In Memoriam: Mary Katharine Deeley

Mary Katharine Deeley (16 September 1951–1 November 2025) used her undergraduate studies of music and theology (BMEd Dominican University 1973) as a springboard to her MDiv at Yale (1978), where she met her life-long spouse. She completed her PhD in Hebrew Bible and Early Christian Literature at Northwestern University (1989) under the direction of Phyllis Bird and Wolfgang Roth, focusing on the function of memory in the Hebrew Scriptures. Mary held various teaching positions in Chicago, at Mundelein College (1985–1991) and Seabury Western Theological Seminary (1994–2001), but is most remembered for her ministerial work, especially as Pastoral Associate and inaugural Director of the Christ the Teacher Institute at Northwestern University’s Sheil Catholic Center (1997–2022).

A talented musician, careful listener, and responsive pastor, Mary channeled those skills to foster an abiding love for scripture among the people of God. Her foundational Celtic spirituality prompted her to find God in all things, and her training in Ignatian spiritual direction helped her inspire others to do the same. The entire archdiocese of Chicago benefited from Mary’s devoted ministry, as Blase Cardinal Cupich affirmed at her funeral. The closing quote on her funeral program (attributed to C. S. Lewis) perhaps says it best: “I imagine when we die and finally see God, we will not say, ‘Lord, I could never have guessed how beautiful you are.’ We will not say that. Rather, we will say, ‘So it was you all along. Everyone I ever loved, it was you. Everyone who ever loved me, it was you. Everything decent or fine that ever happened to me, everything that made me reach out and try to do better was you all along.” Whether or not the quote derives from Lewis, it certainly epitomizes Mary K. Deeley. How appropriate that the Lord called her home on the Feast of All Saints. “May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.”

[Remembrance by Sheila E. McGinn]

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Please remember and pray for those who have gone before us. If you are aware of the recent passing of a CBA member please inform the CBA office: cba-office@cua.edu or 202-319-5519.