In Memoriam: Sister Winifred O’Toole, SC

“…she advised, inspired and encouraged many with her talents and innovative ideas.”

Sister Winifred O’Toole (Sister Marian Robert) was born December 19, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of three daughters and a son of Michael and Mary Acton O’Toole. Winifred attended Saints Peter and Paul School in the Bronx and Cathedral High School in Manhattan. She entered the Sisters of Charity of New York September 8, 1952 and received the name, Sister Marian Robert. She earned a BA in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MS in Education from Western Connecticut State College. She later earned New York State permanent certification in Elementary Education.

Sister Marian Robert’s first assignment was Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Scarsdale. A born teacher, she excelled in primary education and, for over twenty-five years, served at schools throughout the Archdiocese: Saint John the Evangelist, Manhattan; Saint Mary, Wappingers Falls; Saint Joachim, Beacon; Saint Athanasius and Saint Gabriel, Bronx; Our Lady of Mercy, Port Chester; Saint Francis of Assisi, Mount Kisco; Saint John, White Plains. During this time she advised, inspired and encouraged many with her talents and innovative ideas.

Sister Winifred then used her expertise to teach Special Education classes for over ten years at Saint Patrick School, Bedford Village, Saint Gabriel School, Bronx, and Saint Margaret of Cortona School, Bronx. Additionally, for ten years she directed the Learning Center at Sacred Heart School, Hartsdale. In these assignments, Sister Winifred was a witness of God’s love for these special little ones. In 2003, she retired to Mount Saint Vincent Convent where she shared her talents in many areas of service.

Sister Winifred always loved exercise and movement. She became interested in liturgical dance and shared her talent at many Congregation prayer services.

We rejoice with Sister Winifred now as she meets her God face to face and enjoys eternal peace and happiness.