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Mary Phjc Obituary
Cincinnati - Sister Mary Kay Leuschke, Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ, died peacefully on January 20, 2024, at the Hospice Center of Cincinnati.
As the second of two children of Ralph Albert and Elizabeth Mary Leuschke (Elsie Rotter), Mary Catherine was born in Alton, IL. Her parents and brother Ralph Joseph preceded her in death. She is survived by her long-time House of Peace community member, Lucy Juarez, and her PHJC Sisters.
Sister Mary Kay entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ on August 22, 1959 and the following year received the name of Sister Mary Elissa. She professed vows on August 22, 1962. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Alverno College, Milwaukee. She received a Master's Degree in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago.
Sister Mary Kay served at St. Boniface School in Germantown, IL (1964-1967), St. Joseph School in Mishawaka, IN (1967-1977) and the PHJC Novitiate in Cincinnati, OH (1977-1984). From 1986 to 1995, Sister Mary Kay ministered in the Cincinnati area as a private clinical therapist and consultant. In 1995 she was part of a therapeutic team working with Mercy Professional Services, which enabled those from a low economic background to receive counseling services. With a focus on education, PHJC service and mental health, she also had a strong compassion for those who are unhoused.
Through her continued service as therapist and supervisor with Mercy Services, Sister Mary Kay helped bring healing to many people. After her retirement in 2017, she continued as a private therapist and volunteer in her neighborhood and parish, visiting the sick and dying.
Thank you, Sister Mary Kay for your witness of trusting in God, reaching out to those most in need and your compassion for those struggling and hurting in life.
The wake and funeral will be held January 30-31, 2024 at Ancilla Domini Convent, Donaldson, IN. Directions are best at this address: 9601 Union Road, Plymouth, IN, 46563.
All times are EST.
Tuesday, January 30
6 -9 p.m. Visitation
7 p.m. Wake Service
Wednesday, January 31
10 a.m. Visitation
10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial
For those unable to attend in person, the Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at www.poorhandmaids.org/live. Memorial contributions to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, P.O. Box #1, Donaldson, IN 46513 or on www.poorhandmaids.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Phjc
2 Entries
Beth Hargrave
January 29, 2024
Many fond memories, enjoyed visits, I'm youngest of 17 Rotter grandkids so got dolls she outgrew& still have them.She will be missed by many
Carol Gorman
January 29, 2024
I met Sr. Mary Kay(Elissa) in 1964 when she began teaching in Germantown, Il. I was in the 8th grade at the time. She was teaching 1st grade and I would always go to her room after school and help her with whatever she needed done. After graduating from Germantown, I continued to stop in to see her everyday on my way home from Mater Dei High School. We immediately became friends and I continued to keep in touch with her even when she left Germantown. We both had a love for the St. Louis Cardinals and whenever she would return to home to Edwardsville for a visit , we got together on several occasions and went to a Cardinal ball game. After she relocated to Cincinnati we visited her on several occasions, again attending Cardinal ball games and just visited with each other. The last time we visited Cincinnati was in September 2023 when my great-niece was playing in a basketball tournament there. I contacted Sr Mary Kay and Lucy and they attended all of her basketball games that weekend, we went out to dinner and had a great weekend. I kept in touch with her and remained friends for 60 years. She was always the kindest and most generous person with her time. I was so glad I got to spend that weekend with her in September because she had told me her cancer had returned and I knew it would probably be the last time I got to visit with my lifelong friend. I did get to talk to her on the phone in December 2023 for the last time. She told me she wasn't doing well and I knew that would probably be the last time we spoke. She was a truly amazing friend for the past 60 years and I will truly miss her smile and generous heart. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Carol Gorman
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Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563
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