The Journal

Issue date: 8/30/07 Section: News

On July 3, Sister Mary Mangan died at the age of 94. She taught history and political science at Webster on and off since 1956. She retired in 2001.

Sister Mary earned her bachelor's degree in history from Webster College, her master's degree in history from St. Louis University and her Ph.D. from Yale University.

Sister Mary had a reputation for mentoring other teachers and administration at Webster said history, political science and international relations professor Kelly Kate Pease. Pease knew Mangan for a decade.

"She was a fantastic mentor," Pease said. "When people share their wisdom, it's something we pass on to students."

Anna Barbara Sakurai, friend and colleague of Sister Mary, recalled her activity during the Civil Rights movement, which included attending protests and trips to the South.

At Webster, Sister Mary taught many black veterans in the history, political science, and international relations department.

"She was so good to the African American students," Sakurai said. "She was one of the people who really reached out."

Sakurai lived with Sister Mary at the Loretto St. Louis community at 590 E. Lockwood Ave.

The Sisters of Loretto are an educational order with a mission to spread peace and justice. They founded Webster College in 1915 which became Webster University in 1983.

Sister Mary was also very active in the Webster Groves League of Women Voters.

After retiring, Sister Mary continued to hold seminars on current events.

Towards the end of her life, she moved to the Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky.

She lived there with Mary Fran Lottes, the former dean of academic affairs at Webster. Although in different departments, Lottes knew her well.

Sister Mary was, "one of the finest teachers we ever had," Lottes said.

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