Mother Therese Critchley, OSB

Mother Thérèse (née Mary Terese) Critchley, 90, Foundress and first Prioress of Our Lady of the Rock Monastery, died on October 28, 2026 after a period of declining health. In 1977 she was sent from the Abbey of Regina Laudis in CT to found this Benedictine Monastery on Shaw Island. She was installed as Prioress in 1985. Under her inspired leadership, the small community developed a productive working farm that included a herd of Scottish Highland cattle, a flock of Cotswold sheep, and a dairy. Mother Thérèse loved this work and inspired all who came to visit the Priory with her devotion to the land. In 1995 Mother Thérèse oversaw the design and construction of the Monastery Chapel, which has been called an architectural jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Mother Thérèse loved the people of the Pacific Northwest and over the years, she and her community have welcomed guests of all faiths to stay in the guest houses and participate in the prayer and work of the community.

Mother Thérèse is survived by her monastic community, her Sister-in-Law Penny, and her nieces, Kelly (Mike) Fortin and Tracy (Kevin) Brown. She was predeceased by her parents Christopher and Nicolina and brother Christopher (Kit). The loving care of Mother Thérèse by the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Northwest is gratefully acknowledged.

A Requiem Mass for Mother Thérèse will be celebrated at the Monastery Chapel on Wednesday, November 11th at 10:30 AM, followed by burial in the monastery’s cemetery. Calling hours will precede the funeral Mass, starting at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Monastery’s Building the Future Fund would be gratefully accepted, on-line or c/o Our Lady of the Rock Monastery, 865 Hoffman Cove Rd., Shaw Island WA 98286.

Read about Mother Thérèse's life and see a Gallery of her Monastic Life.