Mary “Ellen St. Michael” O'Malley

Sister Mary O’Malley, SNDdeN was born into a joyful Irish-American family as the fourth of five children. She grew up with two sisters and two brothers in a home marked by happiness, faith and strong family bonds. From a young age, Sister Mary felt called to religious life, and she was drawn to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur when she recognized in them a community where she could thrive and serve with purpose. 

Throughout her ministry, Sister Mary embraced a wide range of roles with grace and dedication. She has served as a teacher, principal, secretary, consultant and the director of Teacher Education at Emmanuel College. Her work has taken her across the United States—from Massachusetts to Hawaii to California—as well as to Zimbabwe for a summer of service. 

When asked which ministry has meant the most to her, Sister Mary responds simply and sincerely: “All of them.” Each experience has shaped her life and deepened her vocation. She remains especially grateful for her life, family, faith, vocation, good friends and health. 

Sister Mary finds hope in the people who not only speak of healing the world, aiding immigrants and protecting the environment, but who take action to make a difference. A favorite quote that inspires her is the call to have “hearts as wide as the world,” reflecting the global compassion at the heart of the Notre Dame mission. 

Now, as she celebrates her 75th Jubilee, Sister Mary does so with a deep sense of gratitude and abiding joy for the path she has walked and the people she’s encountered along the way. 

Updated in 2025