Sister Catherine O’Leary, C.S.J, a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, for 72 years, died Sept. 1 at Maria Regina Residence.
She entered the congregation in 1947 from St. Patrick’s parish in Long Island City. She earned both her bachelor’s degree, 1958, and master’s degree, 1967, in history from St. John’s University.
She was formerly known as Sister Peter Maria, she served in St. Michael’s School, Brooklyn, 1949-58; Academia San Jorge, Santurce, Puerto Rico, 1958-65; and St. Michael, Flushing, 1965-67.
On the high school level, she taught at St. Joseph H.S., Downtown Brooklyn, 1967-89; and Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, 1989-2005.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 19 at Maria Regina Residence Chapel. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.
Sister Peter Maria taught Sociology in my senior year at St. Joseph High School, Bridge Street. She was both a great teacher and a wonderful person. May she rest in peace!