Sister Clare Fitzgerald, SSND, a longtime advocate for the mission of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and a devoted servant of Catholic education, entered eternal rest on January 27, 2025. Sister Clare celebrated her 100th birthday in September 2024 and remained sharp, engaged and witty until her death. For a century, she inspired those around her with her keen mind and warm spirit.
For the many people who knew her, you could not mention NCEA history without mentioning Sister Clare, a Northeast Province School Sister of Notre Dame. Her unwavering faith and lifelong dedication to the faith formation of students, teachers and school leaders shaped generations. With wisdom, compassion and commitment to academic excellence rooted in Gospel values, her impact on Catholic schools and her tireless service to the Church will be cherished and remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Sister Clare was a renowned, tireless advocate for Catholic education and taught at all levels: elementary, high school and 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 was an 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 Christcentered 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 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 awards events and presenting at the annual Loyola Marymount University and NCEA Education Law Symposium. In demand as a popular and witty speaker, she motivated teachers and administrators to appreciate the great gift and privilege it is to minister in Catholic education. She devoted her life to Catholic education, Catholic youth and Catholic community.
Sister Clare’s life was characterized by zeal for the Church, love of continual learning and an infectious joyous appreciation for life. May she rest in peace.