Age 83
Sister Marie was a wonderful woman with a heart-warming smile who created a beautiful legacy, touching the hearts and minds of many.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, she entered the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 18. A graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy in Burlington, she received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont, a master’s degree in special education from the University of Oregon, in Eugene, Oregon, and a doctorate in higher and adult education from the University of Maryland.
Initially she was an elementary school teacher at Mater Christi and Christ the King in Burlington, Vermont, and Saint Mary’s School in Middlebury, Vermont. Next, she ministered for the Diocese of Burlington serving as their director of special religious education and establishing special religious education programs throughout the diocese. She developed a similar program at the collegiate level known as the Special Religious Education (SPRED) Program providing religious formation for numerous children with special needs in an inaugural program at Trinity College involving college students.
Next, she became the chair of the education department, then academic dean, at her alma mater, Trinity College. The board of directors appointed her president, a position she held for five years. During her tenure, she was instrumental in closing the college, facilitating the transition of the students and their records and selling the campus to the University of Vermont.
Following her tenure at Trinity College, The Sisters of Mercy appointed her co-chair of the Integration Team for the “Reimagining and Reconfiguration Process” of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. In 2006 she was elected as a member of the leadership team of the former Northeast Community for eight years and in 2014 she was elected as president of the Northeast Leadership Team and served generously for four more years.
Sister Marie will be remembered for her love of nature, visits to art museums, travel, music, love and dedication for her family and friends, and her winning smile.