Honoring the Legacy of Sr. Melissa Waters, OP, '59

The Dominican University community is mourning the passing of our beloved Sr. Melissa Waters, OP, ’59.

Sr. Melissa was called to eternal life on Dec. 21, 2025 in the 75th year of her profession, at St. Dominic Villa in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. A Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Clara Chapel in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, followed by burial at St. Clara Cemetery. A livestream of the funeral can be viewed via www.dom.edu/sr-melissa-waters.

Sr. Melissa lived a life of purpose and unwavering compassion, touching the hearts of countless members of the Dominican University community. Her ubiquitous influence on campus will forever be cherished by all those who interacted with her. For her, each day was a gift, and she, in turn, was a gift to all. 

Among her many other endearing qualities, Sr. Melissa was known for her light, her optimism, her enthusiasm and her gentle readiness to accompany students through their educational and life journeys, helping them discover and cultivate their talents. She warmly embraced faculty and staff in similar ways, always taking time to listen and to know everyone she could on a personal level. She was the true embodiment of Caritas.

Born Joanne Elizabeth on Nov. 27, 1930, Sr. Melissa was raised in Washington, D.C. by her maternal grandparents, Chester and Sarah Waters, following the deaths of her parents. She entered the Sinsinawa Dominican order at the age of 18 and her ministry was dedicated to teaching and academic administration. She served at Rosary College and Dominican University for 38 years in various roles, including assistant professor of English, associate dean for advising, and administrator of the Rosary in London program. Earlier, she taught in elementary and high schools, her work taking her to Peoria, Illinois; New York City; Mobile, Alabama; and Minneapolis. She served in congregation leadership for the Sinsinawa Dominicans as director of ongoing formation and then as provincial until 1980, when she was called to join Rosary College. 

Sr. Melissa retired from her work at Dominican University in 2018. The Waters Internship, created in her name and offered through University Ministry, provides opportunities for students to engage in faith- and justice-based work on campus. 

“Sr. Melissa’s great gift was establishing and continuing relationships with every group of people on campus, particularly students,” said Sr. Marcella Hermesdorf, OP, professor emerita of English at Dominican University. “The students loved her and she was a great advocate for them. She was so supportive and affirming to all. You never left Sr. Melissa’s office without feeling better about yourself and any situation you were dealing with.”