Sister Marilyn ND 5951 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Phillip)
Marilyn Theresa SABATINO
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: November 20, 1943 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: January 3, 1965 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: October 17, 2025 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: October 27, 2025 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, OH
“To act justly, to love tenderly, to walk humbly….” (cf Micah 6:8)
Marilyn, her twin sister, Joanne, and older brother, Dominic, completed the family of Phillip and Mary (Dimartino) Sabatino. Both parents were born in Italy and emigrated to the United States. Italian and English were spoken in the home which was shared with her two aunts and grandmother. Marilyn was always proud of her Italian heritage. She attended St. Stephen Parish elementary and high school, both staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. When she was in the eighth grade, her father died. The Sisters became friends and mentors, many relationships lasting through life. High school years were special and life-giving – activities were enjoyed, friendships formed and thoughts about religious life surfaced. Marilyn entered as a postulant on July 2, 1962. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Phillip.
As a second year novice, Sister Marilyn received the assignment to assist, learn from and then replace the sister who was charged with housekeeping for the entire provincial house. She was a quick learner. For the next 28 years Sister Marilyn ministered as the supervisor of housekeeping and maintenance
projects at the provincial house and parts of the elementary school, high school and boarding school. She accepted the tremendous responsibility, was conscientious and thorough. Through those years several hundred novices were part of her “general work” team. Sister directed, trained and guided them with expertise, a unique sense of humor and an ability to help the novices enjoy working together. Sister Marilyn was respected and loved not only for the work she directed and accomplished, but for the person she was.
In 1991 Sister Marilyn transitioned into catechetical ministry. She had been teaching religion classes at a local parish for several years and realized her love for teaching children about Jesus. She earned an associate degree from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, then continued her studies to become a certified pastoral minister. Later Sister obtained certification as spiritual director from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Sister Marilyn served three different parishes as director of religious education and pastoral minister. Relationships formed through spiritual direction remained close to her heart.
From 1999-2002 Sister Marilyn volunteered to be of service to the Motherhouse community in Rome. Immersion in her Italian roots both energized her and increased her gratitude for life, with its ups and downs. Sister Marilyn had a strong sense of justice. She was not afraid to voice her opinion and engage in discussion on controversial topics. Innumerable friends of all ages and all backgrounds were important – a sign of God’s presence. Respect for everyone she met was her special gift. Sister’s physical health was fragile, especially these past five years, but her mind and spirit were strong. She met the challenge of dialysis with courage and determination.
Sister Marilyn’s spirituality grew and deepened over the years through the experiences she had and the people she encountered. She had an easy, informal way of communicating with God – to love tenderly, as she was loved.
