Sister Susan Marie O’Connor, CSJ, 86

Sister Susan Marie O’Connor, CSJ (Sister Bridget Anne), 86, died Dec. 1 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 67 years.

Sister Susan was born in Syracuse on April 10, 1934, daughter of the late Leo and Geraldine Hager O’Connor. Raised in Jordan, she graduated from Eldridge Central School where she was a standout swimmer and was also an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish. On March 19, 1953, Sister Susan entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1960.

Sister Susan received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The College of Saint Rose and a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. In her early years in ministry, Sister Susan taught in schools in the Albany and Syracuse dioceses. After completing her master’s degree in religious studies, Sister Susan began working in religious education in parishes in both dioceses and also taught Scripture and Catholic spirituality to adults. In addition, Sister Susan served the Sisters of St. Joseph as province archivist.

Sister Susan is survived by her beloved family: her brothers, Michael and Thomas O’Connor; her sisters, Nancy Brown and Patricia Eide; her in-laws; many nieces and nephews and their families; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Sister Susan at this time. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date.