Sister Maryann Orians, of the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 8:25 pm in St. Francis Home.
She was born August 30, 1919 to the late Ambrose and Alta (Ross) Orians of St. Joseph Church, Salem Township, five miles south of Carey, Ohio.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Thomas (Joanna) McCarthy, of St. Mary’s, Ohio; and a brother, Ross Orians of Upper Sandusky.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mrs. Paul (Justine) Puhl, and Mrs. Wendell (Reva) Garber, and two brothers, Arlis and Woodrow Orians.
Sister Maryann earned her Masters Degree in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame. She served as an elementary teacher and/or principal in the Ohio schools of Carey, Edgerton, Peru, North Auburn, Frenchtown, Blakeslee, Marywood, and Attica Local School. Upon leaving the field of formal education, yet still using her teaching skills, she continued to minister to children in need as a houseparent at St. Anthony Villa, Toledo, a social worker at St. Anthony Villa and Catholic Charities in Toledo, and a counselor at the Catholic Social Services Office, Defiance, Ohio. Sister Maryann then moved into parish work. She became a pastoral associate in two parishes in the Toledo Diocese, St. Mary’s, Edgerton and St. Mary’s, Tiffin. She was energized by giving Baptism instructions and by working with many candidates who were interested in joining the Catholic Church through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. It was her privilege to journey with these candidates as they became closer to the Lord. She served the community as a community councilor for the Sisters of St. Francis and as Director of Pastoral Care for the Sisters at St. Francis Convent and St. Francis Home. Later she became a Minister of Prayer and Service. At the time of her death she was a Minister of Prayer.
Sister Maryann delighted in traveling, and because she was literally willing to go the extra mile, she brought much joy to the sisters who needed transportation to visit relatives. She was always considered one of the family. Sister Maryann was a “people” person. She said, “When I entered St. Francis Convent, my goal was to serve the Lord with love and compassion. In striving to fulfill that goal, I have had a variety of careers and have met thousands of people. I have loved them all, and they all have a very special place in my heart.”
Visitation will be Sunday, February 14, 2010 from 2 to 7 pm, at St. Francis Convent Chapel, 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin, where a Christian Wake Service will take place at 4 pm.
The Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Monday, February 15, 2010 in St. Francis Convent Chapel, with Rev. Frank Murd officiating. Burial will follow in St. Francis Convent Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis Convent or St. Francis Home.