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.
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.
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. The Marianites of Holy Cross offer gratitude to the administrations and staffs at both facilities where Sr. Flavia received excellent, compassionate care during her long struggle with dementia, as well as to Concerned Care Hospice, whose staff assisted her in her final months of life. 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.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Anthony Reed. She is survived by her sister-in-law Shirley Reed of Ville Platte and several nieces and nephews: Gregory, Michael, Clare Reed Kimble (Max) and Cathy Reed Clark, as well as Ms. Jean Hecker, a trusted and loyal friend for decades.
Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. today, February 15, 2018, at Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment is immediately after the Mass at the Marianite mausoleum adjacent to Wisdom. A reception follows at Our Lady of Wisdom.
In lieu of flowers, thank you for offering donations to the Marianites of Holy Cross www.marianites.org.
September 20,1926 - February 9, 2018
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