Sister Margene ND 5778 PDF Download
Judith Ann KOESTER
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: March 6, 1943 Covington, Kentucky
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1964 Covington, Kentucky
Date and Place of Death: August 26, 2020 Covington, Kentucky
Date and Place of Burial: September 1, 2020 Covington, Kentucky
Judith Ann Koester was born on March 6, 1943, to Irene and Albert Koester in Covington, Kentucky. Judy attended Saint Augustine School, Covington, Kentucky, and then graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1961. Shortly after graduating, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame where she made her profession of vows on August 16, 1964.
Sister Margene graduated from Our Lady of Cincinnati/Edgecliff College, then earned a masters degree in education at Xavier University. In subsequent years, she attained certification in religious education and in liturgical studies. Sister’s ministry included teaching elementary school in the dioceses of Covington, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sister also served as a director of religious education in both the Covington and Lexington Dioceses. In addition, she taught religion and English classes at Notre Dame Academy. In 2002 she joined Mother of God parish as the pastoral associate. Here she felt most at home. She loved her work with RCIA, being with children; visiting the sick, homebound, and hospice patients bringing along with her Jesus, joy, compassion, and a joke or two.
Sister Margene felt in some ways she was a “pathway to the Lord,” trying to lead people to God. She felt her personal calling was to sow the seed of God’s word and goodness in the hearts and minds of those she touched. She had a wonderful spirit of fun and adventure that let her live life more fully, trusting in God’s constant protection. Her favorite prayer was, “Lord, take me to that place of peace that comes from putting my entire life in your hands.”
In 2012 Sister became the sacristan at St. Joseph Heights, while also volunteering at Notre Dame Academy. A few years later her health started to decline, and she retired to Lourdes Hall where prayer became her priority. She was diagnosed with both dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Sister knew she must trust in God’s protection even in the uncertain times ahead. She continued to live and treasure each day as a gift and a blessing.
Sister Margene was a great lover of God with a natural ability to share that love with everyone. She was a lover of life, her family, and her vocation as a Sister of Notre Dame. May she now rejoice and delight in the embrace of our good and provident God for all eternity.
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