Sister Marilyn Fischer

Sister Marilyn Fischer, S.F.P., 74, of New York, N.Y. died suddenly in her home in Manhattan, N.Y., Monday (May 9, 2011).

She was born May 23, 1936, in Quincy, Ill., a daughter of Frank C. and Marie E. Mennel Fischer.

She attended St. Mary Elementary School and Notre Dame High School. She and her family were active members of St. Mary Catholic Church. Sr. Marilyn entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1958. She served as a nursing instructor at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Dayton, Ohio. Recognizing her leadership potential, she was asked to serve her religious family in preparing young women to become members of the congregation. In 1976, Sr. Marilyn became a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Leadership Team serving four years as a counselor and eight as the minster general. She also served on the boards of the SFP Health System, the SFP Foundation and Changing our World Inc.

Sister Marilyn is survived by her siblings, Cynthia Fischer of Quincy, Judy Caspermeyer and her husband, George, of Quincy, Denny Fischer and his wife, Mona, of Quincy, Ronald Fischer and his wife, Jackie, of Springfield and Steve Fischer and his wife, Patty, of Altoona, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Mary Fischer of Quincy. Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives also survive.

Sister Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Alan C. Fischer; and a nephew, Jerome Fischer.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. memorial Mass in St. Francis Catholic Church conducted by the Rev. James Wheeler, OFM. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

VISITATION: 10 a.m. until time of services Wednesday in the church.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers to St. Francis Catholic Church, Quincy Notre Dame or the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation, Inc., 708 Third Ave., Suite 1858, New York, NY 10017.

ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.

WEBSITE: Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.