Sister Beatrice Orchie, formerly Sister Mary Daniel, a member of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion for nearly 66 years, died peacefully on February 20, 2024 at White Plains Hospital.
Sr. Bea was born in Tarrytown, NY on November 6, 1935, the daughter of Anthony Orchie and Beatrice Masterson. Sister entered the Divine Compassion Community on September 3, 1958, and professed her final vows on April 14, 1966.
Sr. Bea earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Good Counsel College and a master’s degree in religion from Manhattan College. Sister also received NYS Permanent Certification in elementary education.
Sister Bea began her ministry in 1961 at St. Anthony’s School in White Plains. During her more than five decades of active ministry, Sister taught at several schools in New York, including St. Lawrence O’Toole School in Brewster, St. Joseph’s in Croton Falls, St. Mary’s in Katonah, Preston High School in the Bronx, the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary and High Schools in White Plains and Our Lady of Solace in the Bronx.
Music was Sr. Bea’s gift both in and out of the classroom. She infused her teaching with it, taught it as a subject, and directed the Sisters’ singing group for several years. Under her enthusiastic direction, and with that smile of encouragement, she brought music out of the most tone-deaf among us.
Sr. Bea was up for any challenge. The Sisters who lived with her at St. Mary’s in Katonah still tell tales of the wallpapering, paneling, and painting projects she was famous for – and good at - always with a sense of humor.
Sr. Bea is survived by her “adopted” Munsch family and the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Claire.
The wake for Sr. Bea will be Saturday morning, February 24, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Ritual of Welcome at the Chapel of the Divine Compassion will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Following the liturgy, Sr. Bea will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in White Plains.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Sisters of the Divine Compassion,
52 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603