Sr. Mary Denis Maher, formerly Iola Maher, died on January 11, 2025. Affectionately known as “Bubbles” to her family, she was born on September 1, 1935 to William E. and Iola Rose Maher. Sister was baptized on September 15th, 1935 and entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine on September 8, 1953. She professed final vows on August 22, 1959.
A brilliant woman, Sister received her BA in English from Ursuline College in 1959. Sister then began her decorated career as an educator, first teaching English and Journalism at St. Augustine Academy from 1959-1968. She also served as the school’s Assistant Principal from 1968-1970.
Sr. Mary Denis went on to receive two Masters degrees: an MA in English from John Carroll University in 1965, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Cleveland State University in 1971. In 1988, she also received her PhD in American Studies from Case Western Reserve University. Her dissertation started her research into the role of Catholic Sisters during the American Civil War, which culminated in 1989 with the publication of her book, To Bind Up the Wounds.
From 1971-2003, Sr. Mary Denis served at Ursuline College, both as an instructor and in various departmental leadership roles. Sister did temporarily leave the college in order to lead her own community: she served three separate terms as a Councilor, and additionally served as CSA’s Major Superior from 1981-1985. She remained dedicated to civic engagement, and was named the Greater Cleveland Hospital Association’s Outstanding Trustee for 1986.
After retiring from teaching in 2003, Sr. Mary Denis was appointed as the CSA archivist. She went on to receive her certification through the Academy of Certified Archivists, and was involved in a number of professional organizations. In 2012, she traveled to Kenya to assist women religious communities in the preservation of their historic records. Always the adventurous spirit, Sr. Mary Denis also traveled to Ireland, India, Japan, and several US states.
A gifted writer, Sister published numerous pieces that included scholarly articles, poetry, and Living in Love, a history of the CSA community. She had fond love of the outdoors, and especially enjoyed her time at CYO camp as both camper and counselor. She could still recite all of the camp songs. Sister also had a talent for drawing, and would create beautiful handmade greeting cards. A lover of books, history, music, and life, Sr. Mary Denis possessed a sharp wit and quiet strength that never wavered.
As part of an address given at the 140th anniversary of the community, Sister reflected on “the gifts of joy and love along the way… [and] the lifetime result—that wisdom which comes not from multitudes of institutions, number of sisters, nor even many good works, but from responding in love to the Lord’s first love of us.” Truly, Sister lived her life in love, responding with grace to the needs of every soul she met.
Sr. Mary Denis was a brilliant scholar, mentor to many, and a friend to all. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her sisters Maureen (John, deceased) D’Agati, Diane (Tom) Cameron, and her brother William (Terry) Maher, numerous nieces, nephews, and her CSA Sisters and Associates.