Sister Marie Lourde Steckler SL

Sister Marie Lourde Steckler SL died Sept. 23, 2026, at Loretto Living Center at Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She was 90 years old and in the 70th year of her Loretto commitment. Born March 2, 1936, in Biloxi, Miss., to Doris Margaret (Trochesset) and Frotscher Richard Steckler, she was baptized Diana Margaret Steckler. She was received into the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross May 24, 1957. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and home economics in 1961 from Webster College, St. Louis. At Webster, she was attracted by the joy and spirit of the Sisters of Loretto to answer the “call” to join the Congregation. In 1965, she completed her R.N. at St. Joseph Infirmary School of Nursing in Louisville, Ky.

Sr. Marie Lourde devoted her entire adult life to nursing, all of it at Loretto Motherhouse.She began as a nurse aide, and, after becoming an R.N., served for more than 40 years in the Infirmary as staff nurse, administrator, nursing supervisor and for 14 years, director of nursing. She said she “loved every minute of it,” grateful for the privilege of serving “many wonderful Sisters of Loretto and later with many lay people,” and most of all for “the honor of being trusted and loved by my patients, administrators and staff.”

Her work earned numerous recognitions, including “Outstanding Student Nurse” from St. Joseph Infirmary School of Nursing, awards from the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities, and a Kentucky Nurses Association Award for Outstanding Nurse as chosen by co-workers. Colleagues praised her exceptional skill, deep compassion and unwavering integrity, calling her “the cornerstone” and “the most essential link” in the facility, strengthening them all. They noted her ability to provide “unsurpassed quality of care” and her natural role as a mentor. One remarked that she could even “draw blood or start an IV in the dark and never break sterile technique!”

Sr. Marie Lourde resigned from full-time Infirmary service in 2007 and retired in 2010, yet continued visiting residents for many years as part of her lifelong ministry of care. She called the Infirmary the “Gateway to Heaven,” a place where she came to know God “with my heart rather than with my head.” She founded a contemplative prayer group there for those, like her, who were drawn to this practice. Family and community were central to her life. Beyond nursing, Sr. Marie Lourde welcomed and mentored newer Loretto members, taught at the Loretto Child Care Center, served on the Motherhouse Land Preservation Working Group, and enjoyed music, cooking and creating floral arrangements for others.

Sr. Marie Lourde was preceded in death by her parents, her infant sister, Pamela Steckler, and her brother, Dr. David Robert Steckler. She is survived by two brothers, Frotscher Joseph “Buncie” Steckler of Rockport, Texas, and Sanford Richard “Sandy” Steckler of Biloxi, Miss., and extended family. Sr. Marie Lourde’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 ET Saturday, Oct. 3, with her wake at 6:30 p.m. ET Friday, Oct. 2, both at Loretto Motherhouse.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Loretto for our mission, c/o Loretto Motherhouse, 430 Academy Lane, Nerinx, KY 40049 or as an online gift at www.lorettocommunity.org.