Sister Sharon Friedrich, MSC

Sr. Sharon Friedrich (also known as Sr. Marie René), a member of the Marianites of Holy Cross, died peacefully at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center on April 25, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents M. Rita Ferran Friedrich and Robert J. Friedrich, Sr. She is survived by her sister Elaine Friedrich Esker (George) of Metairie, Louisiana and her brother Robert J. Friedrich, Jr. (Patricia), of Roundrock, Texas, as well as three nephews, two grand-nieces and four grand-nephews

She entered the Marianites at 18, a proud 1961 graduate of the Academy of Holy Angels, New Orleans, maintaining lifelong friendships from those days. She professed first vows in 1964 and perpetual vows in 1969. She spent her life’s ministry as an educator, teaching in elementary schools in Louisiana at St. Christopher, St. Andrew the Apostle, and St. Mary of the Angels (principal), all in New Orleans, and in Ville Platte at Sacred Heart. For much of her religious life she engaged in ministry in Mississippi either as a teacher at St. Alphonsus, Ocean Springs, and Our Lady of Fatima, Biloxi, or as a principal at Immaculate Conception, Laurel, and Sacred Heart, Hattiesburg. In 2008 she was assigned to St. Rita School, New Orleans, where she became an assistant and served wherever her skills were needed.

Sr. Sharon received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans, in 1961 and a master’s in education from Our Lady of the Lake College, San Antonio, in 1974.

She delighted in her students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Some maintained contact with her for years after they graduated from elementary school. Sr. Sharon welcomed older Marianites to join her in serving the schools and the children as the Sisters’ abilities and health permitted. She loved dogs and had several over the course of the years, almost always having a photo of her current canine heart-throb close by, just in case someone wanted a glimpse!

In 2012 she entered Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center. She loved to assist staff by guiding residents to meals and activities. She loved participating in activities, too, especially when dancing was involved, seeking out her favorite partners! Both residents and staff have described her “vivacious,” “always smiling,” and “generous.” After a lengthy illness, she died at age 77.

To celebrate her life, a private graveside service washeld at the Marianite Mausoleum in New Orleans, Louisiana. There will be a Memorial Mass at a later date.