Maureen Toomey

Sister Maureen Toomey, SNDdeN was blessed with a wonderful childhood spent as the oldest of nine children in a faithful Catholic family. She remembers her mother saying, “I’m going to the hospital to get a new baby,” and Sister Maureen replied, “Why don’t you get twins this time?” Later that day, her father came home and announced she had twin baby brothers! She is 15 years older than her youngest sibling, and one of her sisters joined Sisters of Mercy.

Sister Maureen met the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in high school and was inspired by them to consider religious life: “I started going to Mass every day and grew in my relationship with God. It helped me answer my call to Notre Dame.” She entered the convent in 1956.

As a young teacher, her first assignment was in a second-grade classroom. “That was a very interesting year,” she says, “because my youngest sister was in 2nd grade and I would check in to find out what she was learning to know if I was doing the right things!”

After teaching younger children and then junior high students, Sister Maureen was named a school principal, then served in province leadership. Following that, she spent 23 years working for the Diocese of Springfield (Massachusetts) in the school office. Using the skills and experiences she gained as a teacher and administrator, she conducted job interviews for teachers and principals and designed curricula.

Sister Maureen so enjoyed the parish environment that she later spent 15 years in pastoral ministry, a role that “does everything from A to Z.” On one day, she might help prepare couples for marriage or parents for their child’s baptism. Other days, she facilitated wake services and committals. Each day, she lovingly walked alongside people in their happiest and saddest moments.

“I’m very much a people person,” she shares. “Whether I was teaching or in the school office or at the parish, I’ve always loved working with people.”

Today, Sister Maureen continues to pray faithfully for all those whom God has put in her path, especially today’s young people.

On her 70-year Jubilee in 2026, Sister Maureen looks back on her religious life and is grateful for many blessings – family, ministries, relationships: “Over the years in Notre Dame, I’ve grown to understand our charism. It’s become very important in my life – how good God is.

“I’ve had a very enriching life. I have not only been able to give of myself in my ministries, but I’ve also received so much. My years have been fulfilling and joyful.”

Updated in 2026