Sister Mary Augustine O’Donnell, OP, fondly known as “Sister Gussie,” a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 73 years, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the age of 97 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell, NJ. On Tuesday, October 22nd, a wake and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15–10:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 10:00 AM, which will also be livestreamed here.
Sister Augustine was a woman of faith, compassion and inner joy. The daughter of William and Mildred (Hand) O’Donnell, she was born in Rahway, NJ. She worked as a bookkeeper for 8 years before she entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on September 8, 1951. She received the Dominican habit on April 19, 1952, made her first profession on June 27, 1953, and final profession on June 27, 1959.
Sister Augustine graduated from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), Caldwell, NJ, with a bachelor’s degree in social studies and education. For 37 years, Sister Gussie faithfully ministered as counselor and administrative assistant at Emmaus House, Ocean Grove, NJ, where she had an international impact on those who came to seek healing. Sister was blessed with an astute insight into people’s lives and needs. She encouraged, supported and called them to have a deep faith in God who is always with us. Sister served the congregation for 15 years as an aide at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center (formerly Saint Catherine of Siena Infirmary). She was a dedicated educator at St. Elizabeth School, Linden, NJ; Christ the King School, Hillside, NJ; St. Ann’s School, Newark, NJ; and St. Philomena School, Livingston, NJ.
Sister Gussie had a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. Throughout her life, she was a reflection of God’s love, God’s patience and God’s smiling face.
Sister Augustine is predeceased by her parents, William and Mildred, and her sisters, Audrey O’Donnell (Arthur) Durett and Mildred (John) Jordan, and nephew Gregory Durett. She is survived by her niece, Nancy Durett (Thomas) Sweeney; nephews, William (Rita) Durett, Brian Jordan and Kevin Jordan; niece-in-law, Mary O’Connor Durett; several grandnieces and grandnephews; her beloved Emmaus House colleagues and acquaintances; and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated.