In memory of

Mary Fauncein McLarry

Sep 13, 1932
Jun 21, 2018

Obituary

Mary Fauncein McLarry, 85, of Salem passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018.

Mary was born on September 13, 1932 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Jess and Alice McLarry. Mary entered the Roman Catholic Order of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in 1950. She received a Master’s Degree in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame in 1969 and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago in 1960. She served in a number of schools and churches throughout the State of Texas for over 30 years. She was the Director of Music and Worship at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Forth Worth, Texas in the 1980’s. Following that she served as the Director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas. Through her service and dedication she left an indelible mark on her community. In 2009, after retirement, she moved to Oregon to be closer to her niece.

Mary had a great love of God, The Catholic Church, music and, of course, cats. She was full of compassion and always saw the best in everyone. She was generous, kind and put the needs of others before her own. She loved classical music, opera and playing the piano.

She is survived by her niece, Jenepher Woods, and Jenepher’s husband, Brian.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Order of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur.

http://ssmnwestern.com/donate

Service Information

Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 27, 2018 10am
St. Edwards Catholic Church
5303 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Julie Greene says:

    I was just thinking of Mary - not that long ago - within the past two weeks I know. i recalled taking piano lessons in the building next to Nolan High School every week. She was an inspiration and a tough teacher but I knew I was so lucky to have her. My deepest sympathies to her family and may she be leading God's choir of angels up in heaven.

  2. Kerry O'Keefe Brown says:

    Sr. Mary McLarry (aka Sister Mary Stephen in 1956) was the Choir Director and all things musical at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Dallas, Texas. I was blessed to be in the "Special Chorus" under her direction for 4 years and was in awe of her spirit, energy and talent. She actually appeared to float and dance in the air as she directed us in performing music from Madrigal to popular. She was amazing then and I'm sure continues to amaze the other musical angels in heaven. Sister Mary Stephen, "Let's Take An Old Fashion Walk".

  3. Joanne Werner says:

    Mary mentored many of us and we are better musicians and liturgists because of her passion for music and her pastoral approach in all things. May the angels lead you into paradise singing all the way dear Mary!

  4. Bernadette Sodd Vigiletti says:

    Mary was the kindest, most talented musician and a faithful friend. She was always so willing to help others. She was my piano teacher at Nolan. We will miss her. May she rest in peace.

  5. Fay Osborn says:

    Mary will be missed by many, as she generously contributed to the daily good of those with whom she came into contact. I appreciated knowing her at Nolan and at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where my sister Rosalie had the privilege of being one of Mary's piano students. Mary truly advanced the worship of God and the brotherhood of all through music.

  6. Mary Helen Franko says:

    Although Sister Mary McLarry was a teacher at Nolan, I really got to know her when working with her on DPAC and the Quinquennial. She was definite about her plans for liturgy and very calming in her delivery. I'm privileged to have known her. My sympathies for the family.

  7. Anonymous says:

    My family at St. Peter's loved Mary.

  8. Mike Flanagan says:

    Sister Mary McLarry was my piano teacher when I was enrolled at Nolan high School from 1974-1978. What an amazingly talented generous and nurturing teach she was. She always challenged me to reach further and not to give in to adolescent laziness. A great lady. I have fond memories and cherish them. She’s having a blast playing piano in heaven!!

  9. Michele Grim says:

    Mary was a very wise and gentle woman. It was my honor to call her friend and also to work with her for many years in the Ft Worth Diocese.
    She will be greatly missed.

  10. Helen Neilon Jauregui says:

    Mary was my piano teacher all through high school, and mentored me into a career in liturgical music. In her gentle way she literally changed the course of my life. I now have another patron saint.

Share Your Sympathy