A memorial Mass also was celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville on Nov. 19.

Sister Marilyn professed first vows with the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in 1963. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a minor in mathematics from Fontbonne College in 1970 and a master’s degree in music education from Washington University in 1973. Music was central to her life.

Sister Marilyn taught elementary school at St. Lawrence the Martyr in Bridgeton; Assumption in O’Fallon; St. Patrick in Wentzville; and St. Louis in Louisville, Colo. She also taught at the secondary and college levels at St. John the Baptist in St. Louis and St. Mary’s Academy and College in O’Fallon.

For 20 years, she served at St. Elizabeth Academy in St. Louis. There she headed the music department and directed numerous concerts and musicals. In addition, she served her community as a formation directress, motherhouse organist and motherhouse local coordinator. Since 1999, she served as the director of music at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Perryville. There, she did everything that was musical, including directing three choirs, teaching music at St. Vincent High School, playing for liturgies, directing the St. Vincent Variety Show and recording two CDs with the choir.

Sister Marilyn is survived by her brothers, Eugene, Lawrence, Norbert and Paul, as well as many other family members. She brought joy, care and beauty to so many through her music, her smile and her sense of humor.

Her family and community take comfort in trusting the truth of the quote she chose for her memorial card, “Lord, I will sing of your love forever” (Psalm 89:1).