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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.
Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 27, 2018 10am
St. Edwards Catholic Church
5303 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303
I never knew Mary, but someone put into my hands a copy of her modern setting of the Easter Proclamation. It was a melody line with some guitar chords. I worked out a keyboard accompaniment, 2 cantors, flute, clarinet, and string bass. When we could get brass, we added that. The opening section was sung by our 4-part choir. Her piece became Easter for our community, and we used it every year from then on. Thank you, Sr. Mary!
Mary taught me in choral club in high school at Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy in Dallas and was my role model as a liturgist and director of music. I hope that I have somehow followed her example. She was a precious gift to thousands! I share with so many others a deep love for Mary McLarry.