Sister Marian Adrian, GNSH
Written on: December 16, 2020
Sister Marian Adrian, GNSH, 90, died December 14, 2020 in the 69th year of her religious life. A lifelong educator and advocate for the poor, Sister Marian served in Albion and Buffalo for 50 years and two years at Melrose Academy in Philadelphia.
From 1954 to 1969 Sister taught at Holy Angels Academy, the high school from which she graduated. Sister Marian collaborated with those who served the needs of Orleans County migrant workers, and also taught Mathematics and Science for 22 years at the Albion High School (1969-1991). This was followed by 15 years (1991-2006) at the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern (GOMC).
One of the founders of GOMC, whose purpose was to give people a “hand-up rather than a hand-out,” Sister assumed the responsibilities of Executive Director in 1991. She then successively served as Director of Development, Director of Communication and Director of Education until retiring in 2006. Sister continued to volunteer for another year after her retirement. She remained semi-active as she was able, in the Albion area, until moving to Philadelphia in November 2015.
Born to George C and Helen (Zeis) Adrian on January 20, 1930 in Buffalo, Marian Margaret Adrian was an only child. Sister earned her BA in Mathematics from D’Youville College (1951), received an MA in Philosophy from Catholic University in Washington, DC (1960) and took her Ed D in Science from SUNY at Buffalo (1977).
Sister held NY permanent certification in General Science and Physics as well as Mathematics. Her publications include: Raven, R. and Adrian, M. (1978). Relationships Among Science Achievement, Self-Concept, and Piaget’s Operative Comprehension, Science Education, 62 (4), 471-479.
Sister Marian is survived by her religious congregation, cousins and friends. Due to recent events, Sister’s burial will be held privately, and a memorial service will be held for Sister Marian at a later date. Donations in Sister’s memory will be gratefully received by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 14500 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116-1188 or online by clicking here.
Arrangements by Beck-Givnish Funeral Homes, Inc.
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My pleasure working with Sr Marian Adrian as a young counselor at Marion House Albion NY in the early 1970’s. I learned so much from Sister Adrian. May Sister rest in peace.
My dear Cousin related to me that she would always remember the year of my birth because she entered the Convent when my Mother was pregnant with me (1954). The first time I saw a peace symbol was when she wore it and explained that it originated in 1958 in England to demonstrate for Nuclear Disarmament. My brother Peter and I were taught to follow in her footsteps. Obtain as high of an education that you can achieve and “help those who cannot help themselves”. I became an attorney and serve the less fortunate as a Public Defender in Wyoming County, my brother retired after a long career as a Medical Doctor. It was an honor and a blessing to have known her.
I first met Miss Adrian as my high school Physics and Calculus I teacher. I later had the privilege to get to know her as a fellow woman in ministry (I am a missionary in Mexico City). Rest in Peace, Sr. Marion. You served your Lord and Savior well.
Sr. Marian Adrian was my father’s older cousin. I did not get to see her often, but she would come visit for special occasions like graduations. She was extremely intelligent and eloquent. I wish I knew more about her achievements when I was younger. It warms my heart to read all the comments about how she has touched your lives. Thank you all for sharing.
I am so sorry to hear of Sister Marion’s passing. She was an integral part of our Women in Ministry group in Albion New York. I miss every one of those precious ladies. RIP Sidter you’ve done an incredible job!
May the Lord welcome this good and faithful servant to her Heavenly home. The world was truly a better place because she was in it, being the face of Christ to thousands of people.
Please pray for my family and I Sr.Marian as you go to your Heavenly reward. I cried reading about your life and all the good you did for others.
Anne
BELFAST
iRELAND
I so admired and loved Sr. Marian Adrian. I was lucky to have her teach me math and science at HAA. She was, as the above testimonies say, a brilliant person and excellent teacher. But more importantly, she was a truly good person, whose commitment to her social justice ministry was an extraordinary inspiration for me and others.
That witness will long survive her passing.
My first meeting with Sr. Marian Adrian was at Holy Angel Academy where in I was attending a Congregational Meeting as a young sister sitting at her table. She reached out to me assisting me with the needed material required for the meeting.
My move to Lafayette-Redeemer in 2017, being two doors down from her, Marian again welcomed me and asked about my needs and how I was adjusting to the move.
For me Marion was always gracious, accepting of her condition, willing to participate in communal gatherings, and grateful for the service given to her. Her aides and myself definitely miss her presence but happy she is now enjoying the Presence of her GOD whom she served so well over the years.
What a beautiful human God created in Sister. A life lived loving and giving, sharing and caring. A perfect example of the mission of Saint Marguerite D’Youville! Another angel by God’s side!
Rosemary Gamble Sirdevan
HAA 1966
I was very sad to read of the passing of Sister Marian Adrian.
She was simply a wonderful lady, caring, giving and understanding. One of the most intelligent people that I ever had privilege to meet.
Way back in January 1981 she took a high school slacker under her wing and taught him trigonometry when no one else could motivate him, let alone educate him.
I never forgot how much she cared, and then celebrated with me in the classroom when I passed the NYS Regents.
Thank you and God Bless you Sister….
The world was definitely a better place for your being here.
Dave Graham ACS