Marianite Sister Audrey Strassel, 91

Marianite Sister Audrey M. Strassel, a woman religious for 74 years, died June 30 at East Jefferson Hospital at age 91.

Sister Audrey was the daughter of the late Edward C. Strassel and Mary Enola Heitmeier Strassel. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Emelda B. Maggio and Geraldine S. Meyer; two brothers, Herman Burmaster and Leslie “Pete” Strassel; and two nieces Lynn Burmaster and Marlene Meyer Aysien.

Survivors include a brother, E. David Strassel Sr., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sister Audrey, also known as Sister Eusebia, entered the Marianites of Holy Cross in 1944 and made her final profession in 1950.

Sister Audrey was an elementary school teacher for 52 years, teaching in Plaquemine and Houma, but spending most of her religious life ministering in schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Mary of the Angels, St. Cecilia, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Agnes and St. Christopher. 

She spent 25 years on the faculty of her high school alma mater, Holy Name of Mary, where she also coached girls’ sports and assisted with liturgical singing. After retirement, she volunteered for 10 years in Holy Name of Mary’s school office.

Sister Audrey, who began residing Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in 2017, was known for adorning the bulletin board outside her room with photographs of her newest family members. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 6 at Our Lady of Wisdom’s chapel, with interment at the Marianite mausoleum. Donations may be sent to the Marianites of Holy Cross Retirement Fund, 21388 Smith Road, Covington, La., 70435 (www.marianites.org).