Sister Patricia Hannan (Mary Aurelia), a member of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion for 77 years, died peacefully after a long illness on May 26, 2025 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
Sr. Patricia was born in New York City on June 22, 1930, the daughter of Norman and Mable Ford Hannan. Raised in Port Chester, NY, Sister attended the Academy of Good Counsel High School (GCA). After graduating from GCA, she entered the Sisters of the Divine Compassion on September 8, 1948 and made final vows on March 6, 1954.
Sr. Patricia (Pat) began her ministry in education in 1950 as an elementary school teacher in Elmsford, the Bronx and Brewster. In 1955, Sister earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Good Counsel College, and was assigned to Preston High School in the Bronx, NY. At Preston, Sr. Pat taught math for ten years, was the Assistant Principal for four years, and Principal for 16 years.
Sister returned to full time study in 1985, earning a Master’s of Science degree from St. John’s University and Pace University in Math and Computer Science, respectively. She also received a Graduate Fellowship in Computer Science from Pace University. From 1988 – 2002, Sister Pat worked in higher education at Pace University and at Dominican College in Blauvelt, NY.
When Sr. Pat had the opportunity to take a well-earned retirement in 2002, she opted instead to place her considerable math and computer skills at the service of the Divine Compassion Congregation in the finance office, where she served as Assistant Director of Finance. She retired only when she was unable to make the trip from the Bronx to White Plains, NY.
Sr. Pat was an avid reader, talented seamstress and a loyal New York Yankees fan. Sister’s gift to her Sisters, friends and colleagues was an unassuming presence that was deeply appreciated. She was a woman of few words who spoke from experience and wisdom.
Sr. Pat was predeceased by her parents and her brother Michael. She is survived by her sister Barbara, her brother David, and a niece and nephew and their spouses and children.
The wake for Sr. Pat will be held at the Chapel of the Divine Compassion, 52 North Broadway, White Plains, NY, on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. The Ritual of Welcome will be at 10: 30 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in White Plains following the liturgy.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, 52 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603.