Sister Mary William O’Brien

Sister Mary William O’Brien was born March 2, 1916, in South Amboy. She entered the convent at age 18 and served as a Sister of Mercy for 82 years. She passed away peacefully Feb. 26.

Sister began her ministry at St. Nicholas School, Atlantic City, in 1937. She earned her bachelor of science in education from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, in 1954, and her master’s degree in administration-supervision from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1964.

In addition to St. Nicholas School in Atlantic City, Sister taught at St. Joseph School, Trenton; Holy Spirit School, Atlantic City; Holy Cross School, Rumson; St. Joseph School, Bound Brook; St. Matthew School, Edison; and St. Joseph Parish, Washington. In 1989, she began ministering at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, as an archivist, in the prayer ministry, and as an ESL tutor.

Sister is survived by her nephews, Deacon Richard O’Brien of South Amboy and Donald O’Brien of Merino Valley, Calif.; her nieces, Christine O’Brien of Brick, Pat Nabor of Old Bridge, Susan Harrington of Milltown and Betty Miner of Virginia Beach, Va.; as well as many adoring grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Her funeral liturgy was celebrated at McAuley Hall Chapel at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, on March 2, 2016, on what would have been her 100th birthday. The Sisters of Mercy conducted her “Welcome Home Service” and the funeral Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Sirianni, with Deacon Richard O’Brien assisting.

Burial was in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.