Daughter of Anselmo Arellano and Victoria Guerrero.
One of six children. Parents were born in Spain, were married in 1908 and raised their family in Europe. In 1917, her father emigrated alone to the United States and 12 years later had enough money to bring his family over from Spain. Settled in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was born, the only child born in the United States.
Was eager to learn about her Catholic faith, memorizing her prayers and looking forward to receiving the sacraments, even though her parents were not "churchgoing people." Her older sister Madeleine was her godmother. Taking her responsibility seriously, Madeleine made sure Janine attended catechism classes at St. Cecilia's, their parish church.
Seriously practiced her faith and learned all she could about various spiritual practices. Her favorite book, The Autobiography of the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux, she said "had a great impact on me." While at the University of Illinois in Champaign, she explored the possibility of religious life with help from her spiritual director. He introduced her to the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross in Champaign, and, with encouragement from them, she entered the community in September 1955. Received the habit and name Sr Maria on March 19, 1956.
Began her active ministry as an elementary teacher in St. Louis. Later she taught Spanish in high schools, first at Reicher High School in Waco; her most extensive teaching was at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Louis where she served from 1964 to 1981. Was an avid student herself and absorbed all she could to prepare for all teaching levels. Earned a master's degree in Spanish from St. Louis University in 1970.
After teaching she took up pastoral care. Among other places, was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, De., for 11 years. In her pre-retirement years taught basic education classes in the St. Louis Public School System as well as GED preparation classes. A gift to her students and a master teacher, she sparkled up her program with a variety of guest speakers and special field trips.
Was always yearning for the more, seeking out her God by attending workshops, lectures, 30-day retreats, weekend retreats and scripture study classes. Rarely missed a gathering sponsored by the community and took seriously her part in mentoring associate candidates while attending many associate functions.
Independent and often fearless, would travel great distances by herself. Her dedication to family took her to New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, and even to Spain and France. No place was too far. One of her greatest joys was to visit LePuy and Lyon in 2009 and then afterwards to travel with her nephew and his wife in Spain, where she journeyed to her parents' hometown. So great was her love for family members that she maintained an extensive correspondence with them.
Struggled with a number of health problems, but for the most part, did not let them slow her down. However, her last illness proved too much to overcome and necessitated that she move to Nazareth Living Center. There the symptoms of her Parkinson's diagnosis manifested themselves rapidly and cut into her energy. When she was able she was most appreciative of visitors. She lingered for several weeks until her peaceful death.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Nazareth Living Center in south St. Louis County, Mo.
One of six children. Parents were born in Spain, were married in 1908 and raised their family in Europe. In 1917, her father emigrated alone to the United States and 12 years later had enough money to bring his family over from Spain. Settled in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was born, the only child born in the United States.
Was eager to learn about her Catholic faith, memorizing her prayers and looking forward to receiving the sacraments, even though her parents were not "churchgoing people." Her older sister Madeleine was her godmother. Taking her responsibility seriously, Madeleine made sure Janine attended catechism classes at St. Cecilia's, their parish church.
Seriously practiced her faith and learned all she could about various spiritual practices. Her favorite book, The Autobiography of the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux, she said "had a great impact on me." While at the University of Illinois in Champaign, she explored the possibility of religious life with help from her spiritual director. He introduced her to the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross in Champaign, and, with encouragement from them, she entered the community in September 1955. Received the habit and name Sr Maria on March 19, 1956.
Began her active ministry as an elementary teacher in St. Louis. Later she taught Spanish in high schools, first at Reicher High School in Waco; her most extensive teaching was at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Louis where she served from 1964 to 1981. Was an avid student herself and absorbed all she could to prepare for all teaching levels. Earned a master's degree in Spanish from St. Louis University in 1970.
After teaching she took up pastoral care. Among other places, was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, De., for 11 years. In her pre-retirement years taught basic education classes in the St. Louis Public School System as well as GED preparation classes. A gift to her students and a master teacher, she sparkled up her program with a variety of guest speakers and special field trips.
Was always yearning for the more, seeking out her God by attending workshops, lectures, 30-day retreats, weekend retreats and scripture study classes. Rarely missed a gathering sponsored by the community and took seriously her part in mentoring associate candidates while attending many associate functions.
Independent and often fearless, would travel great distances by herself. Her dedication to family took her to New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, and even to Spain and France. No place was too far. One of her greatest joys was to visit LePuy and Lyon in 2009 and then afterwards to travel with her nephew and his wife in Spain, where she journeyed to her parents' hometown. So great was her love for family members that she maintained an extensive correspondence with them.
Struggled with a number of health problems, but for the most part, did not let them slow her down. However, her last illness proved too much to overcome and necessitated that she move to Nazareth Living Center. There the symptoms of her Parkinson's diagnosis manifested themselves rapidly and cut into her energy. When she was able she was most appreciative of visitors. She lingered for several weeks until her peaceful death.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Nazareth Living Center in south St. Louis County, Mo.
Daughter of Anselmo Arellano and Victoria Guerrero.
One of six children. Parents were born in Spain, were married in 1908 and raised their family in Europe. In 1917, her father emigrated alone to the United States and 12 years later had enough money to bring his family over from Spain. Settled in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was born, the only child born in the United States.
Was eager to learn about her Catholic faith, memorizing her prayers and looking forward to receiving the sacraments, even though her parents were not "churchgoing people." Her older sister Madeleine was her godmother. Taking her responsibility seriously, Madeleine made sure Janine attended catechism classes at St. Cecilia's, their parish church.
Seriously practiced her faith and learned all she could about various spiritual practices. Her favorite book, The Autobiography of the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux, she said "had a great impact on me." While at the University of Illinois in Champaign, she explored the possibility of religious life with help from her spiritual director. He introduced her to the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross in Champaign, and, with encouragement from them, she entered the community in September 1955. Received the habit and name Sr Maria on March 19, 1956.
Began her active ministry as an elementary teacher in St. Louis. Later she taught Spanish in high schools, first at Reicher High School in Waco; her most extensive teaching was at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Louis where she served from 1964 to 1981. Was an avid student herself and absorbed all she could to prepare for all teaching levels. Earned a master's degree in Spanish from St. Louis University in 1970.
After teaching she took up pastoral care. Among other places, was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, De., for 11 years. In her pre-retirement years taught basic education classes in the St. Louis Public School System as well as GED preparation classes. A gift to her students and a master teacher, she sparkled up her program with a variety of guest speakers and special field trips.
Was always yearning for the more, seeking out her God by attending workshops, lectures, 30-day retreats, weekend retreats and scripture study classes. Rarely missed a gathering sponsored by the community and took seriously her part in mentoring associate candidates while attending many associate functions.
Independent and often fearless, would travel great distances by herself. Her dedication to family took her to New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, and even to Spain and France. No place was too far. One of her greatest joys was to visit LePuy and Lyon in 2009 and then afterwards to travel with her nephew and his wife in Spain, where she journeyed to her parents' hometown. So great was her love for family members that she maintained an extensive correspondence with them.
Struggled with a number of health problems, but for the most part, did not let them slow her down. However, her last illness proved too much to overcome and necessitated that she move to Nazareth Living Center. There the symptoms of her Parkinson's diagnosis manifested themselves rapidly and cut into her energy. When she was able she was most appreciative of visitors. She lingered for several weeks until her peaceful death.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Nazareth Living Center in south St. Louis County, Mo.
One of six children. Parents were born in Spain, were married in 1908 and raised their family in Europe. In 1917, her father emigrated alone to the United States and 12 years later had enough money to bring his family over from Spain. Settled in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was born, the only child born in the United States.
Was eager to learn about her Catholic faith, memorizing her prayers and looking forward to receiving the sacraments, even though her parents were not "churchgoing people." Her older sister Madeleine was her godmother. Taking her responsibility seriously, Madeleine made sure Janine attended catechism classes at St. Cecilia's, their parish church.
Seriously practiced her faith and learned all she could about various spiritual practices. Her favorite book, The Autobiography of the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux, she said "had a great impact on me." While at the University of Illinois in Champaign, she explored the possibility of religious life with help from her spiritual director. He introduced her to the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross in Champaign, and, with encouragement from them, she entered the community in September 1955. Received the habit and name Sr Maria on March 19, 1956.
Began her active ministry as an elementary teacher in St. Louis. Later she taught Spanish in high schools, first at Reicher High School in Waco; her most extensive teaching was at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Louis where she served from 1964 to 1981. Was an avid student herself and absorbed all she could to prepare for all teaching levels. Earned a master's degree in Spanish from St. Louis University in 1970.
After teaching she took up pastoral care. Among other places, was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, De., for 11 years. In her pre-retirement years taught basic education classes in the St. Louis Public School System as well as GED preparation classes. A gift to her students and a master teacher, she sparkled up her program with a variety of guest speakers and special field trips.
Was always yearning for the more, seeking out her God by attending workshops, lectures, 30-day retreats, weekend retreats and scripture study classes. Rarely missed a gathering sponsored by the community and took seriously her part in mentoring associate candidates while attending many associate functions.
Independent and often fearless, would travel great distances by herself. Her dedication to family took her to New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia, and even to Spain and France. No place was too far. One of her greatest joys was to visit LePuy and Lyon in 2009 and then afterwards to travel with her nephew and his wife in Spain, where she journeyed to her parents' hometown. So great was her love for family members that she maintained an extensive correspondence with them.
Struggled with a number of health problems, but for the most part, did not let them slow her down. However, her last illness proved too much to overcome and necessitated that she move to Nazareth Living Center. There the symptoms of her Parkinson's diagnosis manifested themselves rapidly and cut into her energy. When she was able she was most appreciative of visitors. She lingered for several weeks until her peaceful death.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Nazareth Living Center in south St. Louis County, Mo.
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