Sister Mary Claire Engbersen, SND

Rose Marie Engbersen was born on October 7, 1936, the third child of Clarence and Ann
Engbersen. She attended St. Cecilia School and Parish in Oakley, Ohio. After completing grade school, it was no surprise to Rose Marie or her family that she felt called to a religious life. She often said she felt at home when she attended Notre Dame Academy while living at Saint Joseph Heights as an aspirant. On February 2, 1954, Rose Marie entered the Sisters of Notre Dame and professed her vows on August 20, 1956. At that time, she received the name Sister Mary Claire.

Sister Mary Claire earned a BA from Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More University)and an MA from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She began her teaching career at St.Agnes School in Bond Hill, Ohio, in September 1956 and chiefly taught the lower grades in schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Diocese of Covington, as well as in Lexington,Kentucky, and Birmingham, Alabama.

Sister Mary Claire’s longest and most cherished ministry was at Holy Trinity Parish and School ln Harlan, Kentucky, where she served as a primary teacher and principal. Soon after arriving,she and the other sisters recognized the deep needs of the Harlan community. In response, they transformed the convent’s front porch into a pantry, providing food, diapers, clothing, and funds for medicine—never turning anyone away.

When the convent in Harland closed in 2004, Sister Mary Claire said she would hold tight to her twenty-three years of memories of the people, the church, the school, and her students in Harlan County: “I’ll take them all with me in my heart.

”Sister Mary Claire returned to Covington, Kentucky, where she continued to teach as a second-grade teacher at Holy Trinity Elementary in Newport, Kentucky. She also supported her community by playing the organ at St. Joseph Heights Chapel, a role she fulfilled until her retirement in 2017. Sister Mary Claire will be remembered most for her joyful spirit and the infectious smile she shared with everyone around her

Sister Mary Claire passed away peacefully on the evening of November 13, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Joanne Buchman. Sister leaves behind her sisters Sr. Caroline Engbersen, OSC, and Rita Murphy, along with her beloved nieces and nephews.

May Sister Mary Claire rest in the love of our good and gracious God. 

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, Ft.Wright, Kentucky. The Remembrance Tribute Service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass.

Memorials are requested to The Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, Kentucky.