Sister Lillian Maguire, 83, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 64 years, died on Dec. 18, 2017 in Ross Hall at the SCL Mother House, Leavenworth, Kan. Sister Lillian was a gifted and dedicated teacher and principal, and a pioneer in the introduction of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in parishes. ​
Lillian Marie was born May 1, 1934 in Butte, Mont., the oldest of four daughters of Robert and Margaret “Sis” Kendrigan Maguire. She grew up in the Irish, Catholic community with her family always close to the Sisters. She attended Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, for a year and then entered the SCL Community on Aug. 21, 1953. She professed vows as Sister Robert Mary on Aug. 22, 1955, and later returned to the name Lillian.

Sister Lillian loved teaching and fostered teacher creativity. She taught for 11 years and served as principal for 11 years at schools in Kansas, Missouri, Montana and Wyoming. In 1977, she transitioned to pastoral ministry coordinating the RCIA program for several parishes in Kansas City, Mo. – preparing adults converting to Catholicism. As part of a team, she developed a workbook to guide restoration of this rite in the Church. She furthered her own knowledge by earning a master’s in theological studies from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, and spending three months in Jerusalem. Sister had earlier received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Saint Mary College.

Evangelization and adult education remained her focus in the Diocesan Pastoral Life and Ministry Center, Kansas City, Mo., and in parishes. Sister Lillian returned to Montana in 1991 and served in similar ministries. In 2006, she joined the SCL retreat center team in Leavenworth. Her final active ministry took her home to Butte. In March 2011, Sister Lillian moved to the SCL Mother House and in September 2013 to Ross Hall.

Sister Lillian loved music and had a great memory for songs and lyrics. She played the piano and enjoyed singing.

Preceding Sister Lillian in death were her parents and her sister Joan Maguire. Survivors include her sisters Roberta Connors Clowes, Glasgow, Mont., and Sheila O’Mara (John), Butte; nieces and nephews; and the SCL Community.

A vigil was held on Sunday, Jan. 28 in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 29. Interment is at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.

Arrangements by Davis Funeral Chapel.

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