Mary Fitzpatrick

Sister Mary Fitzpatrick, SNDdeN was born the third of seven children and grew up in a faith-filled home just across the street from her parish church. From an early age, daily Mass was a formative part of her life, nurturing her deep love for prayer, community and service. Her vocation was shaped at Presentation Academy in Brighton, where she was inspired by the joyful and dedicated Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who taught there. Their witness ignited in her a desire to follow the same path of education and faith. 

After entering the congregation in 1955, Sister Mary began a lifelong ministry of teaching that spanned 67 years and touched the lives of children and youth from first grade through high school. Her early mission took her to St. Mary’s School in Boston’s North End. Each day, she traveled in silence with five other Sisters from Dartmouth Street—an experience of shared purpose and quiet reflection. 

Sister Mary taught in a number of schools across Massachusetts, including St. Mary in the North End, St. Gregory in Dorchester, St. John in Worcester, Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston, and Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree. Whether teaching grammar school children or high school students, Sister Mary found joy in their energy, curiosity and goodness. “I learned a lot from the children,” she recalls with gratitude. 

Sister Mary reflects with thanksgiving on the privilege of teaching within a religious community whose primary mission was education. For those discerning a vocation, she encourages listening for the quiet call of joy in service and the grace of community life. 

A favorite Scripture passage that continues to guide her is, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”  This image of connectedness gives her hope, especially in witnessing how people respond when encouraged to be their best selves. “You can always encourage people,” Sister  Mary says, “and they respond.” 

Updated in 2025