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1803 Quadra Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Mary King Obituary
(Sister Mary Josepha)
1931 - 2023
Born May 1, 1931 in Arnaud MB, died at Mount St. Mary Hospital, Victoria, BC on May 10, 2023. Sister Mary Ellen was the sixth of ten children of Joseph and Josephine (Markenski) King. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy, Winnipeg, Mary Ellen entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann in 1949. She earned a BA from Seattle University in 1965 and a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Fordham University in New York in 1970.
After several years teaching, Mary Ellen was Principal of St. Ann's Academy in Victoria from 1967 - 1972. She then served in a variety of leadership roles: Co-ordinator of the Counseling Center, Camosun College, Administrator of Queenswood Retreat Centre, Victoria and Province Leader of the Sisters of Saint Ann, based in Victoria, BC (1992-1998). From 1998 to 2008, Mary Ellen served as Congregational Leader in Lachine, QC.
Throughout her life, Mary Ellen served on a variety of civic and religious committees and boards and had the privilege of visiting the Sisters of Saint Ann in every country in which they ministered: Canada, Alaska, Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Chile and the Cameroon. In 2002, Sister Mary Ellen was awarded the Commemorative Medal for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee and received an Honorary Degree from Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA in 2006.
Sister Mary Ellen is survived by members of her Religious Community, her sisters Patricia and Bernadette, her brother Bill and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Josephine King, her brother John, and her sisters Rita, Eunice, Florence, Jean, and Noreen. The Sisters of Saint Ann greatly appreciate the excellent care provided by the staffs at The Cridge, Mount St. Mary Hospital and the Island Health and Royal Jubilee Hospital palliative care units.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria BC at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023.
To obtain the Livestream details or to offer condolences, please visit www.sandsvictoria.ca
Memories and Condolences
for Mary King
9 Entries
Elizabeth Paulik
May 19, 2023
I will always remember Mary Ellen as a shining star that lived her life with conviction to her beliefs. May God welcome her now with great joy.
angela burns
May 19, 2023
Walked into Camosun College late in August of my 18th year thinking I would sign up for classes in September- the woman at the counter told me I had missed all the deadlines. A woman I had previously known as Sister Josepha (but was now identified as Mary Ellen King) came over and said, "I know you - you were a St. Ann´s girl! What have you been doing?" I told her about my disappointment and my desire to get on some type of career path. She had me signed up for 6 courses in no time - i still feel incredibly grateful for her intervention; it changed my life.
Nancy Willihnganz
May 19, 2023
I was priviledged to be hired by Sister Mary Ellen in Counselling Services more than 40 years ago. She was a role model and mentor throughout the professional and personal milestones of my life. Not only did her leadership and caring provide the foundation of Student Affairs at Camosun but her personal interactions with hundreds of students helped them to be successful in their studies and their lives. Her legacy continues to live in the culture of Student Services at Camosun.
Nancy Willihnganz, colleague and friend.
Maggie Comerford Reimer
May 17, 2023
Sister Mary Josepha was well liked and respected by all of the students at St.Ann´s Academy. We were fortunate to have had her guidance and infinite patience when teaching us. Our graduating class of `68 were delighted that she and Sister Frieda Raab were able to attend our 50th anniversary events. May the soul of the faithful departed, Rest In Peace.
Maggie Comerford Reimer
Lesley Wood
May 16, 2023
Was at SAA when Sr Josepha was principal. We all loved her. Fair, friendly and good humored.
Catherine McGhee
May 15, 2023
Mary Ellen King or Sr. Mary Josepha, as I knew her at SAA, was a stellar woman & teacher. I got to know her better years later, after I graduated. She was a going concern, always looking out for others, driving sisters to appointments looking out for them, etc. In her educational career she was a leader. It was a priviledge to know her. God rest her soul.
Susan Smedley
May 15, 2023
Sister Mary Ellen was the chair of the Bishop's Council in the early 1980's and I was the secretary--I quickly learned to value her calm wisdom and grace, and to prize our partnership. Later, she encouraged me to apply to work at Camosun College; I made a long career in Student Services, and was able to admire her still as she led the dedicated group of college Counsellors. I saw her leadership among the Sisters of Saint Ann, also, and admired her pluck and passion as a world traveller as well as a companion of those in her religious community on Vancouver Island. Her life was fully, honestly and faithfully lived, and I know that she must have looked forward to her existence beyond--while we miss her, we will have to rejoice in her having reached that new life. Rest in peace, dear Mary Ellen.
Lauren Charlton
May 14, 2023
Mary Ellen was a wonderful, caring, thoughtful person and dynamic Leader. I met her when my mother was at the Cridge and later at Mount Saint Mary. May she rest peacefully after her life of good works.
Kathleen Campbell
May 13, 2023
Mary Ellen , you were my principal when I attended St.Ann´s Academy & later my supervisor when working at Camosun College & I hold many fond memories from both those times. You always made time to share your advice when I struggled with the difficulties of being a single parent. Thank you for all those conversations. You have surely earned your place in heaven. Kathy Campbell
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Memorial Events
for Mary King
May
19
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 a.m.
Holy Cross Church
4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, BC
Funeral services provided by:
Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation and Reception Centre- Victoria1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4B8