Sister Helen Proper

Sister Helen Marie Proper, formerly Sr. M. Scholastica, was a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York. She was a nun for 54 years until her death on August 23, 1996 at the age of 75.
Sr. Helen Marie Proper was born August 12, 1921 in Amenia . Her parents were Earl and Margaret Proper. She entered the Sisters of St .Dominic from the parish of the Immaculate Conception in September 9, 1942, received the Dominican habit on August 24, 1943, professed her first vows on August 25, 1944 and her perpetual vows on September 2, 1947.
Sister’s many years of active ministry were devoted to teaching. She was a dedicated educator as teacher and principal in many schools in the Archdiocese of New York. She taught in Our Lady of the Assumption School in the Bronx from 1945 to 1948; St. Dominic’s School, Blauvelt, NY from 1949to 1950; St. Benedict’s in the Bronx from 1951 to 1957 and St Mary’s School , Bronx, N.Y., from, 1957 to 1962.
Sister also taught at the St. Pius School, Bronx, N.Y. from 1962 to1964, Immaculate Conception School, Amenia, N.Y. from 1964 to 1967, St. Luke’s School, also in the Bronx and St. Colamba (?) School in Hopewell Junction from 1985 through 1991.






Sister was principal of Immaculate Conception School from 1970 – 1985. She was highly respected and much loved by the students in Amenia and, in fact, by the entire community.



Sister Helen Marie Proper returned to St. Dominic’s Convent Infirmary in 1991 and ministered in varied volunteer servi ces at the Motherhouse. She was also very faithful to her ministry of prayer for the intentions of the sisters, the Blauvelt Community and its benefactors until her death on August 23, 1996.

Sister Helen Proper has a sister, Betty Scarlotta of Granville, New York, and two brothers - Earl Proper Jr. of Sun Coty, Arizona and Raymond Proper of Amenia. She was predeceased by her brothers, Vincent, John and Francis.