Maria Sampson, SCN, 88, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, on Monday, June 11, 2018. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 65 years.

After making First Vows, Sister Maria served in educational ministries. In Kentucky, she taught at Lebanon Junction, Colesburg, La Salette Academy in Covington, St. Agnes School in Louisville, Bethlehem Academy in Bardstown, St. Mary’s in Paducah, and Owensboro Catholic High School. In Memphis, she ministered at Little Flower, Sacred Heart High School, Memphis Catholic High School and St. Michael. Also in Memphis, she served in the SCN Regional Office and at Holy Rosary Parish. 

She earned her Bachelor’s in Music at Nazareth College, a Masters in Music from Catholic University, and a Masters in Religious Education from Loyola University, Chicago.

For many years, Sister Maria taught music and religion. After Vatican II, when the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) came into being, she often spoke of what a privilege it was to be part of religious formation and to share each person’s journey. She ministered with RCIA for 25 years.

She is survived by a brother, Louis Anthony Sampson, her nieces and their families, and by her religious community.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, June 14, at St. Vincent Church, Nazareth, followed by burial in Nazareth Cemetery.