Age 87
Sister Sharon Donohue, a Sister of Mercy for 69 years, died peacefully at McAuley Hall in Watchung, New Jersey, while praying the Rosary.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Sharon was the daughter of the late Michael Donohue and Marie (Fitzgibbon) Donohue. She attended St. Raymond’s Elementary School and St. Catharine Academy before earning degrees from Mercy College and Manhattan College.
Sharon entered the Sisters of Mercy and devoted her life to prayer, service and ministry, steadfastly guided by her motto, “According to Your Word.” Her decades of service reflected a deep commitment to Catholic education, pastoral care and the spiritual well-being of all she encountered.
She served as a teacher and religious education coordinator in several parish communities within the Archdiocese of New York. Following her ministry in education, she transitioned into pastoral care in the Bronx and later at Marian Woods in Hartsdale, New York, where she was a long-time, beloved resident. Sharon also served as a Sister Life Minister for the New York region, compassionately accompanying and supporting her fellow sisters through the various stages of their lives and religious journeys.
Those who knew Sharon will remember her as a gentle, friendly and deeply kind woman whose welcoming presence made others feel instantly valued. Her warmth, quiet spirit and genuine interest in others endeared her to her religious community, colleagues, friends and family. She was also an ardent New York Yankees fan who followed her team with great enthusiasm.
Sister Sharon’s life was an enduring testament to her faith and her commitment to living God’s word through humble service and loving kindness. Her gentle spirit and faithful witness will be remembered with deep gratitude and affection by all who knew her.