Dominican Sister of Peace Mary Elizabeth Myers, OP (82), died at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH, on Saturday, May 6, 2017. She was born in 1935 in Jennings, LA, and was the oldest of nine children. Her parents, Luke and Mamie Kinney Myers, were rice farmers. She delighted in her rich Cajun French, German, Irish, and Native American heritage. In 1954 Lizzie, as she liked to be called, entered the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic, now the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
Sr. Mary Elizabeth first trained in the culinary arts and cooked at the motherhouse for a few years. Later she trained as a licensed practical nurse and ministered in hospitals and care centers in New Orleans, Houma and Jennings, LA. However, she said her greatest joy was caring for her parents in their final years, and also caring for her Dominican Sisters and their families. After her retirement, she served as a Congregational Volunteer at the motherhouse in Oxford, MI.
Sr. Mary Elizabeth delighted in quilting, crocheting, embroidering and making puzzles. During the time she spent at Mohun Health Care Center, she always enjoyed playing games and calling bingo.
She is remembered for her wonderful bread baking and her generous, caring spirit. Lizzie willingly tackled any projects where her gifts were needed. The motto she chose at the time of her final vows, "Jesus, My Joy," anchored her Cajun heart in the ups and downs of her life. Even in reflecting on one of the worst experiences she had, Hurricane Katrina and the evacuation that followed, she focused on God's presence and the kindness of the Sisters at both the Kentucky and Oxford motherhouses. After a Congregational Assembly, Sr. Lizzie wrote to Sr. Margaret Ormond, saying, "I couldn’t believe...how blessed I am and how fortunate we are to be alive today as Dominican Sisters of Peace." She loved her Dominican vocation, and it showed.
Dominican Sisters of Peace Associate Doris Melito said, "I have so many fond memories of Sr. Liz. She was a very faithful helper, coming to the development office each week to catalog photos and do whatever she could to help. When we had big mailings and needed volunteers she would sometimes cook the most delicious gumbo. I just loved listening to her talk, especially with that Cajun accent."
Another friend said, "I will always remember her for her caring and her generosity."
Sr. Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James, and her sister Marie Le Blanc. She is survived by her brothers, Luke, Jr., Andrew, and Charles; and her sisters, Margaret Mallet, Marcelite Sonnier, Martha Jane Louivere; her aunt, Sr. Monica Myers, also a Dominican Sister of Peace, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The Vigil of Remembrance and Mass of Christian Burial were held on May 9 and 10 at the Columbus Motherhouse. Burial will be at a later date in Jennings, LA. Memorial gifts in Sr. Mary Elizabeth's name may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.