On Nov. 7, Sister John Marion Looby, CSJ, 88, died at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 65 years.
Sister John Marion, the former Isabelle Louise Looby, was born on October 21, 1927, in Troy, N.Y., daughter of the late John and Isabelle (Geagon) Looby. She graduated from Catholic Central High School, attended Mildred Elly Business School and worked for the New York State Retirement System.
On Aug. 15, 1950, Sister John entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1957. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education, both from The College of Saint Rose. For 46 years, Sister John Marion taught Grades 2 and 3 and catechetics in schools and parishes of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including 17 years at Sacred Heart School, Troy. A dedicated elementary teacher, she felt particularly privileged to prepare children to receive their First Communion.
When Sister John Marion retired from the ministry of education, she volunteered as a driver and in the Hospitality Center at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.
Sister John Marion was a humble, kind woman whose devotion to her faith, her family and her religious community gave direction and focus to her life. She enjoyed vacations at the ocean, conversations with friends and visits with loved ones, especially her devoted sister-in-law, Nancy. Sister John Marion’s life was marked by a welcoming, generous spirit and a sincere concern for others, and she will be dearly missed.
Sister John Marion is survived by her sisters-in-law Nancy Looby and Pauline Moore; her nieces and nephews Stephanie, Brian, Sarah, James, Joseph, Beth, Jack, Peter and Bill, and their families; her cousin Victor Zwolak; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Looby; and by her brothers, William, James and Robert Looby.
A funeral Mass was held on Nov. 10 at the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Contributions in Sister John Marion’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.
