Obituary of Sr. Mary Peter Damien Mitchell, R.S.M.

Sister Peter Damien, 74 died suddenly on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. Sister Peter Damien was born in Camden, NJ. She was the eldest daughter of the late Edward and Anna Mitchell and predeceased by her dear sister, Marlene. She was educated in the Camden Diocese, graduated from Camden Catholic High and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1959. She received a BA degree in English from Georgian Court College and an MA degree in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Sister Peter Damien taught in several elementary schools in the Camden and Trenton Dioceses: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Atlantic City; St. Catherine School, East Keansburg; St Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson and St Mary School, Bordentown. In 1976 she moved to St Paul School in Burlington, NJ and for the next 35 years was a vibrant and loved presence at St Paul's School and Parish, first as a teacher and then as Principal for 25 years. Sister Peter Damien was a dedicated woman of mercy for more than 50 years and she shared that love of mercy with everyone she met. She was caring, creative, energizing and spirit filled. She developed a simple and effective morning ritual to impress upon staff and students that their school was "Holy Ground". Each day they would gather to say the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and enter the school in silence. She challenged the parents, staff and students to make their school "Holy Ground" Sister Peter Damien was an extraordinary educator and gifted her students and staff with love and respect for God and each other. After retiring she accepted an opportunity as coordinator of the Retirement Unit for the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung, NJ where she had the same care and concern for those in residence. Visitation will take place at Mount Saint Mary, Immaculate Conception Chapel on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 3:00 to 6:45 pm with a Welcome Home Service 4:00pm and a Mass of Christian Burial: 6:45 pm and on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 viewing at 10:00 am with a Prayer Ritual 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, NJ. Memorial Contributions by be made to Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community 1645 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.