Sr. Mary Reina Arlinghaus

Sister Mary Reina Arlinghaus was a humble mentor and beloved art teacher to many. Mary Ethel Arlinghaus was born on June 26, 1917, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a loving, hardworking, middleclass family. Mary Ethel was the oldest of the four children of Joseph and Ella Arlinghaus. She attended St. Agnes School, Bond Hill, Ohio, where she was taught and inspired by the Sisters of Notre Dame. At the age of 23 she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame and made her profession of vows on August 12, 1943. Sister Mary Reina began her ministry in Park Hills, Kentucky, at St. Agnes School in 1942, teaching the third and fourth grades. While continuing her ministry, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Art and Biology at Villa Madonna College in 1952 and her Master’s degree in Art at Notre Dame University in 1958. Sister Mary Reina would have celebrated her 99th birthday this June. Most of her long life was spent teaching the students at Notre Dame Academy. She taught art in such a gifted way that many students adored her. She had a nurturing way about her and often wore an unforgettable smile. She said “Ministering to the young has benefitted my daily life; they are so willing to know about God and his love.” Sister never really retired from teaching. Even into her 90s, she volunteered at the Notre Dame Urban Education Center and held art classes for small groups of sisters and friends. Sister is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Walter, and her sisters Mildred Arlinghaus and Rose Parker. Sister leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and many students and friends. Visitation begins at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at St. Joseph Heights, Park Hills, Kentucky followed by the wake service at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 7:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. Interment will follow 8:30 a.m. Mass on Thursday morning, May 26, in the convent cemetery. Memorials are requested to Sr. Reina Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame Academy 1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills, Kentucky 41011-2796.