obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
Sr. Marion
Sr. Marion
Verhaalen, SSSF
March 16, 2020. Age 89 years. Dear sister-in-law of Patricia Rader of Orange City, FL, nieces, nephews, many friends, and the School Sisters of St. Francis Community with whom she shared life for 70 years.
Private Services will be held. To view a video of the service, please visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/school-sisters-of-st-francis. In lieu of flowers, contributions to School Sisters of St. Francis appreciated.
Sorry to hear of the loss.
Nearly 30 years ago, Sr. Verhaalen taught my brother and I a summer of piano lessons. Both of us have never forgotten her since. She was a gifted educator! For my brother in paticular, it was Sr. Verhaalen that first introduced him to jazz piano. Though music is not his primary career today, it remains an integral part of his life as he supplements his work as a scientist with professional composing and gigging as a drummer. That summer with Sr. Verhaalen shaped the musicians that we are today. May she rest in peace, making music with the angels!
I have attended piano workshops led by Sister Marion since the 1980s. I have enjoyed using many of the piano compositions and books she has published as well. Several years ago, I was priveleged to be her roommate at the IPTF Conference in Albany, NY. It was an honor to get to know her and spend time with her. She contributed much in her lifetime in so many ways. She will be missed.
Rest in Peace dear Sister. I was fortunate to meet you and sing your liturgical compositions at the Cathedral of St. John in Milwaukee many years ago.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.
Sister Marion was a great influence on my life. She came to Des Moines twice for teacher workshops and student festivals, and I have used her music and performed her music for years. She was an extraordinary woman of many talents. I’m glad she came into my life, and I thank her for all she gave me. I will miss her. Rest in peace, Marion.