Age 88
Inspired by her motto, “Christ in Me,” Sister Mary Brigid was a true educator, always responding to
the needs of her students.
where she developed a strong work ethic and faith in God. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 17.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and became
certified as a Montessori teacher at Seattle University in Seattle, Washington. She spent most of her active ministry years as a primary education teacher, teaching throughout Iowa and in Montana for 24 years. When she became interested in the Montessori method of teaching, she first taught at St. Theresa’s and Johnson County Montessori preschool, then ministered as the director of education at Bishop Helmsing school, all in Kansas City, Missouri. Next, she relocated to Lima, Peru, where she ministered as a teacher/trainer at Catherine McAuley Montessori Center. For 26 years, she made her mark there as an educator, friend and confidant with the people she served. On her return to the United States, she volunteered at the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a number of years as a tutor for students learning English. Brigid was able to maintain her sharp wit and humor through her final years in spite of her health issues. She never lost the sparkle in her eyes and her love for her family and the Mercy Community.