Sister Mary Paul

Sister Mary Paul               ND 6718                    PDF Download
Cecelia Bridget Zembrodt

Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Covington, Kentucky, USA

Date and Place of Birth:                November 28, 1914        Covington, KY
Date and Place of Profession:     January 8, 1984              Covington, KY
Date and Place of Death:              June 28, 2016                 Covington, KY
Date and Place of Burial:              July 2, 2016                     Covington, KY

Faith, love, and gratitude are the three words that would most describe Sister Mary Paul Zembrodt. Cecelia Zembrodt was the youngest of the twelve children of Frank and Theresa Zembrodt. She said her parents taught her family how to love and respect all life. They taught by example and showed their children how to be a faithful and loving family.

Sister Mary Paul stated that God and the spiritual enrichment she felt from this community inspired her to join the Sisters of Notre Dame.  At age 66 she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame and made her profession of vows on January 8, 1984.

She had been very devoted to her parents and family, caring for them as they grew older.  At the death of her beloved brother Paul, she became the last living member of her immediate family. She decided then to serve for God for the many blessings he had bestowed on her.

Many of Sister’s ministries were focused on helping the local convents with various kitchen and laundry duties. Later she helped with preparing lunches at the Julie Learning Center and caring for the many plants decorating the convent. She brought joy to every community of which she was a member.  Sister Mary Paul also had artistic talents. She enjoyed painting and creating poetry for her family and close friends.

As Sister retired to Lourdes Hall Care Center, she continued her ministry by helping the local coordinator and was active in the apostolate of prayer.

In 101 years and seven months Sr. Mary Paul had lived two lives of love. One life was her 66 years for God with her family and friends. The other life was lived for 35 years as a Sister of Notre Dame, giving herself to God and her Notre Dame Sisters. In both lives she enriched others with her love, faith, and gratitude.

Sr. Mary Paul gave her life back into the hands of the Father surrounded by her community on the evening of June 28, 2016. Now she is reunited with the rest of her family, especially her brother Paul, friends, and sisters. May she rejoice in new life found in God’s eternal embrace.