Posted May 06, 2019 in Obituaries

Regardless of where she resided at any point in time, Sister M. Eugene’s heart was always in the city. Though small of stature and soft of speech, she was an untiring advocate for the poor and underservedthroughout her 75 years of ministry. The former teacher, principal, congregational leader, librarian and program director, died May 4 at Regina Health Center in Richfield after suffering a stroke. She was 95.

Marjorie Elizabeth Gear was born October 27, 1923, in East Cleveland, one of four children born to Eugene and Irene (Barry) Gear. The Willoughby Union High School graduate entered the Ursuline Sisters from Immaculate Conception Parish, Willoughby, February 2, 1943 and professed final vows August 25, 1948. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the old St. John College.

Sister Eugene served 65 years in the ministry of education, beginning as an elementary school teacher at St. Malachi School (Cleveland). She also taught and/or served as principal at St. Clare (Lyndhurst), St. Mary (Mentor), St. Joseph (Collinwood), St. Philomena (East Cleveland), St. Aloysius (Cleveland), Christ the King (East Cleveland), and Urban Community (Cleveland). After retiring from classroom teaching and administration, Sister Eugene continued her educational service, volunteering in the library at Archbishop Lyke School and at St. Aloysius/Agatha School. 

Interspersed with her school assignments, Sister Eugene served as program director at Martin de Porres Center; served two terms on the Ursuline Sisters’ leadership team and, near the end of her active career,initiated and directed an after-school program at Cleveland’s Woodhill Housing Development. In 2015, at the age of 90, Sister Eugene took up her final assignment in the ministry of prayer. She moved to Regina Health Center in January 2018. 

Sister Eugene will be remembered for her tireless service and her love of the community. She was a committed and faith-filled religious, a dedicated educator and champion of the poor, a loving aunt and a loyal friend. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Barry and Robert Gear, and sister Irene O’Donnell. She is survived by nieces and nephews.

Donations in Sister Eugene’s name may be made to the Ursuline Sisters. 

Services for Sister Eugene will be held in the chapel at Regina Health Center

5232 Broadview Rd., Richfield, OH.

Wake: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 9

Burial: All Souls Cemetery