Posted November 18, 2017 in Obituaries

Faithful Friend and Minister

Sister Mary Laura Bouhall is remembered as a sparkle in the classroom, in the congregation and at the Chancery – every place she made her mark in the world through which she walked with unbridled joy and faith. Ever smiling and always ready with a word of encouragement she entered into new life with God November 18 at Regina Health Center in Richfield where she had been residing since 2015.

Loretta Joan was born March 15, 1933, to William and Catherine (McCarthy) Bouhall and grew up in East Cleveland with her brother and sisters. She attended St. Philomena School and then graduated from Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart. In 1950 she entered the Ursuline community and professed final vows in 1956.

Sister Mary Laura earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from St. John College in Cleveland. She began her teaching ministry at Holy Cross School in Euclid and continued in primary education at Christ the King School, East Cleveland, and Immaculate Conception School, Cleveland. After serving as principal at St. Joseph School in Avon Lake, she was asked to serve in the Cleveland Diocesan Vocation Office. After 16 years in that position, she served a 19-year-tenure as Assistant Chancellor for the diocese.

Upon retiring from the diocese, Sister Mary Laura returned to ministry with children as co-director of a fledgling preschool begun at St. Agatha-Aloysius School until illness invited her to a final ministry of prayer and presence at Regina Health Center. Roommates, family members and staff discovered in her a wellspring of deep faith, wisdom and compassion.

Sister Mary Laura will be remembered as a dedicated religious, a loyal and generous friend, a beloved family member, and a faithful minister of the church. To her niece Mary Kay Conkey, also an Ursuline, Sister Mary Laura will ever be remembered lovingly as “my aunt the nun.” Her sparkling eyes and smile will shine forever in the hearts of all she touched.

She is survived by her brother William (Lois) and many nieces and nephews. Her sisters Mary Conkey and Dorothy Arendt preceded her in death.

Donations in Sister Mary Laura’s name may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.