In Memoriam: Another Tribute to a Long-Time Board Member and Friend, Sister Mary Ellen Lewis
It was not long ago that I posted a tribute to the late Msgr. John Hebl, who passed away in March of this year. Today, we pay tribute to yet another of our Board Members, Sister Mary Ellen Lewis, who passed away on April 24, 2024. Sr. Mary Ellen was one of our first Board Members. I recall her coming to my office at the university and she humbly asked how she might become involved in the forgiveness work. She had a passion for helping people who have suffered injustices from others. When I suggested that she consider being on our board, she graciously and enthusiastically accepted. I think it was her passion for education, which made a difference in people’s lives, that led her to the original meeting with me so long ago now.
Sister Mary Ellen has a long history of university degrees. For example, she earned a Nursing degree at St. Louis City HospitalSchool of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1955. She further received a Bachelorof Science degree from Saint Louis University in 1962. On top of that, she earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1969 and earned another Master’s degree in Theology through Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, in 1990.
Her love of learning and her passion for assisting hurting people certainly helped us at our International Forgiveness Institute. She even arranged for funding when we needed it for international conferences. She helped with budget details and always supported new initiatives at our institute, especially those that focused on forgiveness for peace in world conflict zones.
Rest in peace, Sister Mary Ellen. Thank you for serving people all these many years, and for contributing to a better world through your passion for peace through forgiveness education.
