April 11, 1931 – March 17, 2019
Sister Noreen (aka Sr. George Ellen) Orazio was born April 11, 1931 in Portland, Oregon, to George and Helen Orazio. Sister’s elementary education took place at Our Lady of Sorrows, Portland. Sr. Noreen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Portland, in 1949.
Her higher education was earned at Marylhurst (BS in Education, 1959), University of Oregon (Masters in Education, 1969), Portland State University (Administration Certification, 1977), and Lewis and Clark College (Masters in Counseling Psychology, 1988).
Sister Noreen was received as a novice by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on August 15, 1950, and became known as Sr. Mary George Ellen; in 1955 Sister made her perpetual profession. She taught and served as principal in various elementary schools throughout her twenty-five year teaching ministry: St. Cecilia and Holy Trinity in Beaverton; Our Lady of Sorrows, Holy Cross, and St. Agatha in Portland; St. Mary in Stayton; Sacred Heart in Tillamook; St. John the Baptist and Christ the King in Milwaukie; and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Seattle.
From 1980-84, Sr. Noreen served as the Education Coordinator for the Community and in 1984-86 she returned to school to earn a degree in counseling psychology. From 1986-94, Sister served at Catholic Community Services and began her private therapy practice. From 1994 to the present, she counseled many grateful clients and taught the newest members of the Franciscan Friars as well as our Sisters.
Throughout her life, whether in the classroom, behind the principal’s desk, in a therapy session, or serving on Community committees, Sr. Noreen was an outstanding teacher, guide and mentor. Her insights revealed a deep understanding and empathy for human nature and how to address issues and concerns.
Sister is survived by her Sisters in Community and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings: Mary Correll, Josephine Harris, Emma Kahut, Anna Thoennes, Rose Lang, Vincent, Sam, and George.
Vigil Service – Wednesday, March 20 -- at 7:00 p.m., Motherhouse Chapel
Mass of Christian Burial – March 21 -- at 4:00 p.m., Motherhouse Chapel
Interment – March 22 -- at 9:00 a.m., SSMO Cemetery
May she rest in God’s eternal embrace!
Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.
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