Sister Marian McAvoy SL
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Sister Marian (formerly Sister Marian Joseph) McAvoy SL died June 30, 2022, at Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, KY. She was 94 and in the 71st year of her Loretto commitment. Born July 15, 1927, to Edith K (Nilges) and Bernard F. McAvoy in Kansas City, MO, and baptized Lucille Marie McAvoy. Received into the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross on Dec. 8, 1951. Sr. Marian earned a B.A. in English, with minors in history and philosophy, in 1949 from Webster College (now University) in St. Louis, an M.A. in English in 1963 from St. Louis University and an M.A. in pastoral theology in 1969 from Loyola University, Chicago. Sr. Marian lived much of her life in the service of the Loretto Community, including as Loretto's President, serving for 2 terms from 1978 to 1986 at the Denver Loretto Center. In 1970, she had been asked to serve on the first staff for the newly reorganized government of Loretto as Director of Work Development, remaining in that position until she was elected Loretto's second president. Sr. Marian was interested in international matters and promoted learning in this area throughout her life, encouraging a movement from national independence to global interdependence. As Loretto's President, she designed a project in which a number of Sisters of Loretto had the opportunity to live and work in what was then known as Third World areas. Her emphasis in broadening Loretto's vision continued through her retirement years at Loretto Motherhouse. From 1994-1997, Sr. Marian served as adjunct faculty at Webster University, where she particularly enjoyed teaching a seminar on women with a global focus. She was both a member of the national board and executive committee of LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious). With Barron Hilton, Sr. Marian initiated the Hilton Fund for Sisters and served as charter member and vice chair of its Board of Directors. For 10 years, she directed the Loretto Leadership Workshop, an annual weeklong event for elected and appointed leaders from Loretto high schools. Among her earlier ministries, Sr. Marian taught in elementary and secondary schools in St. Louis, Illinois and Kentucky, served in pastoral ministry in Iowa, and was Loretto's Community Group Coordinator from 1997-2001. Preceding her in death were her parents and five siblings. Among survivors are her brother Louis (Lou) McAvoy of Kansas City, Mo., and several nieces and nephews. Sr. Marian's funeral took place July 7 at Loretto Motherhouse. Burial in Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery on Motherhouse grounds. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Loretto for our mission, c/o Loretto Motherhouse, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx, KY 40049 or as an online gift at www.lorettocommunity.org.