Good morning! I know Sister Mariel is with us today. She is sending her very special blessings and life to us. Being an expert in music and fine arts, she will be critiquing this remembrance service!
Sister Mariel was born in Milwaukee. Her father, Edward, was a policeman. Her mother, Eugenia, had the privilege of raising three exceptional children, Sister Mariel, Nancy, and Richard.
She was proud of her nephew, Christopher, and her two nieces, Ann and Katie. She was always bragging about Ann’s children, Juliana and Emma. Sister was also greatly influenced by her grandmother, Josephine, an independent woman with vision and courage.
Here are some of Mariel’s past ministry experiences:
- From 1957 to 1967, she taught elementary school in Iowa, Milwaukee, and Greendale.
- From 1967 to 1975, she was principal at St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin.
- From 1980 to 1984, she was the arts program coordinator at Alverno College.
- In 1990, she received her doctorate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
- From 1990 to 2002, she was the fine arts coordinator/and consultant at Madison Metro School District.
- From 2002 to 2004, she was president of the Wisconsin Alliance Arts Education
- From 2005-2014, she was a board member for the Wisconsin Dance Council.
- In 2015, she retired but continued consulting for various organizations.
Sister Mariel received many outstanding awards too numerous to mention. She also published several books dealing with teacher-pupil prediction and analysis.
Sister Mariel lived her vocation and ministered to God’s people for 68 years. In her service, she touched thousands of lives. While her talents and accomplishments were many, who she was and what she represented were more significant.
She was a deeply spiritual woman of prayer. She prayed the Divine Office and the rosary every day. She was always loyal and supportive to her family, friends, and all whom she encountered. She was a woman of integrity, wisdom, intelligence, and compassion. She had a love of life and a happy spirit and shared it with everyone. She was a “problem” solver and was involved in many causes. She was non-judgmental and respected different life choices. She was a woman of her word! Her positive spirit was life-giving. She championed the talents and determination of others.
I could sing her praises forever, but one more thing needs to be said: Mariel had a hidden talent: She could repair anything outside and inside the house. She was a handywoman who would repair and restore broken vacuum cleaners, watches, doors, sidewalks, furniture, and anything imaginable. She loved challenges!
Sister Mariel, we will miss you, and we thank you for making an enormous difference on this Planet Earth and in all the lives you touched. We are one in spirit!
Shared by Sister Toni Ann Palermo
Thank you!
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