Sister Callista O'Connor Has Gone Home to God

Sister M. Callista O’Connor


Sister M. Callista (Geraldine) O’Connor was born on May 5, 1927 in Washburn, Iowa. She attended elementary school Grades 1 – 7 in Rapidan, Minnesota before her family moved to Stayton, Oregon where she graduated from St. Mary’s Elementary School. She graduated from St. Mary of the Valley High School (now known as Valley Catholic).

Sister was received as a novice by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1943 and became known as Sister M. Callista. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Alverno College in Milwaukie, Wisconsin in 1962, a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Portland in 1969.

Music coursed her veins and energized Sr. Callista throughout her life. She could play the theme of the “Magificent Seven” as a waltz, polka or a march! Sister Callista had a zest for life and believed in possibilities while thinking outside the box!

Sister’s teaching career began in 1945 at St. Mary of the Valley. In the years that followed, when not a student at Alverno College, she taught music, served as head of the Music Department, or as Music Coordinator for the Community in these schools: Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Agatha, Holy Cross in Portland; St. John the Baptist and Christ the King in Milwaukie; St. Boniface in Sublimity; St. Mary’s in Stayton; Sacred Heart in Tillamook, St. Francis in Roy; Visitation in Verboort; St. Matthew in Hillsboro; and St. Cecilia in Beaverton. Her last teaching assignment was at St. Lucy School in Long Beach, California where she taught while also serving as the care giver for her mother.

Even when she retired in 1991 she continued to share her love for music with Valley Catholic School 7th graders who visited with her as part of their Middle School program. Sister Callista was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but continued to exercise by swimming until recent months. Sister died at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on March 14. May she rest in peace.

Vigil Service –March 18 at 7:00 p.m. – Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Mass of Christian Burial – March 19 at 4:00 p.m. – Motherhouse Chapel
Interment – March 22 at 9:00 a.m. in the Sisters’ Cemetery

Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Retirement Fund.

May she rest in God’s embrace!