Sister Marie Evelyn Dow

June 13, 1926-August 2, 2022

“I live by faith in the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

S.Marie Evelyn Dow’s ministries represent more than 55 years in education, parish ministry and supportive Congregational roles. She began her years of service in 1948 at Loyola in Denver, Colorado, teaching primary age children. She continued at schools in Colorado and New Mexico until 1970 when she was missioned to Pauline Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She remained in the classroom, part-time, but added general office administration as well. She was asked to assist at El Pomar Retreat Center in a pastoral role in 1973 and then returned to office administration at Pauline Memorial (1975-’88).

S. Marie Evelyn found a role well-suited for her warm personality as a receptionist at Julie Penrose Center in Colorado Springs. She was also in charge of the center’s gift shop. In 1992 she served as assistant director of St. Elizabeth Residence, Colorado Springs, a residence built for Sisters from the West who wished to remain in the western U.S. for their retirement years. She remained there until it closed in 1995.

That year S. Marie Evelyn became the property caretaker for the Congregation’s Cascade Cabins outside of Colorado Springs, a ministry she made her own. She learned her handywoman skills from her father at an early age and put them to excellent use at the vacation cabins. Plumbing, painting, minor repairs and fix-it challenges were welcomed and appreciated by all who took time out to rest and relax in the mountain cabins. Her redecorating efforts added comfort and beauty to each person’s time away.

In her retirement years, S. Marie Evelyn moved to be near family members in the Albuquerque area. As her needs increased she gave up driving and chose to come to the Motherhouse in October 2017. She enjoyed spending time getting to know her Sisters who had spent most of their ministry years in the East.

S. Jean Miller remembered, “She was a generous woman, who appreciated her time and space. She was so faithful to care for the cottages in the mountains outside Colorado Springs and had great stories of her experiences there. When she arrived here she missed the sun, the beauty of nature and her friends. … She was happy and comfortable with the daily tasks, the care of staff, a book from the library and a visit to talk about our memories.”