Sister Mary Claire Engbersen, SND
October 7, 1936 – November 13, 2025
Professed August 20, 1956
Rose Marie Engbersen was born on October 7, 1936, and grew up in Oakley, Ohio, attending St. Cecilia School and Parish. Drawn to religious life from a young age, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1954, and professed vows in 1956, receiving the name Sister Mary Claire.
She earned degrees from Villa Madonna College and the University of Kentucky, then began teaching in 1956. For many years she taught primary grades in schools across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Diocese of Covington, and in Kentucky and Alabama.
Her longest and most treasured ministry was at Holy Trinity in Harlan, Kentucky, where she served as teacher and principal for 23 years. Seeing great need, she and the sisters turned their convent porch into a pantry offering food, diapers, clothing and medicine—never turning anyone away.
After the convent closed in 2004, she carried the people of Harlan “in her heart” and returned to Covington. She taught at Holy Trinity in Newport and played the organ at St. Joseph Heights Chapel until retiring in 2017.
Sister Mary Claire will be remembered for her joyful spirit and her warm, unforgettable smile. May Sister Mary Claire rest in the love of our good and gracious God.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, Kentucky. The Remembrance Tribute Service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass.
To make a donation in memory of Sister Mary Claire, please click here.
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