Sr. Mary Reinette Kroeger, SND

Marian Therese was born to Norbert and Ann Kroeger on October 10, 1940, the oldest of five surviving children. She was baptized at St. Lawrence Church, Price Hill, Ohio. and received her early education at St. Martin School in Cheviot, Ohio. Here she became acquainted with the Sisters of Notre Dame. She sensed a future unfolding before her and decided to become an aspirant with the Sisters of Notre Dame. After graduation from Notre Dame Academy in 1958, she became a postulant and made her Profession of Vows in 1960.

Sister Mary Reinette pursued her education at Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More University), earning a BA in Education in 1968 and receiving her Master from Xavier University in 1976, as well as her Administrator Certificate in 1982. Sister’s ministry extended over fifty years, including fifteen years of teaching in the Dioceses of Covington, Lexington, and Birmingham, Alabama. She served for thirty-two years as principal, ministering at St. Mark, Richmond, and St. Joseph, Cold Spring, Kentucky; and St. Martin, Cheviot, Ohio. She was also the Diocesan School Supervisor and Directress of Schools for the Sisters of Notre Dame.

In 2009, Sister Reinette started one of her most cherished ministries, becoming the co-founder and co-director of the Notre Dame Urban Education Center. Working among the impoverished developed her journey of involvement with the poor and homeless. When Sister Reinette retired in 2018, she continued to immerse herself in helping others. She worked with the Mary Rose Mission, the Emergency Shelter, and Lourdes Hall. She also began the Blessing Project, which provides personal items for the poor and homeless.

For the 65 years of her religious life, Sister Mary Reinette showed us service and dedication. She found joy in helping her family and community. Because of her steadfast commitment to serving people, she was able to share her abundant talents with all in her community. She will be deeply missed. May she now rejoice in the embrace of our good and loving God.

Sister Mary Reinette passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her infant sister, Victoria. Sister leaves behind her beloved brothers, Norbert and Phil, and her sisters, Rita Eads and Susan Phillips, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, Kentucky. The Tribute Service will be held 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.