Sister Mary ND 5509 PDF Download
Mary Elizabeth HUNTER
(formerly Sister Mary Lauranne)
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: January 9, 1941 Massillon, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1961 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: October 21, 2026 Health Care Center, Chardon
Date and Place of Burial: October 28, 2026 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
“My life – a great adventure, a journey of love.”
Mary loved being the oldest of the six children born to Harris and Viola (Yost) Hunter. Through-out life, she remained the “big sister,” always ready to enjoy, help with homework, guide and care for her sisters and brothers. They grew up nourished with family support and strong Catholic roots. Mary attended St. Mary Parish Elementary School in Massillon and then went on to Canton Central Catholic High School. She completed her junior and senior years of high school at Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland as an aspirant. Looking forward to answering God’s call to religious life, Mary entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1959. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Lauranne.
Sister Mary received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree in religious education from Notre Dame Institute in Middleburg, Virginia. Sister taught at various elementary schools in the Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses for thirty-nine years, twenty-five of which were at St. Michael School in Canton where she taught second grade. Earlier experiences with her younger siblings taught her valuable skills for the classroom and for caring for young students. Preparing children for the reception of the sacraments for so many years was a privilege and a joy.
Following her tenure as a classroom teacher, Sister Mary expected to continue her ministry in education as a tutor. A conversation with another Sister led her to enroll in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Akron General Hospital to prepare to serve as a chaplain. In 2005, Sister Mary began a new and treasured ministry as pastoral care director at St. Joseph Care Center/Senior Living Center in Louisville, Ohio. She reflected on her seventeen years at St. Joseph’s: “Each day I feel the Spirit directing me to the people who need me most. We do not know the lasting effects of what we do.”
Humor, patience, compassion and trust in God’s presence and wisdom have defined Sister Mary in all aspects of ministry. She was recognized as a caring and giving woman always ready to assist wherever needed. Her warm personality and relational gifts made her a joy to be with.
Sister was a woman of prayer who cherished her family, her many friends and those to whom and with whom she served. May she rest in the arms of our good and loving God.
