Sister Mary Louise Kvech SSND
May 22, 1932 – Feb. 1, 2024
Mary Louise, a second daughter, was born to Frank and Mary Louise Linz Kvech on May 22, 1932. Born in Mary’s month, she was named for “the Blessed Mother.” Despite a series of illnesses and a doctor’s pronouncement that she wouldn’t live until morning, “God’s other plans” for Mary Louise included good health with only the result of being nearsighted.
The Kvech family of five moved to Brooklyn, MD, where Mary Louise grew up, entered school at St. Rose of Lima Grammar School, and received her first Holy Communion there. After graduating from the eighth grade, Mary Louise chose to attend Seton High School. During that time, she saw a movie in which St. Vincent de Paul gave up his bed to a poor man, and she “somehow knew that the one life she had” would be given to God.
Though physical health kept her from entering religious life after high school, Mary Louise worked for an investment company. When the company suddenly closed, she took the opportunity to become a substitute teacher at her parish school. Proving that her physical health was strong enough for religious life, Mary Louise made plans to enter the School Sisters of Notre Dame on September 8, 1959. Mary Louise wrote in one of her poems, “All is yours, Lord, You have drawn me – here I am!”
After her early years in religious life as a student, Mary Louise spent most of her career in the field of Guidance as well as teaching some Religion and Psychology classes. She was a Guidance Counselor for many years at St. Maria Goretti High School, Hagerstown, MD, St. Mary High School, Annapolis, MD, and Our Lady of Fatima, Baltimore.
Mary Louise’s education included a Bachelor of Arts received in 1964 from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now University), a Master of Arts from Villanova University, Villanova, PA. 1970, and a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 1976.
Mary Louise was actively involved in every aspect of education in the schools where she taught. A scant list of her involvement includes positions as moderator and advisor for organizations such as CYO, Latin Club, National Honor Society, and other youth groups.
A woman of many talents, Mary Louise was an avid reader, wrote poetry, and communicated with her beautiful speaking and singing voice, especially through the plays she staged. She was also an artist with a needle and made costumes for plays and other performances that she directed.
Devoted to our Blessed Mother, Mary Louise had a large Marian statue that she toted around wherever she went, sometimes moving Mary by wheelchair.
Sister Mary Louise died February 1, 2024, at Stella Maris Nursing Center, Timonium, MD. Her wake and Christian liturgy were held February 7 at Villa Assumpta. Burial followed at Villa Maria Cemetery, Glen Arm, MD.
By Jeanne Hildenbrand, SSND
