In Memoriam: Sister Mary Elizabeth Longtine

Sister Mary Elizabeth Longtine, 81, of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, died on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at the monastery.

Sister Mary was born on February 14, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI. She was the third of six children of William and Elizabeth (Braun) Longtine. She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand in 1956 and made her profession of monastic vows in 1958.

She is survived by three brothers, Bill (Mary Margaret) from Evansville, IN, Paul (Jouella) from Enumclaw, WA, and Robert (Judy) from Naperville, IL; one sister, Ann Spallone (Marco) from Fort Wayne, IN; nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sister Mary attended Academy Immaculate Conception and St. Benedict College in Ferdinand, studying education. She worked as a teacher in Southern Indiana for Holy Rosary School, St. Ferdinand High School, Dale Elementary and High School, Mater Dei High School, Marian Heights Academy, St. Philip School, Trinity Catholic High School in Whitesville, Kentucky, and Ladywood-St. Agnes High School in Indianapolis.
Starting in the early 1990s, she served as a Naturalist for Wyandotte Cave and Harmonie Park. Following these years, she served as a tour guide and assisted in other supportive services at the monastery.

Visitation will be at the monastery on Tuesday, August 27, from 3:00 to 6:45 p.m. EDT, and on Wednesday, August 28, from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m. A wake service will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the monastery church. Sr. Mary has requested cremation. Her cremains will be buried at a later date.

Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand will oversee the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand.