Jubilarian - 2022 Sister Mary Shryock

Sister Mary Shyrock was born in Peoria, Illinois. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1946 and was received into the novitiate as Sister Anthony Bernard in 1947. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music/organ from Fontbonne College in 1958 and a master’s degree in music/organ from DePaul University in Chicago in 1962.

Starting in 1949, Sister Mary devoted her ministry to music education, teaching at St. Mary Magdalene and St. Margaret of Scotland grade schools in St. Louis. In the 1950’s, she taught at St. James in Denver, St. Mary’s in Bridgeton, Missouri, Our Lady of the Presentation in St. Louis, St. Phillip Neri in St. Louis, and St. Viator in Chicago.

After getting a master’s degree in applied organ from DePaul University in Chicago, Sister Mary taught for one year at St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis, before winning the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. The Fulbright Scholarship awarded her the opportunity to study organ in France under Marcel Dupre’.

Sister Mary taught one year at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City after her return from France. She then went on to teach at Fontbonne College in St. Louis for 25 years.

Sister Mary then returned home to Peoria, Illinois, to care for her parents. She spent her ministry in health care, while finding time to teach music lessons on the side. Sister Mary continued this service until her parents went to God in 1996.

Sister Mary taught at St. Bernard, St. Jude, and Holy Family while living with her religious community in Peoria, Illinois. In August of 2012, she left Peoria to reside at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis, where she continues to carry out her ministry of prayer and presence.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Sister Mary.