Sr. Mary Renee Nienaber

Sister Mary Renee was born Nancy Jo Nienaber on August 18, 1946, in Covington, KY. Her parents, Joseph and Hilda Brueggeman Nienaber, raised six children. Nancy attended St. Benedict School and Notre Dame Academy both in Covington. She joined the Notre Dame Sisters and made her profession of vows August 16, 1967. Sister Mary Renee taught in several elementary schools in Ohio and Kentucky, and in high school at Notre Dame Academy. Her longest place of ministry, 21 years, was at St. Mary Parish in Alexandria, Kentucky. Here she was very active in parish affairs. Sister held master's degrees in education, religious studies, and in Christian spirituality. She was the director of religious education in the parish. She also directed the Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Sister Mary Renee served as a spiritual director, led retreats, and gave presentations in other parishes. She shared her spirituality by publishing in newspapers and journals. Sister is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Raymond. Sister leaves behind her sister Margaret Ferguson and three brothers: James (Linda), David (Kathy), and John (Wendy), nieces and nephews, along with great nieces and great nephews. The funeral will take place at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, KY on Friday, February 6 2015, visitation 4:30 pm in main Church, 5:30 pm wake in main Church, 6:30 pm funeral liturgy, and 7:30 pm reception in the undercroft. Sister Mary Renee donated her body to science. Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 1601 Dixie Highway Covington, KY 41011.