Kuzmickus, Sister Marilyn (Nita), 1938-2022
Biographical
Sister Marilyn Kuzmickus, born Nita Kuzmickus on July 15, 1938, in Waukegan, IL, was the oldest of three sisters. She joined the Sisters of St. Casimir after eighth grade and attended Maria High School in Chicago. Nita became Sister Marilyn upon her reception into the Novitiate in 1955. She made her final profession in 1962 and began her ministry as an elementary teacher in several Chicago schools while earning her B.A. in Education.
In 1969, Sister Marilyn pursued an M.A. in Spirituality at Duquesne University to prepare for her role as a formation directress, serving until 1983. She was actively involved in the Religious Formation Conference and assisted novice programs across communities. She also served as the Assistant General Superior and led efforts to revise the congregation's constitutions in line with Vatican II.
Sister Marilyn was instrumental in the beatification Cause of Mother Maria and co-edited a book on the founding of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Elected General Superior from 1988 to 1998, she faced significant challenges during her tenure but was respected for her leadership and spirituality.
After a sabbatical, she became the Diocesan Postulator for Mother Maria’s Cause. Deeply devoted to her family, Sister Marilyn cherished time spent with her relatives and maintained connections with her nephew in California. She celebrated numerous milestones in her religious life, reflecting her commitment to her faith and community. Sister Marilyn passed away on April 30, 2022.
Occupations
Places
- Illinois (state) (Place of Birth)
- Chicago (inhabited place); Illinois (state) (Residence)
Languages Used
- Lithuanian