Sister Fara Impastato, O.P., 93

Dominican Sister of Peace Fara Impastato, who taught in the religious studies department at Loyola University New Orleans for 24 years, died May 8 in Mohun Health Care Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Sister Fara, a New Orleans native, was 93 years old and had served nearly 73 years in religious life.

Sister Fara was raised in St. Vincent de Paul Parish and attended elementary school there and then Holy Angels Academy. She professed her vows as a Eucharistic Missionary of St. Dominic on May 19, 1941, in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, New Orleans.

Sister Fara earned a bachelor’s degree at Loyola and a master’s and doctorate in theology from St. Mary’s in South Bend, Ind. She created and directed for nine years a novitiate program that offered a solid foundation in theology, spirituality and the arts for new members of her congregation.

Sister Fara also was president of the Dominican Education Association; a leadership team member for her original religious congregation; founding chair of the Archdiocesan Sisters’ Council; associate vicar of religious for the Archdiocese of New Orleans; an active member of Pax Christi, the Fourth World Movement, and many other justice and peace initiatives; a study group and retreat leader for women’s groups in New Orleans; and a spiritual director.

Sister Fara donated her body for medical research. A Memorial Mass was celebrated May 16 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Memorial gifts may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.