Sr. Mariella Hinkly

Sister Mariella Hinkly, 95, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, died at Assisi Heights June 7, 2018.

Mary Jane Hinkly was born May 26, 1923, in Luverne, Minn., to Bryant S. Hinkly and Frances Giedemann. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1941 from Saint Catherine Parish, Luverne. Sister Mariella made first vows in 1944 and perpetual vows in 1947. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1955) and a Bachelor of Arts in History, English and Theology (1960), both from the College of St. Teresa, Winona. In 1968, she received a Master of Science Degree in Education from Winona State University, Winona.

Sister Mariella began her teaching career in 1944 and for 53 years, she served in educational and administrative roles. She taught primary students at St. Peter School, North St. Paul; St. Margaret Mary School, Golden Valley; St. James School, St. James, where she also served as principal; Queen of Angels School, Austin, where she also served as principal and reading teacher; and Notre Dame Elementary School, Cresco, Iowa. As a Junior High School educator, Sister Mariella taught at St. Peter School, Delano, Minn., where she also served as principal and at Cathedral School, Winona.

In her later years, she also served as a substitute teacher at parochial and public schools in Sioux Falls, S.D.; as a substitute in the public schools in Luverne and as a reading teacher/tutor at St. Lambert School, Sioux Falls, S.D. From 1997 to 2007, Sister Mariella volunteered in genealogy and as a tour guide at the Historic Research for Rock County Society in Luverne and in religious education and sacramental preparation at St. Catherine’s parish, Luverne. She returned to Assisi Heights in 2007.

Sister Mariella is survived by her Franciscan Community with whom she shared life for 77 years; and her brother and sister-in law, Ray and Lois Hinkly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Elizabeth Kaiser and Audrey Tabor.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, with a visitation one hour prior, at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Fr. Thomas Jennings. Interment will be at the Hinkly Mausoleum in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Mission Advancement, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

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