Mary Catherine Marshall

Mary Catherine Marshall, a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and lifelong dedication

to Catholic education, passed away on December 29, 2025, surround by her family.

Born on August 30, 1955, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Mary Catherine was the beloved

daughter of Mary Juanita McGovern Marshall and Edward Dorman Marshall. She was

the third of four daughters and grew up rooted in faith, family and service – values that

would guide her entire life.

In 1973, Mary Catherine entered the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Saint

Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee. As a professed religious sister for 19 years, she served

the Church faithfully in numerous mission communities. While at the Motherhouse, she

shared her musical gifts as the community organist, enriching the prayer life of her

sisters. Her vocation was marked by devotion, humility, and a deep love for teaching

and forming young hearts in the faith.

Catholic education was always her calling. After leaving the religious community in

1992, Mary Catherine continued her mission as a lay educator and leader. She served

at Maryvale Preparatory School in Maryland, later becoming principal at Saint

Elizabeth's Catholic Elementary School in Baltimore City. She went on to make history

as the first principal of Archbishop Borders Academy, where she established a dual-

language program that became a model of inclusion and excellence.

In 2015, Mary Catherine brought her gifts to Florida, serving as principal of St. John

Vianney Catholic School. There, she once again established a thriving dual-language

program that continues to flourish today, reflecting her belief in dignity, access, and

opportunity for all children. Following her retirement from St. John Vianney, she briefly

served as principal of Holy Family Catholic School in Windermere. Her time there was

cut short when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a cross she bore with faith,

courage and grace.

Mary Catherine loved her Catholic faith and loved children deeply. She was a tireless

advocate for the poor, the immigrant, the ostracized, the broken and God's little ones.

She lived the Gospel not loudly, but faithfully – through presence, compassion, and

action. She welcomed everyone, made each person feel seen and valued, and had a

rare gift for giving her full attention, especially to those who felt forgotten. In her calm

and gentle way, she brought peace and the presence of God wherever she went.

She is survived by her three sisters, Susan (Paul) Vance, Becky (Kirk) Amerson and

Anne (Michael) Sams. Her beloved nieces and nephews – Matt and Kelley Amerson,

Peter and Tim Vance and Erin Rudolph. Her great nieces and nephews Caroline and

Aly Cotton, Wyatt Vance, James Premo and Lorelei Rudolph, her great great niece and

nephew Emma and Colton Brubach and her cherished Florida family, who held her

close in prayer and love.

Mary Catherine lived a life of service, faith and love. She leaves behind a legacy written

not only in schools and programs, but in the hearts changed, children uplifted, and souls

drawn closer to God. May she now rest in the eternal peace she so freely shared with

others.

Services can be livestreamed using the attached link: https://youtube.com/live/x-5MsnqMIwU?feature=share