In Memory of Mary Ann Cichowski-Schaefer

August 8, 1935 – February 15, 2010

Presentation Associate Mary Ann Cichowski-Schaefer was always grateful for her “connections” with the Dubuque Presentations since the time her young children attended St. Germaine School in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Mary Ann volunteered as a teacher’s aide to Sister Raeleen Sweeney. Over the years, Mary Ann always searched for a deeper spirituality and an understanding of the mission of Nano Nagle. She became a Presentation associate on June 4, 2000.

Six months of illness and hospitalization finally ended for Mary Ann on February 15. Sister Raeleen and Associate Sister Virgie Luchsinger, SFCC, were privileged to join the family the last few hours of Hospice care, quietly singing hymns, praying and supporting one another in silence. It was a gentle, peaceful process to the very last moment. Sister Raeleen was honored to fulfill the request of the family by presenting the eulogy at Mary Ann’s funeral. Mary Ann will be missed by her husband, Frank, also a Presentation associate, her family, fellow associates and friends. The common thread remembered and shared by many was her gracious smile, her kindness, her deep faith and her love for learning. We remember Mary Ann with love and gratitude.