in Education from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY and her MA in Guidance from Jersey City State.

Sister Lois embarked on her career in education at St. Brendan School in New Haven CT (1961). She subsequently taught at St. Lawrence School in Lindenwold NJ (1961-66) and St. Paul School in Jersey City NJ (1966-71). Having received her certificate in administration, Lois served as principal at St. Mary School in Deal NJ (1971-74) and at Our Lady of Victory School in Mt. Vernon NY (1974-80). Sister Lois then moved on to secondary education and was guidance counselor at St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle NY (1980-84) and at Blessed Sacrament/St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle (1984-87). Sister's facility with easy conversation and sense of humor, surely assisted her success and love of the Guidance work.

Sister Lois served in congregation administration (1987-95) and was part-time vocation director (1985-87), secretary general (1987-91), and director of ministry and education (1991-95). Following a sabbatical, Lois taught and served as assistant principal at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie NY (1996-2004). She served as director of motherhouse services at St. Dominic Convent in Blauvelt NY (2004-06). Sister Lois was principal of San Miguel Academy of Newburgh (2006-2009). Lois was trained as a Hospice Volunteer at Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh, NY and her desire to be a presence of hope, called her to a variety of volunteer ministries within the Newburgh area.

In addition to her Dominican Sisters of Hope, Sister Lois is survived by her sister Beth and brother-in-law Jim Barba of Mebane, NC and numerous family members and friends.

A celebration of Sister Lois' life will take place on Tuesday November 19, 2024, 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 9:15 a.m. followed by a wake service at 10:00 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.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Lois' memory can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Hope Development Office located at 299 North Highland Avenue, Ossining, New York 10562.