In Indiana, farm life shapes more than just a way of living, it shapes the soul. Growing up on a farm in Charlestown, Sister Mary Ann learned hard work, love of the land, and the quiet wisdom of nature. Her family milked cows, raised chickens and hogs, grew corn, wheat, and soybeans, and tended a large garden.
Her father’s inventive mind sparked her own curiosity—he never saw a new idea he couldn’t bring to life. Her mother’s joy in every new birth on the farm taught her to see wonder in all creation.
Life on the farm was also filled with laughter and mischief. Sister Mary Ann fondly recalls her early “scientific experiments” with her sisters, including testing gravity by tossing the family cat (who landed safely, of course) and nearly testing it again with their toddler sister, until their mother intervened just in time.
When Sister Mary Ann felt called to join the Sisters at age 18, her father hesitated, telling her happiness could only be found in being married and having children. The definitive no of her father, delayed her entrance into becoming a sister as she pursued a degree at Marian College (now University) instead, until her father’s heart softened and he agreed to let her join. Years later, he told her that while her sisters were happy in marriage, she seemed the happiest of all.
Her teaching ministry began with fourth graders at Holy Name in Beech Grove, then in Cincinnati and Evansville, where she nurtured a love of learning and faith. She loved teaching children reading and writing and felt as though in every role she was blessed with those that helped her along her path.
Her adventurous spirit led her west to serve the Northern Cheyenne and Crow people in Montana. There she built wells, started prayer houses, brought light and hope, both spiritual and electric, and shared God’s love with children and families. Her curious mind now supports the preservation of our Sisters’ history in archives.
From Montana to Florida she once drove, carrying her love for the land, often pausing to hug a tree along the way. Ginkgo and Cottonwood are her favorites, and she delights in the sweet taste of the Sand Lily flower. When not reading, writing poetry, or journaling, she offers her creative gifts to the Sisters’ Vision and Journey publication.
Sister Mary Ann says her greatest accomplishment is simply becoming who she was meant to be—a Sister, a daughter, a woman of joy and purpose.
When asked why she joined the Sisters, she smiled and said, “I found that they were strong, self-fulfilled, happy women.”
Yes, Sister Mary Ann—you are one of them. And we are so grateful for you.