Sister Marie Ego SL died Jan. 23, 2025, at the Loretto Living Center on the grounds of Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She was 86 and in the 59th year of her Loretto commitment. Born April 24, 1938, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Margaret (Ivanic) and Frederick C. Ego. She was received into the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross May 31, 1966.  She earned a bachelor's degree in special education in 1960 from State University of New York in Buffalo; a master's in special education in 1965 from Syracuse (N.Y.) University; and a doctorate in counseling psychology in 1979 from Northern Colorado University in Greeley.

Sr. Marie began her Loretto ministry in the Loretto Heights College Special Education Program (1965-1966) in Denver and then taught at Havern School in Littleton, Colo. (1967-1973). In Greeley, she was a psychologist at Weld Mental Health Center (1976-1986) and an associate professor of the Outreach Program at Lesley College (1986-1989).

Africa, she had once noted, had intrigued her since her childhood. It was in 1987 that she first visited Ghana, West Africa, for a three-week teaching ministry. She returned in 1988 to teach a variety of workshops for clergy, women religious and laypeople. From 1989 to 2006, Sr. Marie served as organizer and director of the Loretto Africa Project, living and working in Ghana for nearly two decades mainly in the Sunyani and Kumasi dioceses. She led workshops on leadership skills development, pastoral counseling, psychology and interpersonal communications skills. With the support of the Sisters of Loretto, Loretto's Sister Community, the Daughters of the Most Blessed Trinity (also known as the FST Sisters), and others, Sr. Marie consulted about building a school, Blessed Trinity Leadership Academy in the village of Akokoamong. She also helped match the skills and interests of the many Loretto volunteers to Ghana with the needs and enthusiasm of Ghana's people. She enabled those who took part in the project to experience Ghana in its rich spirituality and generosity of spirit during the challenging time of a then-developing nation. When Sr. Marie moved back to the United States in 2005, she said she had left a part of her heart in Ghana. It was one of her great joys to return there in 2009 for the dedication and opening celebration of Blessed Trinity Leadership Academy.

Returning to Denver, Sr. Marie served from 2006 through 2010 as Loretto's justice and peace coordinator. Among other Community roles, Sr. Marie served on Loretto's health care staff, co-membership committee, vowed membership team and Sister Communities committees for Ghana (FST Sisters) and Guatemala (Holy Family Sisters).

Sr. Marie moved to Loretto Motherhouse in 2013, where over the years she served as part of the pastoral care team in the Motherhouse Infirmary, was a Community driver, wrote a book of poetry, taught an occasional college class, took time for quiet meditation and enjoyed life at the Motherhouse.

Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Frederick (Fred) D. Ego of Daytona, Fla.; her niece Rachel Ego of Lakewood Colo.; her nephew Ryan Ego of New Zealand, numerous cousins and extended family.

A wake for Sr. Marie will take place Jan. 29, with a funeral service Jan. 30, both at Loretto Motherhouse. Burial will be in the Nature Preserve Cemetery on the grounds of Loretto Motherhouse.

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.