Sr. Marilyn Sieloff

Sister Marilyn Sieloff, 93, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, went home to God on January 16, 2007, at a Bismarck care center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 PM Friday in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. There will be a spring burial. Visitation begins at 4:30 PM Wednesday at the monastery and continues until the time of the funeral. A wake service will be held at 7:15 PM Thursday at the monastery. Mary Elizabeth was born on August 19, 1913, in Minneapolis. She was the first of three children of August and Magdalen Swadner Sieloff. In 1931, she entered St. Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph, MN, was given the name "Sister Marilyn," and made monastic profession on July 11, 1933. In 1940, she was sent to St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck where she taught art and English for 23 years. In 1947, when Annunciation Monastery became an independent foundation, she transferred her monastic commitment from St. Benedict's to the new Bismarck community. Here she served as teacher and director for newcomers to the monastic community. A kind, prayerful and faithful monastic woman, Sister Marilyn inspired these attributes in others. Always eager to learn and with a passion for Biblical studies, she earned a master's degree in theology from St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, and taught Scripture courses at the University of Mary for 14 years. As chair of the philosophy/theology division, she pioneered the beginning of the pastoral ministry major at the university. She also taught in the Diocese of Bismarck's diaconate program for 10 years. Sister Marilyn's passion for Scripture inspired her to start Bible study groups for women in Bismarck which she remained a part of for 20 years. Sister Marilyn loved liturgical and personal prayer which helped transform her into a God centered woman with a deep love for people. She enjoyed a good conversation and was concerned about the well being of others. She once wrote: "More and more I feel we must know we are loved by God. If we allow this love to fill our hearts to the brim, it will overflow onto our neighbor." Sister Marilyn lived what she taught. Her gentle nature revealed a woman of great faith, love, acceptance and perseverance. She marveled at her call to become a monastic and wrote: "I often think how awesome it is that God chose me to enter the 'school of the Lord's service.' Through the years it has given me a sense of worth and also of responsibility to bear fruit. I am convinced that this grace of vocation came because of the Holy Spirit working in me." Sister Marilyn is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery for the formation and education of new members.

Sr. Marilyn Sieloff

August 19, 1913 - January 16, 2007