Sister Mary Ann

Sister Mary Ann              ND 5268                PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary John Martin)

Mary Ann TUSAI

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:            August 25, 1937                Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:  August 16, 1959                Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:          March 25, 2024                Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:          April 3, 2024                     Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon

Mary Ann was the first child and only girl born to John and Helen (Doljac) Tusai. As the proud big sister of four younger brothers she had many responsibilities – and enjoyed many adventures. At an early age Mary Ann developed a deep appreciation of our world’s natural beauty. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Elementary School and St. Peter High School, both in Cleveland. Mary Ann was impressed with the history and spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame and seriously considered religious life. After graduation she worked for a year and then entered as a postulant on February 2, 1957. At investment she received the name Sister Mary John Martin.

Sister Mary Ann received a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree from John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio. As a dedicated teacher of intermediate and junior high students for thirty-three years, Sister shared her respect for the beauty and sacredness of all God’s creation. She used a variety of methods, especially in science classes, to raise awareness of environmental issues. Students were encouraged to get involved in small ways and to get their families and neighbors to join them. Their Recycling efforts helped raise funds for inner-city children in need of assistance.

When Sister retired from classroom teaching, she began several new areas of ministry: as book-keeper at two SND schools, driver for sisters’ appointments, assistant in the facilities office and teacher for Parish School of Religion. She was meticulous, energetic and hard working, with a heart for others.

An adventurous camper in all seasons, Sister never lost her sense of wonder and gratitude for the splendor of our Earth. After a chance meeting many years ago, she and Sister Evelyn Mary Satanek formed a unique, sometimes challenging, but beautiful friendship. They delighted in hiking and camping, exploring and traveling, finding God in all creation. Each trip was carefully planned, prepared for and thoroughly enjoyed and treasured. Sister Evelyn Mary shared Sister’s passion for ecology. For twelve years they worked tirelessly to recycle pounds of scrap metal earning funds for inner-city schools.

Sister Mary Ann remembered her family and all those with whom she shared life especially as she prayed the Divine Office and the rosary each day. Her interests and experiences were varied. Her journey reflected how deeply she had internalized God’s profound love. During the past month as Sister’s condition weakened, she said that she was peaceful and very ready to meet God.

May Sister Mary Ann rest in eternal life.