May 25, 1939 – October 4, 2023
We remember with gratitude the life of Sister Eileen McCarthy who was a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 68 years. She died peacefully at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., after a short illness.
Sister Eileen had a true spirit of generosity and her life revolved around service. She was happiest when she was needed and was giving to others.
Sister Eileen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1955 after graduating from Notre Dame High School, San Francisco. Taking the name Sister Mary Daniel, she became a beloved elementary teacher. For more than 40 years, she served in schools across California in Yuba City, San Jose, Watsonville, Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Covina, Saratoga, and Campbell, and in Seahurst, Wash. She loved the children she taught and was known for her generous and understanding heart.
After she retired from the classroom, Sister Eileen served as California Province Executive Secretary, and then for eight years as manager of the Hermitage Arms Apartments in San Jose. Her administrative and personal skills were very evident in these ministries in response to the needs of others.
In 2016 Sister Eileen became a member of the Belmont Notre Dame Province Center community in Belmont, Calif. There she continued her active involvement as a volunteer in the Province Development Office and as a support to the other residents. She was always available to provide rides to the airport or beyond, shopping assistance, and adding her creative talents to any occasion. Her willingness to be of service permeated everything she did and her joyful personality lit up the community.
Sister Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Nellie Condon McCarthy. She is lovingly remembered by her family, her many friends, former students, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Sister Eileen on Friday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Province Center, 1520 Ralston Avenue, in Belmont, Calif. The burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 1520 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 or online at snddeneastwest.org. Further information about Sister Eileen's life can be found at https://snddeneastwest.org/sisters/eileen-mccarthy/.
