A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 29 in the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Summit, for Dominican Sister Mary Ellen Timothy Lydon, who died June 26 in St. Catherine of Siena Nursing Home, Caldwell. She was 87.

Sister Mary Ellen (Cecilia E. Lydon) was born in Trenton, baptized in St. Joseph Church, Trenton, and then was a member of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, until she entered the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary, Jan. 5, 1960, at age 34.

Prior to entering the monastery, she graduated from Trenton Central High School and had attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, and Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

She had worked as a secretary in the insurance industry as well as a navy plane inspector during World War II. As a hobby, she was able to secure a license to pilot a single engine airplane. She also took up violin lessons and studied voice culture for three years. As a voice student, she sang the prominent mezzo-soprano role of Amneris in an amateur opera production of Verdi’s “Aida.”

Sister Mary Ellen received the Dominican habit July 9, 1960, and the religious name, Sister Mary Ellen Timothy of the Assumption. She made religious profession of temporary vows Oct. 2, 1961, and sealed her religious consecration with solemn vows June 25, 1965. She served the community in many ways including as a seamstress, cook and orchard keeper.

Sister Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Timothy and Nellie Lydon, and siblings; Dorothy, Georgina, Honora, Timothy P., Eileen and Joseph.

She is survived by three sisters; Patricia McKinney, Rosemary Vocaturo, Elizabeth Collins and Leo Lydon.

Burial was in the cemetery on the grounds of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary.