OBITUARY: Sister Marion Pauline Zerebesky, educator devoted to serving youths (02/25/01)

OBITUARY

Sister Marion Pauline Zerebesky, educator devoted to serving youths

SLOATSBURG, N.Y. - Sister Marion Pauline Zerebesky, 87, a member of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate for 68 years, died on January 12.

She was born on the farmlands of Wakaw, Saskatchewan, on July 14, 1913, to Michael and Agatha (Wozniak) Zerebesky. She spent her early childhood growing up in a family of five brothers - Wasyl, Peter, Louis, Harry, Paul, and one sister, Katherine (Sister Methodius SSMI).

Upon completion of Grade 12, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculte in Mundare, Alberta, on October 6, 1932. Accepting the name of Sister Marion, she went on to receive her first vows in 1935 and final vows on August 28, 1941, again in Mundare.

Whether it be her life of ministry in Canada from 1935 to 1970 or her ministry that continued in the United States from 1970 to the time of her death, Sister Marion dedicated her entire religious life to serving the youth of the Church. She strived to educate children that came under her care, helping them to develop their talents in the field of education as well as music and drama. She sought out aid and government grants for those who had potential but lacked financial means.

As noted by a colleague of Sister Marion, "Divine Providence blessed her with great strength of soul, tenacity to a worthy cause, great intelligence interlaced with a delightful sense of humor and sound common sense. She understood her students, both boys and girls, and had the ability of extracting the very best of their potential. She spent much time and effort quietly tutoring students who were having difficulties with their studies. She also provided vocational guidance, encouraging students to pursue their academic dreams."

Sister Marion attended colleges and universities throughout Canada and the United States, receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in education, a diploma in acting and dramatics, a degree in journalism and numerous graduate courses, becoming a candidate for a doctorate. Attending university in London, she received an International Montessori Teacher's Diploma, allowing her to lead the Montessori Workshop at Andrew's University in Berrien Springs, Mich., during the summers of 1980-1981.

Her talents were visibly recognized and appreciated as in 1982 the citizens of Detroit presented Sister Marion with the Spirit of Detroit Award in recognition of her exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life.

Utilizing her skills in journalism as well as gift of languages, Sister Marion was able to help countless young Basilian priests in Mundare and later on at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Philadelphia. She encouraged, supported and enlightened newly ordained priests as they prepared their homilies - always stretching them to their fullest potential.

Thousands across Canada and the United States came into Sister Marion's life as she took to heart the words of Psalm 127 (verse 3): "Children are a gift from God; they are God's reward."

Sister Marion would always remain an educator for others as well as for herself. In her declining years, when she became confined to a wheelchair and later to a bed, it would be her patience, her silent resignation, her sense of peace and calm spirit that would continue to inspire, enrich and draw others to a loving and kind God who comforts all.

Sister Marion, the faithful servant of God, was called to her eternal reward following a brief illness. Sisters Servants gathered at St. Mary's Villa where Sister Marion had taught for many years to pray the parastas services with Bishop Basil Losten and Msgr. Leon Mosko of Stamford, Conn. The funeral liturgy was offered on January 18 by the Rev. Emil Paulshock with burial in the community cemetery in Sloatsburg, N.Y.

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