Sister Mary Elinor Malsack
Born to earthly life: February 4, 1917
Religious profession: August 3, 1937
Entered eternal Life: September 4, 2010
Music was the motif that colored the life of Lucille Mary Malsack and that of her entire family. Her father, organist and music teacher at St. Augustine Parish, Milwaukee, for 27 years, was also her teacher. When she left her family to enter the convent after grade school, music continued to be her academic pursuit.
As a teen-aged candidate, Lucille Mary combined teaching first and second grade with giving music lessons and playing the organ for parish liturgies. She was given the name Elinor at the time of her reception and she professed first vows in 1937. The awe that filled her at becoming a bride of Christ was like a steady flame that glowed in her heart all her life.
Elinor served children and parishes in Milwaukee, Burlington, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Bloomer, and Elm Grove, all in Wisconsin, teaching classroom music, giving individual lessons in piano and other instruments, as well as playing the organ and directing choirs, which she especially loved. She mentioned that it was one phase of her work which enabled her to lead her pupils closer to God. She was still giving piano lessons to three sisters just a month before she died.
Elinor spent 22 years in SSND community service. Her skill as a safe, competent driver was tapped for years. It was important for her to be involved in the community’s activities and in associate gatherings, which she joined right from the start of the program. She volunteered in province and household departments wherever she could. During evening recreation, she enjoyed the companionship of friends over card games, playing Mexican Train, or watching TV.
Those who lived with Elinor, especially at Elm Grove, were deeply moved by her holiness, patient acceptance of her physical diminishment, and her kindness. When you couldn’t find her, a sure place to look was in the chapel. Every evening from 7:30 to 9:00 she talked with and listened to her beloved Spouse in the chapel.
One day as she neared the end of her life, Elinor awoke and said, “Am I still here? How much longer do I have to wait?” Truly, the Lord was the center of her life and one could picture her at the end, running to his embrace as He said, “Elinor, I love you and you are forever mine.”
– Mary Catherine Dundon, SSND
Sister Elinor received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in piano and minors in music theory and English from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis., as well as a Bachelor of Arts in music and a Master of Music from Chicago Conservatory College, Chicago, Ill. She worked as a music educator for over 50 years and also served as a music minister and liturgist. In addition to her educational and liturgical endeavors, she offered private music lessons to many students. She retired to the Notre Dame of Elm Grove Community in 1995 where she served through her prayers and presence.
Sister Elinor ’s ministry locations included:
- St. Mary, Burlington, Wis.
- Holy Cross, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Willebrord, Green Bay, Wis.
- St. Vincent, Oshkosh, Wis.
- Lourdes High School, Oshkosh, Wis.
- St. Paul, Bloomer, Wis.
- St. Helen, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Motherhouse, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Mary Elinor Malsack died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove on September 4, 2010 at the age of 93. She is survived by her brother Robert Malsack, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated September 9, at Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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