Notre Dame Sister Marlene Bakken taught, served with compassion

Notre Dame Sister Marlene Bakken taught in schools in Nebraska and Iowa – including the former St. Adalbert School in Omaha. 

She was known for her generosity and compassion, working with special needs students, preparing meals for flood victims and recovery workers, and working for charitable organizations and at veterans events.

Sister Marlene’s “dedication to helping others was a source of inspiration to all who knew her,” the Notre Dame Sisters said in a written memorial.

She died Dec. 13 at age 78.

A vigil service was held Dec. 27 at Notre Dame Chapel in Omaha, followed by a funeral Mass on Dec. 28 at the chapel.

Burial was at St. John Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she was born and raised.

Sister Marlene entered the Notre Dame religious community in 1964 and served as an educator for 47 years.

During the 2008 flooding of Cedar Rapids, she prepared food for the victims and recovery workers at St. Ludmila Church, her spiritual home for many years. Sister Marlene also volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Gems of Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports people with cancer.

She looked for new ways to serve God’s people, even as her health declined, the Notre Dame Sisters said.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph N. and Pearl Evelyn (Mellick) Bakken; stepfather, Joseph Weber; and sister, Peggy Weber Markle.

Survivors include her Notre Dame Sisters; siblings Sharon Weber Raghavachary (Saty) and Dennis Bakken (Jill); and nieces and nephews Kirin and Josh Raghavachary and Aaron and Carrie Sesker.

Memorials can be directed to the Notre Dame Sisters of Omaha.