Mary Elizabeth “Elizabeth Matthew” Whalen

Born in Boston, Sister Mary Elizabeth Whalen, SNDdeN entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1957, professed her first vows in 1960, and her final vows in 1965. During her early years in religious life, she was known as Sister Elizabeth Matthew, but later returned to her birth name.

Throughout her ministry in education, Sister Mary Elizabeth taught at several Massachusetts schools, including St. Joseph in Boston’s West End, St. James in Salem, St. Gregory in Dorchester, St. Margaret in Beverly Farms, and Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody.

Today, she resides at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur retirement community in Ipswich, Massachusetts, continuing to live out her vocation with grace and dedication.

Updated 2025