Dominican sister directed religious education at St. Michael Parish in South Sioux City

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Mary Ann Heyd, whose 68 years of religious life included three years in the Archdiocese of Omaha, died Sept. 6 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. She was 88.

A funeral Mass was offered Sept. 11 at her order’s motherhouse in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, with burial in the sisters’ motherhouse cemetery.

A native of Peoria, Illinois, Sister Mary Ann – also known by her religious name, Sister Wilberta – entered the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1950. She made her first religious profession in 1952 and her perpetual profession in 1955.

She taught and served in various roles, including as director of religious education at St. Michael Parish in South Sioux City from 1987 to 1990.

Sister Mary Ann also served in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York and Kentucky, including 31 years as a teacher, plus stints as a religious education director for seven years, subprioress and liturgist for three years, pastoral associate for eight years, family caregiver for eight years and community visitor for two years, according to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Alice (Martin) Heyd; brothers, Charles Heyd and Father Joseph Heyd. Survivors include sisters, Joanne Schaber and Patricia Callaway; nieces and nephews; as well as her Dominican sisters.

Please pray for the faithful departed.