Sr. Marilyn Joyce Schiller, Snd

“Stand like a mountain; flow like water.”

As the only child of Lawrence and Louise (Turk) Schiller, Marilyn was the center of her parents’ lavish affection. In their home, love flourished and grew stronger through the years. After several moves, the family settled on the east side of Cleveland, becoming members of St. Margaret Mary Parish. Here Marilyn was introduced to the Sisters of Notre Dame as her teachers. Three years later, she entered Regina High School where she learned to love and appreciate her classmates, the sisters and the school. Just before graduation, her parents gave permission for her to enter the community. She became a postulant on July 2, 1960. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Loraine.

Sister Marilyn received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree in education from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. She ministered as an educator for twenty-eight years. Whether serving as teacher of junior high students, principal or director of religious education, Sister had a passion for Catholic education. Her genuine acceptance drew out the potential for excellence in her students and co-workers.

In 1993 Sister continued her studies, earning a master’s degree in counseling and human services from John Carroll University. After completing certification and licensing requirements, Sister Marilyn served as a counselor, therapist or social worker at various centers and hospitals in the greater Cleveland area for sixteen years. Always professional, refined and gracious, her smile and her expertise embraced each person with kindness and compassion.

For many years, Sister Marilyn faced the limiting effects of Parkinson’s disease with determination and optimism. She participated in treatments that helped her continue in ministry and enjoy activities with her sisters and friends. After moving to Chardon in 2011, she shared her presence and loving heart with the sisters in the Health Care Center. This past year’s diagnosis of cancer brought pain and enormous challenges, but Sister Marilyn never stopped knowing how to love, pray for and be with those she held dear. Prayer became the way to offer herself completely to God in this 60^th Jubilee year of religious profession. She relied on the support of her sisters. Their strength and faithful friendship, especially those in her vow group, sustained her.

We give thanks for her life and the witness of her love and fidelity. May Sister Marilyn rest in the presence of our good and loving God.

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:              October 24, 1942        Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:    January 3, 1963           Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:            April 18, 2023               Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Funeral:         April 25, 2023               Sisters of Notre Dame Center
Date and Place of Burial:            April 25, 2023               Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon