SINSINAWA — Sister Elizabeth Toohey, OP, died Jan. 3, 2021, at her home in Richfield, Minn. Her religious name was Sister Julianne. Natural burial took place Jan. 6 in the Motherhouse Cemetery, Sinsinawa. A prayer service of remembering was held at the motherhouse Jan. 12. The funeral Mass will be held at a later date.
Sister Elizabeth made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1956, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1959. She taught music for 17 years and served as liturgist for one year, director of initial formation for three years, and secretary for four years. Her gifts shone as she carried out a ministry in retreats and spiritual direction 37 years. Sister Elizabeth was a spiritual leader who was sensitive to the needs of others. She was compassionate, kind, intelligent, and joyful. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, as well as Florence, Italy.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Elizabeth taught music at St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa, 1968-1969, where she also served as liturgist, and at Edgewood College and Edgewood Campus School, Madison, 1970-1975. She served as director of initial formation for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, 1975-1978.
Sister Elizabeth was born Sept. 22, 1935, in Spalding, Neb., the daughter of Jules and Mary (Vande Vegt) Toohey. Her parents; a sister, Rita Roccaforte; three brothers, John Toohey, Robert Toohey, and Gerald Toohey; and two nephews, Tom Roccaforte and Jay Johnson, preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister Mary “Margaret” Johnson; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 64 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the prayer service of remembering for Sister Elizabeth are available online atwww.sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.