May 31, 1946 – Apr. 22, 2025Professed: Aug. 24, 2008
Sr. Mary John was born in Daegu, South Korea, on May 31, 1946. Together with five siblings, she grew up in a family that was devoutly Catholic. In addition to attending a Catholic elementary school, she assisted her parents in providing for the needs of refugees after the Korean War. Her family allowed the refugees to live on their property, sharing food, shelter, and clothing with them.
Over the years, she studied international trade, theology, and sociology, both in South Korea and in France. Her financial background prepared her to work in a bank and in the finance office in a diocese in South Korea. Active in a lay Catholic movement, she always provided assistance to those in need.
As a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Mirinae, she came to the United States with Sr. Angela Lee in 1990 and they opened a pre-school for Korean children in Los Angeles. Complications within their congregation led them to leave that community and to find fulfillment of their vocation with the Sisters of Notre Dame of Los Angeles.
Sr. Mary John found joy as a chaplain at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. She was dearly loved by patients and staff, with her ready smile and cheerful disposition revealing God’s goodness and provident care. Her deep faith, humility, kindness, and generosity touched hundreds of lives. Love of Scripture permeated her life.
After a courageous final journey with cancer, she returned to God early in the morning of Tuesday, April 22. Sr. Mary John’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on May 10, 2025 at 1:30pm at Notre Dame Center in Thousand Oaks, CA. She will be laid to rest in the SND plot at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley, CA.
To join the funeral via livestream, click here.
To make a memorial donation in honor of Sr. Mary John, please click here.
The post Sr. Mary John Shin appeared first on Sisters of Notre Dame U.S.A..