Remembering Sister Dolores Maureen McDonald

“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”

St. Louise de Marillac

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Dolores Maureen McDonald died on June 5, 2025, at the age of 92 in Mother Margaret Hall, the Sisters of Charity nursing facility. A Sister of Charity for 74 years, Sister Dolores Maureen was born on Jan. 20, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Edward J. and Helen (Cripps) McDonald. She was one of three children, having a sister and a brother.

Sister Dolores Maureen was raised on Cincinnati’s west side, where she attended St. William grade school and graduated from Seton High School in 1951. She credited her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit as guiding influences in her vocation. She entered the congregation on Feb. 2, 1951 – during a snowstorm.

Sister Dolores Maureen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1963 and later received a master’s degree in administration from the University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, in 1969.

Her active ministries spanned more than five decades and reflected a unique blend of practicality and creativity. Whether in the classroom, in administration, or in leadership, Sister Dolores Maureen was known for her organizational skills and her artistic touch. She began her work in education, eventually moving into leadership and special projects at the Motherhouse, where her love for both math and art found meaningful expression. Each new role built upon the last, allowing her to serve with grace and dedication.

As an elementary teacher, Sister Dolores Maureen taught in both Ohio and Michigan. Her ministries included: Guardian Angels, Detroit (1952-’56); St. Helen, Saginaw (1956-’61); St. Albert, Kettering, Ohio (1961-’64); St. Louis, Mount Clemens, Michigan (1964-’65); St. Jude, Cincinnati (1965-’68), where she served as principal; St. Bernadette in Cleveland, Ohio, as principal (1968-’69); and St. Mary in Jackson, Michigan (1969-’71).

In 1971, she transitioned to high school education, teaching math at Erieview Catholic in Cleveland until 1980. That year, she was asked to return to the Motherhouse as director of campus activities. From 1984 to 1987, she served as facility director at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Sister Dolores Maureen was elected to congregational leadership from 1987 until 1995. During this time, she chaired the space utilization committee and oversaw significant renovation projects. These included updates to Seton Hall classrooms, and the creation of office spaces for the Finance Office, Bayley administration, Ministry/Formation, and Communications, as well as the complete overhaul of the second, third, and fourth floors of the east wing of the Motherhouse.

Sister Dolores Maureen’s ministry continued in 1996 when she began serving as special projects coordinator, a role she held until 2004. Among her many contributions during this time were the renovations of the Motherhouse Chapel, dining rooms, and the Cedars Auditorium. One of her most complex and rewarding projects was the transformation of Motherhouse Center and Marian West where 42 new bedrooms with private bathrooms were created, along with the addition of air-conditioning and a new elevator. She often described this as her greatest logistical challenge.

In 2004, Sister Dolores Maureen accepted the role of coordinator of Motherhouse residents, serving until 2006. Sister once shared that she was most grateful to have spent these blessed years of ministry at the Motherhouse. “I could not have wanted a better place in which to minister; each of you have been a wonderful blessing to me.”

Grateful for the relationships she had built and the support she received, she often expressed deep appreciation for the many collaborators who made her work possible. “I most enjoyed being with the people,” she said. “Our employees are exceptional and great to work with.”

In 2007, Sister Dolores Maureen transitioned into retirement, continuing to serve as a Eucharistic minister in Mother Margaret Hall. She remained active in her parish, Our Lady of Visitation, and found joy and relaxation through painting – working in watercolor, acrylics, and oils. She was always grateful for her artistic gifts, which she lovingly attributed to her father.

Sister Barbara Hagedorn fondly recalled her collaboration with Sister Dolores Maureen on several renovation projects, saying, “She was a great renovation partner. We loved the challenge of figuring out ways to create beautiful, comfortable living spaces. The chapel was a special, sacred project that became the highlight for us. As one who is afraid of heights, I will always be grateful to Dolores for convincing me to climb the scaffolding up to the mural of Mary in the dome. To this day, I think of her when I look up to Mary and the angels!”

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