Mary Reisz was born on a farm near Rome, Kentucky on the feast of the Transfiguration, Aug. 6, 1885. She was the third oldest of a family of nine children—seven boys and two girls. Her father was from Germany, her mother from Kentucky. Mary often helped with the farm chores and took a major share of household duties during her mother's frequent illnesses. A prayerful spirit pervaded the home and the family assisted at Mass at the village church (via horse and buggy) often during the week, and also attended May devotions faithfully. Mary loved music and learned to play the organ; she felt honored when asked to play for church services. 

Tabernacle and Purgatory, both in English and in German, was a regular visitor at the home and was eagerly read and re-read. Perhaps it was this that planted the seed of a contemplative religious vocation in Mary's heart. She entered the postulancy at Clyde in Jan. 1912, and was invested August 24, 1912. The date of her first vows was Jan. 24, 1914 and her perpetual vows were offered on Jan. 6, 1921.

Sister's quiet, reverent disposition seemed to fit her especially for the office of sacristan, a duty which she conscientiously and lovingly fulfilled for many years. However, she also helped with the common work and for a time rose early in the morning to help with the milking.

In October, 1934 Sister was transferred to our Mundelein convent, where she served as first sacristan until 1945 when she no longer felt able to do this work. Other duties in the community over the years included mending, plaiting collariums and packing altar breads. For a time she helped in the kitchen and in the correspondence department. Of her, the Mundelein community wrote shortly before her transfer to Kansas City in 1969: "Sister was always fervent and punctual, a quiet, hidden, prayerful person, ever on the alert to give joy to God and to her sisters. Her charity both in word and deed was exemplary and she was outstanding for her quietness and her exactness in never speaking an unnecessary word during the time of silence, as well as for her gentleness and patience."

She loved the perpetual adoration and the Divine Office, though in her declining years illness and frail health often prevented her from assisting in choir. Because of failing health she was transferred to our Kansas City priory in July, 1969, and in September, 1970 was brought to St. Mary's Infirmary at Clyde. She appreciated the opportunity to assist at daily Mass in the infirmary chapel and also helped in the craft room as long as she was able. Her dry, gentle humor had an uplifting effect on the other patients and Sisters. Other endearing traits were her refinement, kindness and solicitude for others.

By March 13. 1974 Sister was in a very fragile state of health. As the days passed, it was exceedingly difficult for her to take food or even water. In the early morning of March 21st she was able to receive the Precious Blood and really looked radiant. She passed away at 7:30 a.m. while the Angelus bell was ringing. As she expired on the feast of our holy Father Benedict (the first in our Congregation to enjoy this privilege), the Sisters at her bedside sang the antiphon: "Holy Father Benedict, our Leader and our Guide..." Surely St. Benedict must have been there to welcome his faithful daughter and to present her to her Bridegroom, whom she had loved and served so faithfully for so many years. She was in the 90th year of her age and the 61st of her religious profession. May she, too, intercede for us!