Sister Mary Grace O'Brien, C.V.I.

Sister Mary Grace O’Brien, C.V.I., died on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on December 16, 1929, to Michael and Margaret O’Brien in Boston, MA. At the age of 13, at her Confirmation, she was inspired to consider a vocation to religious life. She entered the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on May 22, 1948, and made her final Profession of Vows on August 15, 1954. She was very proud of her “Boston roots” and enjoyed returning for wonderful family gatherings.

She earned her B.A. Degree from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX, her M.A. Degree from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. and her M.S. from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL.

In her ministry as a teacher or principal, Sister served in elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and in the Diocese of Beaumont. Sister Mary Grace was dedicated to her religious community. She served as a Congregational leader, first, as a counselor and then as the general superior. As superior, she showed vision, coupled with practicality, in relocating the Motherhouse and spearheading major renovations at Incarnate Word Academy. She was a strong advocate for those less fortunate and in her leadership role in the Congregation encouraged her community and her sisters to be the same. In 1986, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza invited Sr. Mary Grace to be Secretariat & Director of Christian Formation for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. She served well and as awareness of her many gifts and talents became better known, she was asked to serve on many diocesan and state board committees.

Sr. Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen (Kay) Malone and nieces and nephews.

All services will be at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, 3400 Bradford Street, Houston, TX 77025. The visitation will be Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 4:00-6:00 p.m. with the wake service beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 10:00 am followed by interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Incarnate Word Academy, 609 Crawford Street, Houston, TX, 77002.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanbellaire.com for the O'Brien family.