RUMA — Sister Mary Maurice Loepker, an Adorer of the Blood of Christ for 68 years, died July 10 at the Ruma Center. She was 86.
Sister Mary Maurice was one of eight children born to Joseph and Isabella (Wichmann) Loepker and grew up on the family farm in Bartelso, where she was taught by Adorers at St. Cecilia School.
At 17, she went to work as a nurse's aide at Mother of Good Counsel Home for the Chronically and Incurably Ill in St. Louis and began considering a religious vocation. In 1946, she came to Ruma to complete high school at the former Precious Blood Institute. She received her nursing training at Saint Louis University where she earned a bachelor's of nursing degree in 1954.
Sister Mary Maurice worked for 17 years at St. Vincent (now Taylorville) Memorial Hospital from 1954 to 1961 and from 1963 to 1973 and for 36 years at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro from 1961 to 1963, 1973 to 1983, and from 1985 to 2009. In 2004, she was named Unsung Hero at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital.
She worked, sometimes as a supervisor, in various departments including obstetrics, medical-surgical, emergency, special care and spiritual care. She also served her sisters at the Ruma Center over the years, working as a financial assistant, community prayer leader and singer in the choir. She also loved to send cards and notes and to visit with friends.
Sister Mary Maurice was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Charles, Paul and Louis; her sisters Anna and Margaret Beckmann; and her sister-in-law Florence (Charles) and brother-in-law John McDowell. She is survived by her brother Severin; sister Rosemary McDowell; sister-in-law Frances (Paul), and brother-in-law Alois Beckmann; as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and sisters in community.
A Mass of Resurrection was held July 13. Father James Dougherty presided and Sister Barbara Hudock, ASC, U.S. regional leader, gave a reflection. Sister Mary Maurice was buried in the Ruma Center cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and sent to the U.S. Region Mission Center, 4233 Sulphur Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63109 or made online at www.adorers.org.