McAuliffe, Mary SL

Sister Mary McAuliffe SL (first known as Sister Susan Jean) died Oct. 5, 2024, at the Loretto Living Center on the grounds of Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She was 82 and in the 60th year of her Loretto commitment. Born Aug. 3, 1942, in Denver. Only child of Susan (Crowe) and Gerald Eugene McAuliffe. Received into the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross May 31, 1965. She earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1964 from Loretto Heights College, Denver, a master's in English curriculum in 1972 from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., and a master's in educational technology in 1986 from Lesley College, Cambridge, Mass.

Sr. Mary taught for more than 27 years and also served in parish ministry. She first taught children with learning disabilities at Havern School in Littleton, Colo., and Indianapolis Public Schools (1967-1968), then joined the elementary school faculty at St. Mary's Academy in Englewood, Colo. (1968-1969). Sr. Mary then taught at Loretto Lower School (1969-1974) in Kansas City, Mo. Returning to Colorado, she taught in the Cherry Creek School District as an open classroom teacher at Mission Viejo School (1974-1980) and (1982-1984). Following a sabbatical, she returned to Cherry Creek School District to serve as a teacher and computer specialist (1986-1996). After that time, she served as a technology specialist in the Cherry Creek School District until her retirement. She also was an attentive care giver for her parents and her housemate, Loretto Sister Rosemary Fiori.

Of her life as a teacher, Sister Mary noted in a 2023 interview, "My favorite thing was teaching because my mother was a Master Teacher, and I learned from her. I was recognized as a Cherry Creek teacher of the year, selected by the parents and the teachers, and recognized as an Apple Educator of the Year. I love teaching. I love the bright light that comes into their eyes when they get something, and when they can keep it. It is a life-changing light. I could never say I liked this one or that one. I loved them all." She added she taught at both Catholic and public schools because she "believed that every child deserves to have the best education available."

Sr. Mary continued to serve in parish ministry in Denver until she moved to Loretto Motherhouse at the end of 2015. She described life at Loretto Motherhouse as "essential and life-giving." Sr. Mary took part in daily prayers and attended Mass with the Loretto Community. She also was a Eucharistic Minister. What is important to me now," Sister Mary had said, "is to be with my sisters in community and to continue to be of service in whatever role presents itself to me." She was also a constant companion to the Living Center's resident dogs.

Preceding her in death were her parents. Sr. Mary is survived by two first cousins, John Loughry of Aurora, Colo., and Dan McCloskey of Arvada, Colo., and many other cousins too numerous to list. A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Sr. Mary at 6:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 26, with her wake preceding at 4 p.m. ET, both at Loretto Motherhouse. Sister Mary's remains will be returned to Denver to be buried at Mt. Olivet near her parents and Sister Rosemary.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Loretto for our mission, c/o Loretto Motherhouse, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx, KY 40049 or as an online gift at www.lorettocommunity.org.