Sister Mary Colleen

Sister  Mary  Colleen                       ND 4417              PDF Download

Maureen Dillon

Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Covington, Kentucky, USA

Date and Place of Birth             August 26, 1931            Covington, KY
Date and Place of Profession     August 16, 1952            Covington, KY
Date and Place of Death              November 28, 2015       Covington, KY
Date and Place of Burial              December 3, 2015         Covington, KY

ColleenMaureen Dillon was born to the family of Thomas and Mary Dillon on August 26, 1931. She was the third oldest of six children. She described her childhood as peaceful and happy, shared with the many joys of her brothers and sister.

While attending Notre Dame Academy, she became inspired by the sisters’ devotion to Mary. Sister Mary Immacula was her favorite teacher, and inspired her by her kind actions and words. At the age of 18, Maureen joined the Sisters of Notre Dame and made her profession of vows on August 16, 1952. Her parents were not surprised with this decision and supported her becoming a part of this faithful community.

Sister Mary Colleen began her ministry in Cincinnati, Ohio, teaching fifth through eighth grades in several elementary schools. Sister then served as an instructor at Notre Dame Academy, Covington. After completing her degree at Thomas More College, Sister Mary Colleen attended Fordham and Cornell Universities and obtained her Ph. D. in Linguistics. She was on the faculty at Thomas More College from 1961-2011. Her passion was teaching. She was known to set very high standards for her students. After her retirement from Thomas More College, she was often called upon to assist with tutoring and editing manuscripts. Sister continued her ministry at St. Joseph Heights as local coordinator and later in the Apostolate of Prayer.

Sister Colleen always had time to give advice and care to those around her. Even as her health diminished, she found a way to minister to others over the phone or through prayer.  You could often find her in quiet moments, praying. She remained close in spirit, even if she could no longer visit her friends and family. The Dillon family has always been a loving part of her life. Sister was close to her brothers, sister, and many nieces and nephews. They were faithful in visiting her. Many were at her side the day she passed into the arms of our loving Father. Sr. Mary Colleen died on November 28, 2015, at the age of 84.

In our quiet moments, may she remain close in spirit to us all.