Date of death: 2/1/2009
Saint Meinrad Class: SS 1980
Sr. Mary Cecile Deken, 81, (formerly Dorothy Ann) died from injuries sustained in a fall.She was born in Evansville, IN to Fred and Mary (Kirchoff) Deken. She entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana, in 1945. She transferred to Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, IN and became a founding member. Sr. Mary Cecile received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from St. Benedict College, a Masters Degree in English from St. Louis University and a Masters in Religious Education from Saint Meinrad School of Theology. Most recently, she received her certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center. Sr. Mary Cecile was active in ministry for 61 years. She began her career as a music teacher at St. Ferdinand School, Ferdinand, IN. She continued as a teacher at Christ the King, Indianapolis; Sacred Heart, Vincennes; St. Mary, Washington; St. Francis Xavier, Poseyville; St. Mary, Floyds Knobs; Chatard High School, Indianapolis; and Our Lady of Grace Academy, Beech Grove. Sr. Mary Cecile’s career changed in 1977 when she began her work as a Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Those assignments included, St. Maurice, Napoleon; St. Mary, Milhausen; and St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg where she had ministered since 1981. Sr. Mary Cecile also served her religious community as sub-prioress from 1967-1977. Sr. Mary Cecile was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Beatrice Deken and brother Herman Deken, her sister-in-law Pat Deken, several nieces and nephews. Her community from Lawrenceburg and her religious community survive her. Memorial contributions may be made to the Retired Sister’s Fund, c/o Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, IN 46107.