Remembering Sister Mary Louise Coccimiglio
Sister Mary Louise Coccimiglio was born May 28, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan where she lived with her parents, Ernest and Catherine (Chudy) Coccimiglio, and brothers, Carmon Anthony and Ernest Coccimiglio. She passed away on January 13, 2023.
Sister Mary Louise entered religious life when the Second Vatican Council called all Religious communities to renew their way of life, based on the charism of the Founder. It was a challenging and exciting time. She followed the Holy Spirit as she felt called to join the Sisters of the Living Word to live out the charism to “free the oppressed and bring the new life of Christ.”
Sister Mary Louise lived a life dedicated to using her teaching skills for the benefit of others: first for the education of children and adolescents as she ministered as a teacher and pastoral minister in St. Louis, Michigan, and Illinois. Later she realized more fully her desire to be involved in the renewal of the Church and became trained in directing the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) process. This became her very cherished ministry. Through the Rite of Initiation of Adults she was able to accompany adults and family on their journey to know God’s love as their foundation. This would be her gift as a Sister of the Living Word — to draw others to the life-giving word of the scriptures in light of our life today. She would share her joy for the Eucharist as her students were prepared for the Sacraments within the whole Eucharistic Liturgy.
In her last years Sister Mary Louise struggled with some physical ailments. Her desire to be faithful to her call through finding ways to be of service, her devotion to prayer and the Eucharist, her kindness, and even her sense of humor were lived as best she could.
Her fellow sisters are grateful for the care she received at Resurrection Life Center until her death, and are rejoicing that she is now experiencing the joy of eternal life with God whom she served so faithfully for more than sixty years.
A memorial service was held at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL on January 27, 2023.