Sister Patricia Sullivan OP,

April 4, 1941 ~ October 15, 2025

Bridgeport, CT

Sister Patricia Sullivan, OP (Sister Alice Joseph) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, died October 15, 2025, in Beacon, NY. She was 84 years of age.

The daughter of the late Joseph W. Sullivan and Alice (Denfeld) VanVaukenberg, she was born April 4, 1941, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Sister Patricia entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York in September 1959, made her First Profession in June 1961, and Final Profession in August 1966. Sister Patricia earned her BA in Mathematics from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, her MA in Mathematics from Ohio State University, and her EdD in Mathematics Education from Columbia University.

Sister Pat's dedication to teaching math inspired countless students to achieve their best.  She is remembered for her capacity to relate with students and to make math accessible to even reluctant learners.  Many of her former students remained in contact with Sister Pat over the years.  Sister Pat taught mathematics at Pope Pius XII Regional High School in Passaic, New Jersey, from 1964-69; and at Immaculate High School in Danbury, Connecticut, from 1969-75. She was assistant professor of mathematics at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, from 1975-88; and, after completing her doctoral studies at Columbia University, she returned to Mount Saint Mary College, where she was a professor of mathematics from 1991 to 2014. Sister Pat clearly loved Mount Saint Mary College, supporting not only her students but all those who entered the college.  Upon retirement, Sister Pat was named Professor Emerita, remaining active on campus as well as in the local community.  Sister Pat was currently serving as a Trustee on the Mount Saint Mary College Board of Trustees.

A true Dominican, Sister Pat embodied Dominican community through her expansive relationships, her love of contemplative prayer and liturgy with the Carmelite Community in Beacon, dedication to study, and commitment to mission.  An avid promoter of justice, she served on the Board of the Newburgh Ministry for 13 years and volunteered at Caring for the Homeless and Hungry of Peekskill.

In her later years, Sister Pat enjoyed her role as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound at St. Joachim's Church in Beacon.

Sister is predeceased by her parents, her brother John and sister Jean. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters of Hope, and her siblings, Dennis, James, Joseph and Judy Devine, and her nieces and nephews.  Her commitment to her family was always evident as she spoke lovingly about her nieces and nephews and their parents.

Sister's funeral will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary, 330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550.  Viewing will begin at 9:15a.m. and a Wake Service will commence at 10:00 a.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Sister's burial will follow immediately after the liturgy in the Dominican Sisters of Hope Cemetery at Mount Saint Mary College.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Patricia's name can be made to the Development Office of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, 299 N. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562 or to the Advancement Office of Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York.