Sister Mary Duke, SNDdeN

Sister Mary Duke of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 75, died Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, Worcester.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of Francis T. and Margaret V. (Melia) Duke. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1968. She graduated from St. Peter’s High School and Salem State College. She received her Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Fairfield University.

Sister Mary taught in Notre Dame affiliated schools including Julie Country Day School, Leominster and Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, Waltham. She was the principal of the Presentation School, Brighton from 1984 to 2005.

Sister was predeceased by her four brothers, John Duke, Francis Duke, William Duke, and Thomas Duke; her sister Margaret “Peggy” Duke; and her sister-in-law Frances Duke.

She leaves behind her dear friend Mary Battles; her sisters-in-law Jessica Duke, Roberta Duke, and Maureen Duke; her cousin Patricia Damon; many nieces and nephews; and her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Sister Mary’s funeral will be held Friday, January 23, in the Notre Dame du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, with a calling hour at 1 p.m. followed by a Mass at 2 p.m.  The burial will be Saturday, January 24, at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 351 Broadway, Everett, MA  02149.