In Memory of Sister Louis McCormick

December 20, 1923 – February 25, 2011

Sister Mary Louis McCormick, 87, daughter of Edward and Rose (Heim) was born Leona May McCormick on December 20, 1923. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in September of 1941 and professed her perpetual vows on May 16, 1947.

She received her BA from Loras College, Dubuque IA, her MA from the University of Vermillion, SD, and did graduate studies at Clarke University and UNI. Her Presentation career spanning 58 years, took her to Mason City, Farley, Algona, Fairbank, Clare, Humboldt, Sheldon, Epworth, Madrid, and Dubuque, all in Iowa, and Winner, SD. Her ministries included teacher, principal, lay director of religious education, parish minister and resident manager of a senior housing facility.

Sister taught elementary school and served as principal at Winner, Sheldon and Epworth. She was Lay Director of Religious Education in Madrid, IA and the resident manager of Dubuque’s Ecumenical Tower from 1983-1999. She retired to Mt. Loretto in 1999 and continued ministry to the elderly and homebound, as well as prayer and community service. Sister Louis enjoyed playing cards, walking and enjoyed once again living with and reminiscing with her sister, Sr. Dorothy. Commenting on her ministries in later years at her 60th Jubilee, she said, “… I was happy to give as much as I could as long as I could for the poor and needy.”

Surviving are her sisters, Sister Mary Dorothy McCormick, PBVM, Dorothy Berglar, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Alvin Severson, her brothers, Joseph, Harold, Edward, Cletus, and her sisters Marie, Helen, Geraldine, and Dolores.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dubuquepresentations.org.