Sister Cecile Marie Luther

Dec. 23, 1905 - April 6, 1999

Sister Cecile Marie spent all of her religious life in the Midwest, in Indiana and Illinois. At first she taught in the elementary grades: St. Michael's in Plymouth for six and St. John's in Peoria, where she was also principal. From then on she serviced in the secondary schools: Bishop Noll in Hammond for seven years, six of which she was assistant principal; Schlarman High School in Danville for one year; St. Mary's in Anderson for one year; Marian High School in Woodstock for four. Twenty-one years were spent at Saint Mary's Academy in South Bend in two separate stints. With other members of the first faculty, she supervised in 1945 the move from the campus of Saint Mary's College to the new location on the Erskine Estate off Miami Road. Her second assignment there meant that she was also a member of the group that closed the academy in 1976. In all, she spent twenty-one years at the Academy. In 1976 she was appointed the hostess at Saint Mary's College and acted in that capacity for 12 years.

She is survived by her nephews, Tom, Jim, and Chuck Roemer of South Bend, Joseph Roemer of California, and Larry Luther of Mishawaka; her niece, Mary Roemer of South Bend; as well as 27 grand nieces and nephews including United States Congressman, Tim Roemer; and by 36 great grand nieces and nephews.

She is remembered by her friends and family for her sense of humor, her spirit of liveliness, and her appreciation of beauty in nature and in the environment we create.

''Sister Tish,'' as she was known by her family, had a personal sense of style, a spirit of extraordinary generosity, and a love for the best of the Irish.

Her grand nieces and nephews have said about her: ''I have always been so proud of her.'' ''I have never known a better person.'' ''She taught me not to be fearful of God.'' ''Everyone should have a Sister Tish in her life.''

Her Mother's name was Cecilia Kintz Luther. Her name at birth was Cecile. When she entered the convent she was given the name Cecile Marie. Maria Cecile Simon was her namesake. And Anne-Marie Cecile take her name from these three generations. She was ''Cee-Cee'' at Saint Mary's Academy, Sister Stapleton at Saint Mary's College, and ''Ceil'' by her community and close friends.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. today at the Church of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, Ind. A Wake Service will be held there at 7 p.m. today.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday in the Church of Loretto. Fr. Robert Pelton C.S.C. will officiate.