In Memoriam: Sister Mary Karen Hill

Sister Mary Karen Hill, 88, of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, died at 11:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the monastery.

Sister Mary Karen was born Mary Ann Hill on March 28, 1933 in Madison, Indiana, the youngest of three children of Joseph F. and Kathryn W. (Tuttle) Hill. She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand in 1951 from St. Michael Parish in Madison and made her monastic vows in 1953.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Orville Selig; and her brother, Joseph F. Hill. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen (Gladden) Hill, four nieces, a nephew and his spouse, a great niece and her religious family.

Sister Mary Karen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from St. Benedict College, attended the University of Evansville and St. Joseph’s College, and earned a Master’s degree in Music Education from Catholic University of America. She taught music for 64 years at St. Benedict School in Evansville, IN; St. Pius X School in Indianapolis, IN; Sacred Heart School in Vincennes, IN; Holy Cross School in Fort Branch, IN; St. Theresa School in Evansville, IN; St. Joseph School in Evansville, IN; Holy Rosary School in Evansville, IN (twice); Academy Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN; Holy Family School in Jasper, IN; Vincennes University in Jasper, IN; and music lessons at the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN.

Sister Mary Karen served as Organist at various parishes, and as Organist and Assistant / Associate Liturgist and in Supportive Services in the Monastery Immaculate Conception and in Hildegard Health Center with the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand.

Visitation for family and friends will be held in the Alumnae Center at the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, on Wednesday, June 16 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. and on Thursday, June 17 from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m. Funeral Mass will be private for community members and family on Thursday, June 17 at 4:30 p.m. with burial in the monastic cemetery following services.

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