Born Jean Louise Lusch on August 29, 1949 to the late Rudolph and Elizabeth Lusch. Jean entered the candidature at Sancta Maria in Ripa on August 24, 1967, and she was received into the novitiate on July 27,1968 and given the name Carla Marie. Sister Carla Marie was professed on January 1 ,1968 and professed final vows on May 20, 1978.
Sister Carla began her long educational career by teaching primary children at St. Peter in Jefferson, MO, then she went on to teach at St. Joseph, Farmington, MO, St. Francis de Sales, Saint Louis, MO and St. Anthony, Effingham, IL. Sister Carla Marie would then go on to serve as Administrator at Immaculate Conception, Jackson, MO and St. Ambrose, Chaffee, MO. In 1992 Sister Carla Marie would begin a long career in Texas where she served as Associate Superintendent of the Diocese of Dallas. Then going on to become the Superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Antonio until 2009. She then continued to minister in San Antonio until her return to Saint Louis in 2022. Sister Carla would then continue her ministry of service in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, Theresa Center and at Mother of Perpetual Help Residence.
Sister Carla Marie was an outstanding educator, and leader and she was deeply committed to Catholic education. She touched so many lives and inspired many with her kindness and strength.
Sister Carla Marie is survived by her sisters, Marie (Frank) Schwegel, Carol (Kevin) Vescovo, Kathy Dailey and brother John (Jean) Lusch. Dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin, friend, classmate, and Sister in Religious Life.
Services: Funeral mass will be held on Thursday Oct., 2nd at Theresa Center Chapel, 320 E. Ripa Ave., 63125, at 11:15am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with sharing of memories at 10:45am. Interment immediately following at Sancta Maria in Ripa Cemetery. Contributions may be made to School Sisters of Notre Dame. A Service of Kutis City Chapel, 2906 Gravois Ave., 63118.
Services will be lived streamed at: http://www.ssndcp.org/live/smr
Sr. Carla has left a footprint on the hearts and minds of so many individuals she worked with, including mine, in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. I had the privilege of calling her my Superintendent when I was hired as a Principal in 2006. What I admired most was her presence, professionalism, and willingness to listen to all sides before making any decision. She was intentional and filled with compassion. While she left us to serve in a different ministry, I always smiled at running into her before she left San Antonio. + Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Your perpetual Light shine upon her. May she rest in God’s peace. Amen.
Very sad to hear this news about Sister Carla who was a dear friend and colleague at Christus Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She was a dedicated child life specialist who served in our ministry to help hospitalized children and their families during very stressful and sometimes traumatic health experiences. She made a difference for so many families and our staff knew she would follow through when asked to provide services. We were blessed to have her as a member of our team and grateful for her friendship and service. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Patty Penet