Sister of Mercy Diane Davidson known for her care for students

With college degrees in chemistry and molecular and cellular biology, Sister of Mercy Diane Davidson gained the knowledge to teach high school and college science courses.

But it was her sincere interest in students that made her effective in teaching, the Sisters of Mercy said.

Sister Diane, also known as Sister Mary Kent, left a lasting impression on her students, including those she taught at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, her religious community said.

Sister Diane died Sept. 18 in Omaha after a long illness. She was 86.

A vigil service was scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries 72nd Street Chapel, 1010 N. 72nd St. in Omaha.

A Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29 at Fogelstrom Chapel at Immanuel Courtyard, 6757 Newport Ave. in Omaha.

Sister Diane was born in Independence, Missouri, and moved to Omaha to join the Sisters of Mercy in 1955.

She made temporary vows within the religious order in 1958 and perpetual vows in 1961.

Sister Diane earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from College of Saint Mary in 1965 and a master’s in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Colorado in 1970.

She taught elementary and high school science and math in Joplin, Missouri, and Denver. In 1999 she moved to Omaha and taught chemistry at College of Saint Mary for 10 years.

Sister Diane served on boards for two hospitals, including Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, and managed two Mercy properties for 14 years, including Mercy Acres in Waterloo.

“One of the many rewards of religious life is the opportunity to serve the people of God in varied ways,” she had said.

Sister Diane was preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances Davidson; and is survived by her brother, Kent (Christine) Davidson; niece, Sara (Jared) Byrd; nephew, Mark (Angela) Davidson; two great-nephews; dear friend Sister of Mercy Patricia Forret; and other Sisters of Mercy.