Sister Theresa Docherty, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, passed away on July 24, 2026, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 88 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 8, 1937, Theresa was the daughter of Thomas and Bridget Gribbon Docherty. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1957, and received the name Sister Thomas Therese. She professed her first vows in 1959 and her final vows in 1964.
Sister Theresa earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1964; a Master of Science in Education from Western Connecticut State College, Danbury, CT in 1973; and Certification in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University in 1978.
Sister Theresa began her ministry in education at Cardinal McCloskey Home and School in White Plains, NY (1959-1960), followed by teaching positions at St. Helena School in the Bronx, NY (1960-1962), St. Rita School in the Bronx, NY (1962-1969), and as Principal at St. James School in Carmel, NY (1969-1986). She then served at Transfiguration School in Tarrytown, NY (1986-1987); as Assistant Principal at Assumption School in Peekskill, NY (1987-2007); and finally as a staff member in the Office of Financial Services at Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY (2007-2013).
Sister Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Bridget Gribbon Docherty. She is survived by her cousins, Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Sparkill, NY on Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00AM. Visitation is Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:30AM at Dominican Convent, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dominican Sisters at the above address, attention - Sr. Irene Ellis, Prioress.
