May 19, 1938 – March 6, 2025
Please join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Mary Louise Schabert, CSJ, who entered into Eternal Life on March 6, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sister Mary was strong, smart, stubborn, quick witted, funny, and one of a kind!
She was born the youngest of six children in St. Paul, on May 19, 1938, to Jacob and Magdaline (Axtman) Schabert. Mary entered the community of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1956, where she was given the name Mary Raphael. Her vast educational path included a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the College of St. Catherine (now University) in St. Paul in 1961; a master of arts in theology from Notre Dame in 1972; and a master of science in media tech from Stout University in Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1978.
Sister Mary was first missioned to teach grade school and junior high school at many Twin City area schools sponsored by our sisters.
Mary flourished when she was appointed campus minister at Stout University, where she saw herself as on pilgrimage with students, each helping the other progress on a “faith journey,” rather than offering “pat answers.” Of this work, colleagues wrote, “When Mary is present with a group, there’s a sense of celebration, a feeling of warmth and love. Her ministry of welcome is probably her greatest gift.”
From there, Mary became vocation director for our St. Paul Province in 1984, and from 1989-94, she was coordinator of Carondelet Center, where she discovered a knack for decorating! From 2000-08 Mary shared yet another talent as the marketer for Good Ground Press.
Mary, and her marvelous sense of humor, will truly be missed by those who knew her best.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Dolores Schabert VanderHeyden, Catherine Schabert De Sautels, Rita Schabert Krieglmeier, and her brothers, Edward and Richard Schabert. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews; dear friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials in her honor are preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Mary, rest in love and peace.