Sr. Melissa Waters OP, DMin, 95, a longtime educator and student advisor at Dominican University in River Forest, was called to eternity on Dec. 21, 2025 at St. Dominic Villa in Hazel Green, Wisconsin.
Born Joanne Elizabeth on Nov. 27, 1930, she was raised in Washington D.C. by her maternal grandparents, Chester and Sarah Waters. She professed vows with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa in 1950, and her ministry was dedicated to education and academic administration. She taught students of all ages, from elementary school to the university level, before serving in congregation leadership as director of ongoing formation and then as provincial. She earned her BA in English from Rosary College; MA in English from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and DMin from Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, Iowa.
In 1980, she joined Rosary College, now Dominican University, where she served for 38 years in roles that included assistant professor of English, associate dean for advising, and administrator of Rosary in London, a successful study abroad program. The Waters Internship was created in her name for students to pursue faith- and justice-based work on campus through University Ministry.
She was known for her warmth, enthusiasm, compassion and gentle readiness to accompany students through their educational and life journeys and help them discover and cultivate their talents. Her years as an influential educator helped prepare countless students to carry on Dominican University’s mission to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
Sr. Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Doris (Waters) McMullen, and a brother, James. She is survived by her brother, Richard, and her Dominican Sisters.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at St. Clara Chapel in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, followed by burial at St. Clara Cemetery. A Mass of Remembrance will be held at Dominican University on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. Visit www.dom.edu/sr-melissa-waters for details.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters or to Dominican University.
