Sister Patricia O'Malley

Sister Patricia O'Malley died unexpectedly on June 3, 2024 in Winter Park Florida at the age of 81. Sr. Pat is survived by her cousin Robert DiClerico of New London, New Hampshire. She is preceded in death by her father, John Francis O'Malley and her mother Eleanor Rita DiClerico and her cousin Joseph DiClerico. Sister Patricia (Pat) O'Malley was born December 31, 1942 in Detroit Michigan. As an only child she longed for siblings. In her early years she lived in various places due to her father's employment. The family eventually settled in Nashua, N.H. When Pat got to high school she encountered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur where she found a home and the "siblings" she always wanted. "It was the hand of God" she said. "The Sisters were really happy people. They were fun to be with, very education minded. They were human." Sister Pat joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur August 1, 1960. She prayed the words of the religious order's foundress, Saint Julie Billiart, "Ah! How good is the good God." For Pat this meant, "Being appreciative of God's goodness every day and of God's beauty in others". Initially Sister Pat ministered as a primary grade teacher for sixteen years, mostly in the Boston, MA inner city. She co-founded a Montessori pre-school in a low-income housing project. This school continues today in the inner city of Boston, MA In the morning they taught the children. In the afternoon they visited the families. She saw "education as a way for these children to begin to change, first themselves, then to move out of the poverty cycle." In 1981, Sister Pat responded to the call of the Holy Spirit by accepting a position at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park Florida as the Director of Family Life and Outreach. She worked with small neighborhood communities and formed committees to reach out to the parish members having various needs. With the support of the Pastor and Ruth Bliss she established a Thanksgiving and Christmas store for needy families. The stores continue to serve the community during these seasons. Pat advocated for social justice. She traveled to Nicaragua as part of Witness for Peace, promoting peace, justice and sustainable economies in third world countries. Sr. Pat ministered as a regional advocate for the Diocese of Orlando Tribunal serving God's people in the parishes of Volusia County and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. She served as a court expert for the Tribunal annulment cases. She earned a master's degree in marriage and family counseling. She and another Sister of Notre Dame de Namur had a counseling center in Winter Park. The two sisters also designed and led Convalidation workshops offering help to couples seeking renewal and the sacrament of marriage. Sister Pat became involved in St. Margaret Mary's Haiti ministry. Her advocacy roots were firmly planted, and she continued to serve in social justice activities in the Central Florida region. She brought forth God's goodness through her compassion. Her gentle manner inspired people to encounter God and share His generous mercy. She was a messenger bringing the Gospel of Peace. She lived as the breath of the Good God. Funeral Arrangements: Funeral Mass: Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m, St Margaret Mary Catholic Church 526 N.Park Avenue, Winter Park. Visitation period 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. A reception immediately follow in the Parish Hall. In July a Service and internment will take place in Massachusetts. Further notice will appear on this website. In lieu of flowers donations in Pat's memory can be made to; Saint Margaret Mary Haiti Ministry 526 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 Or Hope Community Center 1016 North Park Avenue, Apopka 32712

Sister Patricia O'Malley

December 31, 1942 - June 3, 2024