Sr. Mary Lucy Astuto, DEF
April 1, 1940 – February 8, 2020
Beloved foundress of the Daughters of the Eternal Father.
Born Teresa Marie Astuto to parents, Rosario and Lucia Astuto, originally from Carlentini, Sicily, she joined three brothers, Lucian, Venerino (Sam), Joseph and sister, Josephine. She attended St. Peter’s Grade School and went on to Mercy High School, graduating in June 1957. She entered the Sisters of Mercy Community on September 8, 1957, professed her temporary vows in 1960, then her final vows two years later. She attained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and spent many years teaching in grade schools throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.
After 45 years as a Sister of Mercy, she was inspired to establish a new religious community of her own. In 2002, she founded the Daughters of the Eternal Father, whose mission is teaching the Catholic faith and preparing God’s children for Baptism, Confirmation, First Confession, and First Communion as well as to show mercy to those in need. The community vows to Faithfulness to the Magisterium of the Church.
Sr. Mary Lucy has produced several professional music and rosary CDs, and was very much involved in Spirit Catholic Radio, who play her recorded rosary early every morning.
Often, she was asked why she wears pink. She explained, “Pink is a symbol of hope and joy, and we can use more of that in our world today.”
Her parents, brothers, and sister have all preceded her in death. She is survived by one brother-in-law, Henry Eby, and numerous nieces and nephews.
VISITATION: Friday, February 14th from 5pm to 7pm, at St. Peter Catholic Church (2706 Leavenworth St.) followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, February 15th, 10am, St. Peter Catholic Church. INTERMENT: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Daughters of the Eternal Father.
8 Comments
To all those left behind that loved and cherished our Angel in Pink, She would want us to be joyous that her work here on earth was so complete. Sr Mary Lucy, Teresa, and I went to St Peters grade school and St Marys-Mercy High School together. I married my husband and she married Our Lord. She was totally happy in the vocation she chose and she often told me that I had made the correct choice also. She and I were tiny in grade school and were always together at the beginning or the end of the processions. i will miss her smile, her beautiful voice and her encouragement to do all for the Lord.
May you rest now, my sister, your job has been completed. Love, Terri, the other Theresa
My time with Sr. Mary Lucy was some of the happiest. Our long-standing partnership for Spirit Catholic Radio Care-a-Thons was always a highlight of the year. And I loved singing with this pink nun. I remember our last Care-a-Thon together. I called her “Sr. Larry Moosy” and called our friend Bernie Schafer “Shernie Baeffer”. She thought that was hilarious. With that twinkle in her eye and her laugh. That was Sr. Mary Lucy for me, and it will always be. Rest well, good servant of God. You’ve earned it.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
Sr Mary Lucy was over the Montessori Program in Glenwood, IA., in the early to mid 80’s. I was a student there during those years and I remember Sr. Mary Lucy’s smile and as a child she made you feel as if she genuinely loved you. Not only was she over my pre school program, she was also my neighbor. She would always wave when I would see her and I thought she was so cool because she rode a motorcycle. I have not seen Sr since I was a small child but I will always cherish the fond memories I have of the lady in the traditional black attire cruising on her matching motorcycle. May she rest in eternal peace.
I praise God for your life on Earth Sister Lucy. We will miss you and please keep us in your prayer as we continue our journey. Eternal rest grant unto you and may the perpetual light of Jesus shine upon your joyful soul. .
Sister Mary Lucy was a very special friend from St. Peterrs Grade School and St. Mary’s and Mercy high school. I have many fond memories including playing Old Maid Cards and Soccer on St.Peters play ground. I have several of Sisters CDs and she sang like an angel. I will cherish my memories and will my friend.
.
Sr. Mary Lucy’s joy and laughter were so contagious. While working as a volunteer at Spirit Catholic Radio I had many opportunities to watch and listen to what God was saying through her. My wife, Joan and I will miss you. Sleep well Sister Mary Lucy just as you lived life. We ask your prayers as we continue to labor on earth toward the day when we will see you again in the joys of heaven.
My heart is sad today – but I know that Sister Lucy is with the Lord. I was a music teacher with Sister at Blessed Sacrament School in the 1980s – we sang many duets and she helped me with Christmas programs and daily masses. I remember her hearty laugh and her motor bike (!). She was a special friend.
What a gift you were to us, and certainly all of the children and adults whose lives you impacted in your many charisms. Please pray for us and enjoy the beatific vision until we meet again.
Sign Guestbook