Sister Maryann ND 4397 PDF Download
Philomene Cecilia HUMENIK
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: July 29, 1929 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1950 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: July 19, 2026 Health Care Center, Chardon
Date and Place of Burial: July 27, 2026 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
“I go to prepare a place for you.”
Joseph and Anna (Litecky) Humenik married in Czechoslovakia after the First World War. With thoughts of a brighter future, they emigrated to America and eventually settled on Cleveland’s near West Side close to the Slovak parish of St. Wendelin. Philomene was born in Cleveland as the fifth of nine children. Philomene described her childhood as “very happy,” as she played, learned and shared tasks in the family’s home. From their parents, the children learned the value of deep faith, hard work, structure and discipline. By working summer jobs to help pay tuition, Philomene was able to attend Notre Dame Academy for high school. She loved her high school years; she was a good student, enjoyed learning, deepened her prayer life, and relied on the Blessed Mother’s guidance as the thought of a religious vocation stirred. After graduation Philomene entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant. At investment in 1948, she received the name Sister Mary Ann Joseph.
Sister Maryann earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago. Sister spent most of her 59-year ministry in elementary education, teaching junior high students in many parish schools around northeast Ohio. She held high standards in the classroom and expected the best from her students. Her final years with children were at Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst, where she ministered as librarian and technology coordinator. She often attended local meetings for librarians, always interested in updates to help in purchasing books that would appeal to special needs children. Sister Maryann had a gift for attention to detail. When she moved to the Chardon Provincial Center twelve years ago, she assisted in the Archives. She was thorough and accurate, spending hours scanning slides and photos into digital format.
Throughout her years in the Notre Dame community, Sister Maryann was also deeply connected to her extended family community. She treasured trips and visits and spending time with her ever-growing family. Visits were “events” remembered with great fondness. Sister Maryann lived her faith and love for the God whom she served with all the energy of her whole self. Just a year ago, Sister celebrated her Jubilee of Joy, 75 years of vowed life as a Sister of Notre Dame.
Sister Maryann wrote in her autobiography, “I wanted to know and love God more and do something for him on this earth.” We are grateful for the witness of Sister’s life. May she rest in the gentle love of our good and gracious God.
