January 28, 2025
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Sister Clare Fitzgerald, Visionary Catholic School Educator
Sister Clare Fitzgerald was a dedicated advocate for Catholic education, Catholic youth and Catholic community.
Arlington, VA – The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) joins the Catholic education community in mourning the passing of Sister Clare Fitzgerald, SSND. Sister Clare, a Northeast Province School Sister of Notre Dame, passed away on January 27, 2025, having celebrated her 100th birthday in September 2024.
Sister Clare was a renowned, tireless advocate for Catholic education and taught at all levels: elementary and high school as well as university. She was the chair of the American Studies Department at Fairfield University and founding director of the Catholic Leadership Program at Boston College. Internationally, she lectured and presented workshops on Catholic education and spirituality throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and England. She served as the provincial leader of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and the appointee to the Vatican Commission on the Study of Religious Life.
"It is both poignant and fitting that Sister Clare entered into eternal rest during Catholic Schools Week," said Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO. "Her unwavering faith and dedication to Catholic education perfectly embody the mission we celebrate this week: transforming hearts and minds through Christ-centered learning. Sister Clare’s extraordinary contributions have inspired generations of teachers and leaders, ensuring her work and legacy will continue to shape Catholic education for years to come."
Three times, 1986, 1992 and 1997, Sister Clare received NCEA’s highest commendation for distinguished service to Catholic education and the Church. In 1994, she was awarded the prestigious William H. Sadlier Dinger Award for outstanding contributions to Catholic education and leadership.
In 1998, she received the NCEA President’s Award, the C. Albert Koob Merit Award, NCEA’s top honor for exceptional service in Catholic education. In 2006, she was a NCEA St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award honoree presented with the President’s Award for outstanding leadership service enhancing the well-being of the nation’s youth and U.S. Catholic schools.
A native Bostonian, Sister Clare received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of Notre Dame in Maryland, a master’s degree at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a Doctor of Philosophy from St. Louis University.
Well into her 90s, Sister Clare was still “on the road” attending NCEA Conventions and presenting at the Education Law Symposium, in demand as a popular speaker motivating teachers and administrators to appreciate the great gift and privilege it is to minister in Catholic education.
Her life was characterized by zeal for the Church, love of continual learning and a joyous appreciation for life. May she rest in peace.
For more information, visit www.NCEA.org and connect with NCEA on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
###
In service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by convening all stakeholders and providing professional development, data, public policy and resources to support faith and intellectual formation.