Sr. M. Fidelis McDonough, RSM

Sister Fidelis McDonough (Mary Veronica McDonough), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 80 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she was 97 years old. Daughter of William Patrick and Helen “Nellie” Margaret (Sweeney) McDonough, Sister Fidelis entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Teresa Parish in Perrysville, Pa., in 1945 and made final vows in 1951.

Sister Fidelis was talented and versatile. Her lifelong focus was service to others. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sacred Music from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, an MS in Musicology from the Pius XII Institute in Florence, Italy, and an MPA from the University of Pittsburgh's GSPIA. She served the Pittsburgh Regional Community in various capacities, including formation director, councilor, vice president, and musical director. Sister Fidelis was vice president of planning and business affairs for Carlow University from 1990 to 1999. After retiring from her administrative duties, she founded Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, where she worked with elderly residents of West Oakland and the Hill District. Sister Fidelis was a member of the Board of Trustees for Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Mercyhurst University in Erie, Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Mercy Action Inc., and Auberle Home for Children.

Preceded in death by her parents, brothers John J. and Paul J. McDonough, and sisters Helen McDonough, Regina A. Theisen, and Rita Bren, Sister Fidelis is survived by her sisters, Katherine Madden and Marion Feeney, and brothers, William C. and Leo Thomas McDonough, as well as many nieces and nephews. A vigil service will be held at the Convent of Mercy on Thursday, September 25, at 4:15 p.m. in the Chapel. Family and friends will be received on Friday, September 26, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the Convent of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Avenue. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, followed by interment at St. Xavier Cemetery in Latrobe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213, or the Carlow University Scholarship Fund. Arrangements entrusted to the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207.

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