Sister Mary Deborah Carlin, SND(Mary Margaret Carlin)May 9, 1935 – February 6, 2026Professed August 16, 1956
Mary Margaret Carlin was born on May 9, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio to Margaret (Leneghan) and Michael Carlin. Joy and grief were intertwined, as complications from a long labor resulted in Margaret’s death. Michael was 53 years old, having emigrated from County Mayo, Ireland. Little Mary was cared for by the Sisters of Charity at St. Ann Foundling Home in Cleveland; her father’s hard work enabled his four brothers and two sisters to come from Ireland to Cleveland. In 1938, Michael married Mary Agnes O’Donnell, and they brought 3-year-old Mary home. A year later, Kathleen was born; Mary called her “my best friend forever.” An eager student, Mary attended St. Ignatius Elementary School and St. Stephen High School. As a child she had felt drawn to religious life, and in September of freshman year, she realized that God had led her to the Sisters of Notre Dame.
She became a postulant on September 8, 1953, and at investment took the name Sister Mary Deborah. At Notre Dame College, South Euclid, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1958. A master’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and a master’s degree in religious education from the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced studies in Middleburg, Virginia in 1978 qualified her for a variety of ministries that spanned 55 years. She taught high school at St. Francis and St. Stephen, Cleveland; Cardinal Mooney, Youngstown, all in Ohio, and at Notre Dame Academy, Los Angeles, CA; NDA Middleburg, VA., and Clearwater Central Catholic in Clearwater. FL.
Sister Deborah’s love for passing on the Catholic faith found expression in her work as Assistant Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Raleigh, NC and as Director of Religious Education at St. Agnes Parish, Arlington, VA; and at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dunedin and Guardian Angels School, Clearwater, both in Florida. She served in administration as well, with assignments at Notre Dame Academy in Chardon as assistant principal, and two years as principal of Lorain Catholic High School, both in Ohio. After retiring from full time ministry, Sister Debroah devoted 8 years to Notre Dame Elementary School, Chardon, as a teacher aide and reading tutor for students in second grade. Ministry to the home-bound, hospitality assistant at Bethany Retreat Center, and service to the sisters in the Assisted Living area embodied her generous sharing of time and energy. Her deep spirituality, love of family and community, and her passion for learning cause us to give thanks for the gift of her life.
A Memorial Mass for Sr. M. Deborah will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center. It will be live-streamed. Visitation will be from 9:30 until Mass begins.
To make a donation in memory of Sister M. Deborah, please visit this link.
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