Sister Marian Zarones, 81, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, died July 17.

She was born to John and Mary Gasperi Zarones in Oskaloosa, Iowa. For 46 years, Sister Marian taught in Catholic parish elementary schools: Cathedral and Christ the King, Springfield; Our Saviour, Jacksonville; St. Margaret Mary, Algonquin; and St. Christina and St. John Bosco, Chicago.

Sister Marian served as a classroom teacher at Cathedral School from 1955-1959. She returned in 1995 as a classroom teacher, a teacher in the St. John Bosco Program and as librarian until her semi-retirement in 2006. She served as motherhouse librarian until illness changed her ministry to one of full-time prayer and suffering for God's people.

Sister Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John; and her sister, Sister Barbara Jean, OP. She is survived by one sister, Sister M. Teresine, OP (Springfield); and one niece, Sandra Brannon (Panama City, FL).

A funeral Mass was held July 22 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, with Father Peter Witchousky, OP, presiding. Final commendation and burial were held July 23 at Calvary Cemetery, Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704. Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.