Sr. M. Bernadette Maier, Osu

Sister M. Bernadette, lifelong educator Sister M. Bernadette dedicated more than six decades of her ministry career to education, including tenures as an elementary school teacher and principal, as an administrator at the diocesan level, as a project assistant for the Catholic Conference of Ohio, and as an associate of Education Consultant Services. The fiercely dedicated educator died May 29 at Regina Health Center where she had resided since 2015. She was 89.

Marilyn Maier was born March 12, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, the oldest of three children born to Earl and Caroline (Ross) Maier. The Villa Maria Academy graduate joined the Ursuline community from Immaculate Conception Parish, Ravenna, in September 1946 and professed final vows in August 1952. She would have celebrated 70 years as an Ursuline next year.

Sister Bernadette, like many of her contemporaries, earned her undergraduate degree attending Saturday classes at St. John College, while also engaging in full-time teaching during the week. She received her Master’s degree from St. John College in 1958.

Her school career included assignments at St. Mary Magdalene School, Willowick, and at Immaculate Conception School, Cleveland, where she served 18 years, as teacher and principal.

For 17 years, starting in 1972, Sister Bernadette served the diocesan education department as Director of Government Programs. During her tenure she established the Nutrition Program for Children, Auxiliary Services (mobile units) for Catholic Schools and Computer Education for Teachers. She was one of the founders of PSI counseling Services. Finally, as a consultant for the Catholic Conference of Ohio, Sister Bernadette helped market Science for Today and Tomorrow/SciTT Kit program, a hands-on science program for grades K-6. She continued in that effort until her retirement in 2012.

Sister Bernadette will be remembered for her passion for education and her zest for living. She was a committed religious, a dedicated educator and colleague, and a loyal friend, sister and cousin.

She is survived by a sister, Shirley Sloth (Harry), of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. Her brother Earl preceded her in death.

Funeral Services for Sister M. Bernadette: Wake: 3:00 PM Monday, June 6 Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity Ursuline Educational Center/ Motherhouse Funeral Mass: 7:00 PM, Monday Burial Service: 9:30 AM Tuesday, June 7 Interment: Immediately following at All Souls Cemetery

ARRANGEMENTS BY THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.