Dominican Sister of Peace Marie Ann (Mary Luke) Melnick OP (91) died on February 5, 2023, at the Green Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in Pottsville, PA.
Sr. Marie was born in Clamtown, Pennsylvania in 1931, the oldest of the nine children of Mary Bobbin and Stephen Melnick. She worked in a government office for several years before she entered the Congregation 1955. Sr. Marie made first profession in 1957 and took her final vows in 1962. In the year 2022, she celebrated 65 years of service to God and to God’s people.
Sr. Marie loved the study of God’s word. She participated in the Theological Colloquium at Providence College and the Theology Institute at Villanova University and took a variety of courses to enrich her Biblical knowledge, from Old Testament to Humor and Pastoral Care Work. Her dedication to increasing her knowledge and skills made her a sought-after spiritual guide.
Sr. Marie’s knowledge of Scripture also informed her preaching, which frequently focused on God’s vast and unconditional love for everyone.
Sr. Marie ministered at the Congregation’s retreat centers in at Elkins Park, PA, McLean, VA and Niskayuna, NY. retreat houses. She was a thoughtful listener who supported a number of women considering a call to religious life, and the Congregation benefited from her contribution to the vocation of several Sisters.
In recent years she dedicated herself to Pastoral Care ministry at Saint Isadore Parish in Quakertown and local senior care centers.
Sr. Marie is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Hosler of New Ringgold, Linda Melnick and Joan Melnick, both of Tamaqua; brothers, Donald Melnick, and his wife Mary, and Robert Melnick, both of California and John Melnick of New Jersey; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Melnick and twins, Irene and Elizabeth.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 10, 2023, at St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, in Lansford, PA. She was interred at St. John’s Byzantine Cemetery in Summit Hill, PA.
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Memorial gifts in Sr. Marie Melnick’s memory may be sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr. Columbus, OH 43219 or oppeace.org.