Sister Marya Duscher, Osb

Sister Marya Duscher, a member of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters of Holy Angels Convent for 45 years, died January 25, 2024. She was 74 years old.

Mary Katheryn was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, on May 3, 1949 to James and LuVerne Duscher. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1967, and worked in several different jobs before entering Holy Angels in 1979. She made First Vows in 1981 and Perpetual Vows in 1986. Sister was a gifted artist who excelled in various crafts and mediums, many of which were sold in the convent gift shop. Her love of God’s creation inspired  her to create art out of materials found in nature, including a set of special wooden plaques put on display every Advent at the convent.

During her religious life, Sister Marya served as the community Infirmarian for two years, for a time as the Sacristan and for many years as Refectory Supervisor, in which she served both the community and our guests with her warm hospitality. She also enjoyed working outdoors and corresponding with many family and friends. She was dedicated to prayer and spiritual reading. In 2006, she celebrated 25 years of religious life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters, Lori Duscher, Linda Reineke, brother-in-law Doyle Sellner and sister-in-law Vickie Duscher.

She is survived by her Sisters in community; her sisters Patty Sellner, Barb (Roger) Holmes and Joleen Krueger, brother Ronald Duscher, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Holy Angels Convent on January 28, Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., with the Rosary and Night Prayer at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the convent chapel, and interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery on the convent grounds. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Holy Angels Convent Retirement Fund, 1699 CR 766, Jonesboro, AR, 72405.