Posted October 30, 2015

Sister of St. Francis Marie Evelyn Sinnett, 93, formerly Sister Mary Leonard, died Oct. 10 in Assisi House, Aston. She was in the 72nd year of her religious life.

Sister Marie Evelyn was born in Seattle, Wash., where she was a member of St. Benedict Parish and a graduate of Holy Angels High School. She entered the congregation in 1941 and professed her first vows in 1943. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Marylhurst College and ministered primarily in education.

Sister Marie Evelyn taught in the Archdiocese of Portland for 20 years at St. Patrick School, Blessed Sacrament School and St. James School. From 1984 to 1996 she lived at Our Lady of Angels Convent (Palatine Hill), where she was part of the provincial staff.

During her 10 years in the Diocese of Baker in Oregon, Sister Marie Evelyn taught at St. Joseph Academy in Pendleton and St. Francis Academy in Baker. In addition, she served in parish ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Prineville.

Sister Marie Evelyn also ministered for 20 years in the Archdiocese of Seattle. She taught at St. Leo School and St. Charles School, both in Tacoma. She also served at St. Ann’s Children Home in Tacoma. In 1999 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 16 at Assisi House in Aston.

Sister Marie Evelyn is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bernie White, nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan family.