Sister Yvonne Milroy was born on February 14, 1918 to William and Yvonne Morin Milroy. She was the 4th child and only girl in this very happy family. Her brothers, Wilson, Morin and Parker were always dear to her. She entered the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary on Sept. 8, 1936. Yvonne was no stranger to the Mount as she and her family had often visited her Aunt Genevieve, Sister Mary Virginia. In fact she had been Aunt Genevieve's flower girl when Sr. Mary Virginia was invested. When Yvonne entered Sr. Mary Virginia was teaching Science here at Mount Saint Mary Academy.

I first met Sr. Yvonne on Oct 4, 1936 the day I entered. Sister was one of the postulants who came in to help me get dressed in the black postulant's outfit and veil. She was always most friendly and helpful. One could always depend on Sister in any situation. Four of us postulants shared a dormitory. Many a night we also shared a quiet chuckle under the covers when the night bell caught us not quite ready for bed and the novice mistress came around to give the evening blessing. Together with all the other members of the Band of 36 we studied, prayed, worked and recreated. Lessons in the Spiritual Life seemed easy for Sister, although I know she missed her home and family sorely. The fourth Sunday of the month was a red-letter day - Visiting Sunday. Because of the distance from my home, I never had company. Yvonne always made a special effort to cheer me on those evenings when everyone would be chatting about family and visitors.

After the novitiate and intensive preparation for Mission Life, the Band of 36 was sent out to begin their apostolic work. Sr. Yvonne continued her training and began teaching at Casa San Jose. Later she attended the Catholic University of America where she earned a BS in Education and a MFA in Art. Sister taught in a number of Elementary Schools - the Casa, Bishop Dunn Memorial and the Dominican Day School in Larchmont. At the High School level she taught in MSM Academy and in Pope Pius XII in Passaic. Sister also taught at Mt. St. Mary College for a number of years. No matter what age her students were, she was most enthusiastic and proud of their growth and development. Often she would relate little incidents that occurred in the classroom. This was always with an affectionate gentle humor.

During the early years at the Mount, sister was never free on Sundays as she and several other sisters went to Washingtonville to teach Sunday School. How she enjoyed those sacramental classes! In 1983 Sister retired from teaching at the College but was still involved with the Faculty and students as the Switchboard Operator. She was also active in the Literacy Volunteers of America Program. She was truly a "people person." As Guest Mistress for the Convent she made all visitors feel welcome. During this time Sister continued to run the Art Studio and enlarged her ceramic Baby Shoe Project.

No account would be complete without mention of Yvonne's love and dedication to the sick. For years she communicated with Sr. Catherine of Siena's family - Sr. Catherine was sick and blind. Yvonne visited her daily, helped her in many ways, read Sister's mail to her and wrote letters for her. When Sr. Catherine died, Yvonne began to give the same services to Sr. Thomas Mary who had suffered a stroke. I'm sure that the families of these sisters would attest to her kindness and charity.

Someone remarked the other day, "Yvonne has wrapped more gifts than Santa Claus!" I agree. Many of the infirm Sisters depended on her for help with their gifts. Anyone want to take over the gift-wrapping project? From her entrance Sister always showed a great devotion to the Little Flower. She was thrilled recently when St. Therese's Body was brought to the USA on pilgrimage. Other highlights for her were: a trip to Italy and the Holy Land with Fr. Parker and a visit that she and Sr. Mary Francis made to Peru where Fr. Parker was missioned. She could and did recall these trips in the greatest detail. They gave her a golden storehouse of happy memories. Even our domestic service workers knew Sr. Yvonne as one who would never pass a speck of paper on the floor. It was automatic! She would stop and pick it up. Things must be clean and tidy. Sr. Yvonne, every little scrap of paper will bring a memory of you! God bless you! Help us gain Heaven as you have!

Sister Evelyn Shehdan, OP
September 6, 2001

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