We Say Goodbye to Sr. Gene McNally

January 19, 1937—January 20, 2025

Sister Gene McNally (formerly Sr. M. Edward), a Dominican Sister of San Rafael for 69 years, died peacefully on January 20, 2025, following a brief illness. A gifted educator with a flair for music and travel, Sr. Gene had a deep willingness to listen and respond to God’s call. Leaving behind the traditional classroom, she spent the second half of her life in service in Tijuana, Mexico where she will be forever remembered for founding the Dominican Sisters Mission Program to serve the local community.

 Mitzie Gene McNally was the adopted daughter of Omar and Regina Clark McNally and was raised in San Rafael with her two brothers, Fae and Omar. Reared in a faith-filled and tight-knit family that instilled solid Christian values of charity and compassion for others, Mitzie graduated from San Rafael High School and entered the convent. Preparing for what she thought would be a life in education she received her BA from Dominican College in1959, and in 1976 earned an MA from Catholic University Pacific Coast Branch.

Sister Gene spent twenty-six years as a high school teacher and administrator teaching history, religion, and English at St. Mary’s in Stockton (1959-64) and St. Vincent’s in Vallejo (1964-70; 1981-85), and returned to St. Mary’s as Vice Principal from 1970-77. She then served as teacher and academic dean of San Domenico Upper School in San Anselmo from 1977-1980.

While participating in the Tortilla Marathon to benefit the work at Casa de Los Pobres in Tijuana, Sister Gene became aware of the conditions of the poor in Tijuana, Mexico and began to support the Sisters who ministered at the Casa. In 1986, at the invitation of one of the residents to work in the Colonia, Sister Gene founded the Dominican Sisters Mission Program at Colonia Esperanza and served as its director for the next four decades. Grateful for the financial support from multiple individuals, parishes, and Catholic schools, she partnered with some locals and oversaw the construction of Chapel Esperanza, Clinic San Rafael and an afterschool catechetical and educational program, including classrooms and a basketball court. She was a diligent steward of resources and kept benefactors connected through newsletters which included the stories of support for sustainable small businesses, housing improvements, and the provision of scholarships for students seeking to advance their education. Highlights included the Carnival at the Colonia and summer excursions to the beach. After mentoring a former student, Roxanna Jimenez, as her successor and ensuring the ongoing direction of the Colonia, Sister Gene returned to San Rafael in 2021, yet remained faithful with her correspondence with donors until her final days.

The number of lives touched by Sr. Gene’s signature sense of compassion, grit, and dogged perseverance in accomplishing goals is hard to calculate. The only measure bigger than the imprint she left on her Tijuana community is the love in her heart for each and every one with whom she interacted. Whether planning a trip or a visit with friends, raising funds for the next Mission Program improvement project, or finding time to care for her aging father (who lived to be 103!), Sr. Gene approached life with determination, joy, and a spirit of deep commitment. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives enriched by her care.

Sr. Gene is predeceased by her parents Omar and Regina Clark McNally and brothers Omar and Fae. She is survived by several grandnieces and cousins, her many godchildren and Colonia community in Tijuana; and her Dominican Sisters.

A Vigil is planned for Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 4 pm in the Dominican Sisters Gathering Space (1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael) with Mass of the Resurrection on January 31, 2025, at 11:00 am also in the Dominican Sisters Gathering Space and on Zoom [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89396205338]. Following the Funeral Mass, Sr. Gene will be buried in St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia with a Committal Service at 1:30 pm.

Memorial gifts in honor of Sr. Gene McNally may be made to the Mission Program Scholarship Fund or the Retirement Fund, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Advancement Office, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901. Make a gift online here.

Ministries

• 1959-1964 St. Mary’s, Stockton
• 1964-1970 St. Vincent’s, Vallejo
• 1970-1977 St. Mary’s, Stockton (Vice Principal)
• 1977-1980 San Domenico Upper School, San Anselmo (Dean)
• 1980-1985 St. Vincent’s; Vallejo
• 1985-2021 Director of the Mission Program at Colonia Esperanza, Tijuana

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