Sr. Marilyn Wallace, Rsm

Preceded in death by parents, Gerald Richard and Dolores Bridget (Miller) Wallace.

Survived by her sisters of the Sisters of Mercy; her aunt, Rita Ann (Miller) Catania and four generations of cousins.



A TEACHER, BIOETHICS CONSULTANT, AND A SISTER OF MERCY FOR 60 YEARS!

Marilyn Wallace was born in Long Beach, California, on July 28, 1942, to Gerald and Dolores (Miller) Wallace. The family returned to Omaha, Nebraska, where her parents were born, and she attended St. Mary elementary school and graduated from Mercy High School in 1960.

As a senior in high school Marilyn was selected to play Mother Catherine McAuley in the Mercy Day play. This was the highest honor given to a student at the school.

After graduation, Marilyn entered the Sisters of Mercy Community in Omaha. She wrote on the entrance form, “I wish to enter for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

Sister Marilyn spent over 20 years as a teacher for both elementary and high school students. She taught in Kansas City, MO; Omaha; Devils Lake, North Dakota; and Quebec, Canada.

Education was important to Sister Marilyn, as is evidenced by her four degrees. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts from College of Saint Mary in Omaha and a Master of Arts from Marygrove College in Detroit in French, as well as a Master of Arts from Notre Dame University and a Ph.D. from Catholic University both in Theology.

In addition to teaching, Sister Marilyn spent time as a bioethics consultant for the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, and many years as a volunteer at Boys Town, Mercy Villa, and CHI-Bergan Mercy Hospital (now Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy). She made many friends and stayed in contact with after leaving each ministry.

Sister Rita Marie Pickhinke said, “Marilyn had a great impact on people at the hospital. She had a gentle manner that people loved.”

When Sister Marilyn moved to Mercy Villa in 2005, she began sharing her love of music by singing for Mass in the chapel.

Sister Michon Rozmajzl, who often accompanied Marilyn on the piano, said, “Marilyn loved birds, so it seems appropriate to say she had the voice of a nightingale. Aside from the beauty of her voice, Marilyn was a woman of compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity. She was always there for her friends, supporting them in whatever way she could.”

Private graveside services are scheduled for Monday, November 30. A memorial service will be held later when the Sisters are able to gather.