Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Sunday, August 16th, 2026.
Beloved daughter of the late Ervin Sr. and Victorine Mertzlufft; loving sister of Charles (Edith) Mertzlufft; Joan (John “Jack”) Koeln, Tom (Pat) Mertzlufft, Barb (Mike) Feulner, and the late Ervin (survived by Nancy) Mertzlufft Jr., Don (Bonnie) Mertzlufft, and John (survived by Mari) Mertzlufft; our dear aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Catholic Relief Services or Doctors Without Borders, are greatly appreciated.
Mary entered the Sisters of Christian Charity in 1965 and later was a founding member of the Sisters of the Living Word in 1975. She was a primary grade teacher for many years in IL, MN and LA. Later she ministered as a campus minister at the Newman Center, Tulane campus, New Orleans and then SIU in IL. She served as Chaplain at Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville IL and at St. Alexius hospital in St Louis. She was an Associate of the CSJS. . Mary had deep faith in God and a giving heart for those in need. She will be greatly missed.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at Mary, Mother of the Church (5901 Kerth Rd., 63128) on Friday, August 21st, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, with the memorial Mass beginning at 11:00 AM.
I will always remember Mary as having a beautiful and caring heart! You are home, Mary!
I will remember Mary as a woman of deep faith. . Her smile and sense of humor were contagious. We wijj miss her, but she is resting in the glorious joys of Heaven and the Presence of our Lord. RIP
What a shock it was to hear. I’m still numb from getting the call. Mary was so full of life when last we were together.
My sincere condolences to all of her family and friends. Mary was “my best friend”, my inspiration and guiding light. When I was deep in grief she wrapped her wings around me and gave me shelter from the storms. She welcomed me into her family with a place at the table. We enjoyed each others company and had many long conversations over Sunday dinners and long walks in Carondelet Park.
Mary’s radiant personality was always positive and uplifting. Generous to those in need. Always warm and kind to strangers, friends and loved ones. She put her religious beliefs into action every single day. She truly lived her faith. She was always generous with her time and listened carefully even when the world was full of chaos and noise.
Her joyful smile and good warm heart would fill the room with love and hope for the future. What a lovely kindhearted soul she had.
We will all miss her joyous spirit. The world will forever miss her.
As we go forward let us keep her memory alive in our hearts and may her light shine forever in us all, Till the end of time.
“We love you Mary” and always will.
What a beautiful tribute! I raise my voice in all you said! Yes, Mary was a dear. Joyful warm..
Rita Nagel Dempsey
I was an Associate with Mary for the Sisters of St. Joseph – she always had a smile on her face and was eager to connect with others. She has reward in Heaven…… we never did get that card game done, did we? Mary save me a seat
I am so grateful to read all these beautiful reflections on Mary. She was most definitely a funny lady—sweet, kind and thoughtful. I was shocked to hear about her passing, also. I am so blessed that I got to know her. She really had a good heart and blessed my life. Rest in peace and joy, Mary. 🫶🏻🙏🏼😇
I knew Mary as a Sister of Christian Charity many years ago, and then years later in campus ministry. Our lives continued to cross. She was always so gracious and happy when we reconnected. I shall always be grateful I was able to share in her warm, inviting spirit. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord whom she so faithfully served.
Keeping the Mertzlufft family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
With love and sympathy,
Kelly Richardson, Ken Gudermuth and families.
Goodbye, Dear Friend
I will miss you
Mary was the voice of compassion at St. Anthony Food Pantry! We will miss her dearly
Sad to just hear of Mary’s passing. The Mertzlufft family were great neighbors growing up in Carondolet and my prayers are with you. God bless you all.