Sr. Mary Elizabeth Demeo, MSC

Opelousas- Sister Mary Elizabeth Demeo, MSC (AKA Sr. Mary Assumpta) was born April 2, 1934 in Waltham, Massachusetts.  She died on January 15, 2024 at 3:15 AM at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana.

She was the seventh child of a family of twelve born to Joseph Demeo, a native of Italy, and Filomena DeMarco Demeo from Waltham, Massachusetts.  She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Mary Demeo, Sr. Dorothy M. Demeo, Rosemary Demeo Luizzo, Louise Demeo, Joseph Demeo, Jr., Bernard Demeo, Charles A. Demeo, John Demeo.

She is lovingly survived by her brothers: Bob and wife, Betty, and Tom and wife Janice; her sister, Johanne Demeo McGinn; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Sister entered the Marianites of Holy Cross on September 8, 1953 and pronounced perpetual vows April 19, 1959.  She received a BS in education from Fordham University in 1963 and continued further studies at Seton Hall University.

She was involved in education at:  St. Mary’s Ridgefield, Connecticut; Ardsley, NY; Brockton, Massachusetts; Tarrytown, NY; Staten Island, NY; and St. Andrew School in New Orleans, LA.  In 1966, she volunteered to go to East Pakistan and serve as a missionary but due to cardiac issues from rheumatic heart disease, she was unable to fulfill this desire.  However, over the years, she was a missionary at heart.  She contributed to mission efforts by diligently sending cancelled stamps to the mission office at the Brother’s Mission Club Stamps Apostolate in Bay St. Louis at St. Augustine’s Seminary. In addition to her educational and mission ministries, she served as receptionist and sacristan at Our Lady of Holy Cross Provincial House in New Orleans.  During this time, she was a Eucharistic Minister at several health care facilities in New Orleans.  Her last years in educational ministry were spent as a member of the staff at St. Joseph School in Plaucheville, LA.  In 2008, she moved to Opelousas and she served as receptionist at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home.  During this time, she made rosaries for the students at Opelousas Catholic School to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother.  Due to a decline in health, she became a resident of the Nursing Home on March 12, 2020.

In reflecting on her varied ministries, she always talked about the children in her care.  She appreciated their willingness to listen and to learn, to grow and to develop in all the areas of life.  While she enjoyed all her ministries, the children held a special place in her heart. 

In reflecting on her prayer life, she had a special devotion to daily Mass.  When unable to personally attend Mass, she faithfully watched it on TV.  The Liturgy of the Hours was also central to her life.  The red book stayed close to her at her bedside and she could be found fervently praying the psalms at various times during the day.  Her dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary was evident in the rosary and seven dolor beads often found intertwined in her fingers in prayer.   

In reflecting on her relationships with others, Sr. Mary Elizabeth was a woman filled with a heart of gratitude. No matter how small the assistance she received, she always responded with a smile and a sincere and heartfelt phrase of gratefulness!   This gratitude offered her a peace and simplicity that radiated from her and enabled her to live one of her favorite prayers: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.  My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior!”  

Thank you, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, for sharing life with all of us, your family, religious congregation, and friends.  By your faithful living of the Gospel in and through religious life, you touched hearts and changed lives.
As she enters her heavenly home, rejoicing with Mary our Mother, certainly the words that will spontaneously be spoken to the Lord as He welcomes her are – thank you very much!

There will be a wake service at 9:30 AM followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 26, 2024 in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home.  Burial will follow in St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas.   We want to express gratitude to the staff of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home for their consistent caring and compassionate presence to Sr. Mary Elizabeth.  What a blessing you are in the lives of those in your care!  

In lieu of flowers, the Marianites of Holy Cross request that memorial donations be made to the Marianites of Holy Cross at their congregational center at 75520 Hwy 1081, Covington, Louisiana, 70435.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.