Sister Maria Christi, OP

Sister Maria Christi, OP, [Ritamae T. Dillon] was born on March 28th, 1943, in Manhattan, NY and died on October 5, 2024, at St Patrick’s Residence in Naperville, IL. She was admitted to the home in 2019 and cared for by the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm after it became necessary.

Her parents, James and Mae [McHugh] Dillon of New York City, and her sister, Catherine [Dillon] Lyon preceded her in death. She attended Hunter College and became active in the Dominican Third Order doing office work with Fr. Francis Wendell. Later she was employed at the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. She began her religious journey when she entered Corpus Christi Monastery, Bronx, NY on May 24, 1974, and professed Solemn Vows on November 11, 1978. She served there as the prioress between 1984-1987. In 1993 she transferred to the Monastery of Mary the Queen, Elmira, NY. In 2014 this community translocated to the Diocese of Springfield, IL, where they later built a new monastery in Girard which they occupied, September 30th, 2022.

Throughout her religious life, sister was very devoted to Eucharistic adoration and the Divine Office. In both monasteries she held various duties such as Chantress, cook, gardener, newsletter writing and community mailings.

Her funeral Mass will take place on October 10. 2024 at 10:30 AM. She will be laid to rest at Martin’s Catholic Cemetery, Farmersville, IL.

Rest in the bosom of your beloved.