Remembering Columban Sister, Mary Mark Falkner RIP Tribute by Sr Clare O’Rourke and Homily by Sr Ruth Duckert

Sister Mary Mark Falkner RIP – By Sr. Clare O’Rourke

On October 18 our dear Sister Mary Mark Falkner went to God. She had been a resident at the Chautauqua County Home for some time. This Nursing Home is well staffed with fine Nursing Care. Our Sisters visited Mark on a daily basis. This Nursing facility is located about eight miles from our community in Silver Creek.

A note of sadness and sense of loss was felt by so many at Sister Mark’s passing.  Sr. Mary Mark’s gentle listening and interest in others built wonderful relationships.

A notice in newspapers alerted friends of Sister Mark’s passing. The remains were transferred to Silver Creek that afternoon and placed in the small Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  At her Prayer Service that evening, friends described her as a very inspiring person.

A close family friend, Phil Hinman, drove from Ontario, Canada. His wife Diana was in England. It was his mother-in-law who was a classmate and long time friend with Sister Mary Mark. Phil and his wife and children had made many visits to Silver Creek.

On Tuesday, October 23rd, the Rosary was recited prior to the Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Peter Cronin. Friends, Residents and Staff of Silver Creek and many others joined us.

Sister Ruth Duckert, one of the five Sisters who traveled from Boston for this event, gave a very touching homily.  Sister Virgie, Columban Sisters’ Area Coordinator US, thanked those many friends who were supportive. After the Mass a reception followed in the Anniversary Room. Sister’s cremated remains will be interred in our cemetery at St Columban’s, Lake Road, Silver Creek NY.

HOMILY delivered at the Funeral Mass of Sister Mary Mark Falkner on 23 October –

By Sister Ruth Duckert

We are all gathered here because of one woman’s journey in life – Peggy – Doris Falkner known to most of us as Sister Mary Mark.  Some people have expressed how they were touched by Sister Mark in various ways:

• A giving woman, willing to share
• Gentle, soft spoken, grateful
• She had a refreshing sense of humor
• She had a missionary heart
• She was a very special elegant lady
• She endeared people to her and was a sincere friend
• She was a gifted photographer and her photos always told a story

Sr. Mark had a fascination with words both written and spoken and these words imprinted within her a call from God: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

She continues to inspire us to follow Jesus remembering His call. And so we reach out our hands and hearts to follow the Way, the Truth and the Life together.

“Be Not Afraid.”

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