SINSINAWA — Sister Marya Dugard, OP, died Oct. 2, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Oct. 12, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marya made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1950, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1953. She taught for 24 years and was an aide for one year and a religious education teacher for five years. Sister Marya served as pastoral associate for one year, in family care for eight years, as support staff for 12 years, and as visitor to the ill and elderly for 14 years. She was a woman of strong conviction. Within the Catholic tradition, Sister Marya had a deep devotion to Mary. Her faith helped her to offer kindness to others. She served in Illinois, Wyoming and Wisconsin.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Marya taught at Queen of Peace, Madison, 1960-1964; taught religious education at Immaculate Conception School, Kieler, 1975-1980, and served as support staff at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 1986-1998.
Sister Marya was born Aug. 31, 1930, in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of Joseph and Anne (Pescetelli) Dugard. Her parents and a sister, Elizabeth Spenard, preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Lorraine Dugard; two brothers, Edward Dugard and Michael Dugard; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 72 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Marya are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.