O'Brien, M. Sheila, Sister, RSM

Biography

Sister Sheila O’Brien was professionally involved in the Salve Regina community for many years.

Born in June of 1935, O’Brien lived locally in Rhode Island before joining the Mercy Order in 1952. From there, Sister went on to pursue her education at Catholic Teachers’ College, where she received her BS in Education in 1958, and the Catholic University of America, where she received an MS in Library Science in 1967. Throughout the time Sister O’Brien spent educating herself, she also worked to educate others professionally.

Before officially joining the Salve Regina community, Sister Sheila O’Brien taught at a number of different institutions. From 1957-1959, Sister taught elementary-age students at the Tyler School. From there, Sister moved on to teach junior high at the Holy Ghost School until 1962. After that, Sister began teaching at Bishop Feehan High School, where she also served as the school librarian until 1964. Following that role, Sister accepted a position at St. Xavier Academy, where she served as both Director of Guidance and Vice Principal until 1967. It was then that Sister finally became Dean of Women at Salve Regina.

Sister Sheila O’Brien served as Dean of Women until 1973, when Salve Regina became a coeducational university and the office was superseded by the Dean of Students. However, Sister continued in her involvement with the university through the 80s as a member of the Board of Trustees, and in 1996 she rejoined the community as Librarian and Archivist. Sister retired from this position ten years later in 2006.

Sister O'Brien still lives locally in Rhode Island.

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