Mary Elizabeth Duke (1950-2026)

Sister Mary Elizabeth went home to her good God on January 15, 2026, at the age of 75 after 58 years as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.  

Sister Mary Elizabeth Duke, SNDdeN was born in 1950 in Worcester, Massachusetts, one of six children born to Francis and Margaret (Melia) Duke. She entered the SNDdeN in 1968 and took her first vows in 1971.

Sister Mary Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Salem State College and a master’s in pastoral ministry from Fairfield University.

She was a beloved middle-school math teacher at Julie Country Day in Leominster, Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted in North Waltham, Presentation in Brighton, and St. Columbkille in Brighton. Sister Mary Elizabeth also served as principal at Notre Dame Elementary School in Tyngsboro.

As a principal, Mary knew how to effectively deal with students who were sent to her office. One story tells of a young boy sent to her office who chose to hide under the table. Mary spoke to him gently and soon he came out.  He and other students with whom she interacted respected her, because they knew that Mary respected them.

She also used her degree in Pastoral Ministry at Bridge Over Trouble Waters.

Updated in 2026