OBITUARIES
SISTER MARY GEORGEANN MATTINGLY RSM
1921 - 2008
On April 30th at 4:00 pm, Sister Mary Georgeann went home to God very peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her.
And Jesus said, “As long as you did it to my least brethren, you did it to me.” These words of Our Lord are the epitome of the life of Sister Mary Georgeann.
As a Sister of Mercy, fresh from her training in the novitiate, she was given assignments to teach at Holy Cross and St. Paul schools in Louisville, KY.
But the shock of her life came in August, 1964, when she was appointed administrator of the fledgling Cerebral Palsy School. At first, it was difficult, but cooperating with grace, she soon recognized the needs, the helplessness and the loving affection of those she would serve for thirty-two years.
She told us she came to love her work – more a loving service – for the special people who were her main concern, but also for her staff, the parents of the children and the generous benefactors. All were there to further the welfare of God’s children.
 In her quiet and gentle way, Sister Mary Georgeann was an efficient administrator. In fact, she felt that she was more effective in that role than in teaching.
But administering the Cerebral Palsy School was never easy. There was also a shortage of funds, and so, there had to be constant solicitation for financial help. A severe blow fell when the public school system decided to mainstream the frail people under her care. Sister rose to the occasion, however, and heroically saw the closing of the Cerebral Palsy School.
She then turned her attention to establishing a program for adults with disabilities, a program which is flourishing today.
For her efforts, her board members, friends and colleagues wished the new endeavor to be named in her honor. Despite her reluctance, the new program is now called The Mattingly Center for Continuing Education.” There was another protest Sister Mary Georgeann had made some years before, in 1991. They wished that she and a wonderful benefactor be Co-Grand-Marshalls in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She accepted, but was shrinking interiorly, as she rode with all the religious decorum and dignity she could command, at the head of the procession to honor St. Patrick.
Many people have been the recipients of a carefully penned note of gratitude, encouragement, or congratulations. Sister had a consummate ability to say just the right thing at the right time to everyone…
Kindly, spiritual, compassionate and loving, Sister Mary Georgeann touched many lives, and her memory will live on.
In a letter to benefactors, Sister Mary Georgeann used the quote, “A life well-lived has made life better for others.” … Could Sister possibly, although unwittingly, have been speaking about herself?
The funeral Mass will be celebrated noon Monday at St. Raphael the Archangel Church, Bardstown Road and Lancashire Avenue. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 3 - 8 pm Sunday at Ratterman and Sona, 3800 Bardstown Road.
To make a donation to the Mercy Ministries Fund in honor of Sister Mary Georgeann:
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