Marguerite (Valerian) Yezek, BVM
Sister Marguerite (Valerian) Yezek, BVM died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa.
Visitation, the Sharing of Memories, and Mass of Christian Burial were on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Sister Marguerite was born on March 15, 1921, in Manly, Iowa, to Albie and Elsie Chalupnik Yezek. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1938, from Holy Family Parish, Mason City, Iowa.
Sister Marguerite was an elementary teacher at St. Anthony in Davenport and St. Mary in Iowa City, Iowa, and Sacred Heart in Rock Island, Ill. She ministered as a secondary teacher at St. Augustine in Memphis, Tenn.; Our Lady of Peace in Saint Paul, Minn.; Assumption in Davenport, Iowa; and Carmel HS in Mundelein, Ill. She volunteered in an elderly program at St. Peter Parish in Skokie, Ill.
“‘To be happy, I have always known that I must serve and I still want to serve as long as I am able.” . . . Eventually, she found happiness in the quieter state of religious life and purpose in prayer ministry. ‘I have grown in deeper appreciation of my loving God and my BVMs . . . Our explicit trust in Him lightens our own limitations.’” (Eulogy)
She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Florence (Neil) Brown and Sharon (Darrold) Haag. She is survived by a brother Ronald (Charlotte) Yezek, Manly, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 80 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
Download Eulogy Download Sharing of Memories
As a member of the Class of 1964 of Our Lady of Peace High School in St. Paul (I am a proud classmate of Teri Hadro), I remember Sister Valerian well! She was a part of the education I received those 4 years at OLP.
My education included not only ‘book learning’ but LIFE learning on what is important. It has served me well!
I knew Marguerite when she was involved in parish social ministry at St. Peter Parish, Skokie, IL. She was a delight and enjoyed her time ministering with the folks she visited.
I appreciated her enthusiasm and caring.
Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
Sister Mary Valerian was my favorite teacher at Our Lady of Peace (class of ‘64) I looked forward to her English class everyday – it was so stimulating and so much fun.
Sister Valerian was my religion teacher at Our Lady of Peace High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. I remember her beautiful smile and her exuberance. She and all of my BVM teachers strengthened my faith. Sister Valerian, in her love of teaching, made me decide to teach also. After our six children were in school, I taught English at St. Patrick’s Junior Senior High School in North Platte, Nebraska, for nineteen years. I will always treasure the education I received from Sister Valerian.
Rest in peace, Sister Valerian. Tonight I’ll place a candle in my window, to guide your soul on it’s journey.
I was a student at Sacred Heart School, in Rock Island, Illinois, where Sister taught sixth grade. She was. like all of the nuns, a dedicated teacher.
What I remember was in Fifth grade, taught by SM Boniface, all the girls were anticipating sixth grade with some apprehension. The word was that with SM Valerian, the little girls weren’t going to get away with anything.