Sr. Mary Louise Sahm, SFP

Sister Mary Louise Sahm SFP, passed into the heart of our good God on September 8, 2024 at the age of 92. Mary Louise was the eldest of four children born to the late Joseph and Opal Mueller Sahm on November 7, 1931 in Greenburg, IN.

In September of 1953, Mary Louise journeyed from her small hometown in Indiana to Cincinnati, OH to enter the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. After her initial formation, she attended Our Lady of Cincinnati College where she graduated in 1961 with a double major in Sociology and Social Work. She continued her studies at Catholic University, Washington, DC and proceeded to earn her MA in Social Work from Western Michigan University. As a Social Worker, Mary Louise’s ministry was primarily in the area of Adoptions, Marriage Counseling and Addiction Counseling. The Congregation’s mission to be a healing presence in the world encouraged and inspired Mary Louise as she reached out to serve those in need. Her most rewarding service was that of international adoptions. The joy experienced by couples having the opportunity to grow their families through the inclusion of children immigrating from outside the US was deeply meaningful to Mary Louise. Her unique talents in both Social Work and administration led her to become Director of Social Services at a variety of agencies and non-profits in Washington, DC; Flint, MI; Steubenville, OH; and locally here in Cincinnati. After decades of direct care as a Social Worker and Administrator, the Congregation requested that she embark on a second career as an Archivist for our international community. With additional training at the National Archives in Washinton, DC, Mary Louise became a “treasure” keeper, preserving both the history and the continual unfolding of the life and activities of the Sisters and Associates.

Mary Louise’s incredible life of love, compassion, humble service, and Franciscan values has touched, influenced, and bettered all who have known her. We are ever grateful for her life with us.

Sr. Mary Louise leaves behind her fellow Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, her sister, Margaret Reuter and brother Joseph, Jr. and sister-in-law, Nancy Sahm, along with loving nieces and nephews, friends, and Associates over the years. Sr. Mary Louise has treasured her relationships with each of them. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sister, JoAnn. The Liturgy of Resurrection will occur on Saturday, September 14 at 10:30 am in St. Clare Chapel, 60 Compton Road. The Liturgy will also be livestreamed via Facebook at Franciscan Sisters of the Poor/ US Area. In lieu of flowers, kindly direct your donations to Franciscan Ministries, 110 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45215.