March 14, 1930 – January 19, 2024
Sister Mary Cecilia Maczko, CSSF, 93, died in Swedish/North Shore Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, after having lived 75 years in religious life.
Sister Mary Cecilia was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 14, 1930. She was the oldest child of five children born to James and Sophie Maczko. At her Baptism in St. Holy Innocents Church in Chicago, Illinois, on May 11, 1930, she was given the name Alice. She attended St. James Elementary School and Good Counsel High School in Chicago, Illinois.
Alice was raised in a faith-filled family and was greatly influenced by her pastor, priests, and the Felician Sisters at her parish and school. With their encouragement and support, she entered the Postulancy in 1948. She was given the religious name of Sister Mary Cecilia at her Investiture on August 12, 1949. Sister Mary Cecilia professed her final vows on August 21, 1956, and her 50th Jubilee in May 1998. Most recently, she celebrated 75 years in the Felician Sisters Congregation in the year 2023.
Sister Mary Cecilia received her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University in Chicago in 1962 and a Master’s Degree in Education from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972. She also achieved academic hours and certificates in Music and Administration.
Sister Mary Cecilia served in eight parish schools in Chicago, as well as in North Chicago, St Paul, Minnesota, and in Belleville, Centralia, Oglesby in Illinois and in South Milwaukee in Wisconsin. In these schools, she ministered as principal, teacher, and organist. She had an outgoing personality that caused students, teachers, and parents to feel comfortable with her. Sister Mary Cecilia had a strong commitment to Catholic education, characterized by her enthusiasm and professionalism. She earned the deep respect of everyone.
Later, she served in support services at Creek Bend in St. Charles, Illinois. In 2006, Sister Mary Cecilia came to the Provincial House, where she served in music ministry, as well as in the Information Office, and then in similar roles within Our Lady of the Angels Convent.
