Sister Maris Leonard, Aberdeen

Sister Maris Stella Leonard, 96, Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen.

She was born on April 28, 1916.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today at Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Presentation Convent, Aberdeen, with the Rev. Michael Kelly officiating. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Friday in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Aberdeen.

Casket bearers will be her nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, Aberdeen.

Stella Leonard was born in Armour to Anne (Hirtz) and George Leonard.

She attended elementary school in Armour and graduated from Armour High School in 1934.

Stella entered Presentation Convent Jan. 28, 1935, and made her first profession of vows Aug. 12, 1937.

She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Northern State University in 1940 and a master’s degree in education from Marquette University, Milwaukee, in 1964.

Sister ministered in many of the diocesan schools as teacher and administrator (1936-1990): Huron, Mitchell, Milbank, Madison, Dell Rapids, Aberdeen, Huron; and Willmar and Anoka, Minn.

She returned to Presentation Convent and worked in the altar bread department from 1992 to 2000.

For several years, she was a tutor to foreign students and those in need of educational assistance.

Sister Maris Stella is survived by her community family of Presentation Sisters, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and six brothers.

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