Sr. Mary Ann Zrust SLW

Sister Mary Ann Zrust, SLW passed away on January 23, 2026 and after 96 years is enjoying eternal life. Born in Waconia, MN Mary Ann was the eldest of five. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Duane Heitz (Jane Zrust) and sister-in-law, Marge Zrust (Bob Zrust), and other deceased siblings Ralph Zrust (Jeannette), James Zrust (Rita) and many nieces and nephews.

Sister Mary Ann spent her first 18 years as an elementary teacher in MO, MN and LA. She was principal at St. Boniface, Minneapolis and Central Catholic in New Ulm, MN. She was one of the first in leadership for the Sisters of the Living Word, founded in 1975, and again elected to leadership in 1993. Sister Mary Ann was pastoral Associate at St. Mary of Celle in Berwyn 1983-1993, and Associate Director for the Archdiocesan Office of the Vicar for Priests, from 1998 to 2005. She is the author of two books on the history of her religious community and the writings of the foundress, Sister Annamarie Cook. She was a gifted leader. After a fall that compromised her walking, she spent the last 8 years at Resurrection Life Center in Chicago, IL. Sister Mary Ann will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her sisters of her community.