Sister Mary Flavia Reed, MSC

In Memoriam
1926-2018

Sister Mary Flavia Reed (née Lou Ella) began her life journey 91 years ago, the first child and only daughter of Remy Reed and Thèrése Vidrine Reed of Ville Platte, Louisiana.

In September 1943 she entered the Marianites of Holy Cross, an international congregation of women religious, pronouncing vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in August 1945. For almost 75 years she thrived by living her vows within the context of the Marianites’ unique spirit and zeal, answering the call of Jesus by following the footsteps of founder Blessed Basil Moreau. In 1954 Sr. Flavia completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University and in 1964, a Master of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas.

Her ministries as teacher and principal crisscrossed southern Louisiana. In her early ministries she taught at St. Agnes Elementary, Holy Name of Mary and St. Christopher Elementary (all in New Orleans), St. Francis de Sales School, Houma and St. Charles Academy High School, Lake Charles. She began her many years as a principal at Little Flower Elementary in Arnaudville. She served at Holy Family School, Port Allen then Resurrection of Our Lord School, New Orleans. Her last assignment was that of assistant principal at St. Elizabeth Seton School in Metairie. In several places, she also served as the leader of her local Marianite community.

Sr. Flavia had a quick wit and an even quicker smile; she delighted in listening to music and in singing. A marvelous teacher loved by students and parents alike, she had a knack for making good-times happen.

When she needed nursing care, she first entered at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility in Opelousas for several years, followed by residence at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in New Orleans where she died February 9, 2018.

To celebrate her life, a wake service and Mass of the Resurrection was held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 in the chapel at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center. Sister Flavia was laid to rest in the Marianite Mausoleum in New Orleans, Louisiana