Mary A. Pfeiffer

Mary Antoinette Pfeiffer, age 80, of Evansville, died peacefully at the Park Terrace Village on Monday, April 9, 2018. Mary was born March 27, 1938 in Corydon, IN to the late William Charles and Mathilda Alice Pfeiffer. Surviving Mary is her only sibling, Charles W. Pfeiffer of Medina, OH along with two nephews, Christopher Daniel Pfeiffer of Portland, OR and Matthew William Pfeiffer of Salt Lake City, UT In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Mary Beechy Pfeiffer. Mary attended St. Benedict and Christ the King Elementary schools in Evansville and then enrolled in the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN on September 15, 1952. She graduated with an outstanding academic record in May of 1956. One September 10, 1956 she entered the Benedictine Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN and was officially received into the community on May 31, 1957. On June 13, 1958 she made her Temporary Vows and on August 10, 1961 she professed her Perpetual Vows, taking as her name, Sister Mary Joachim. In 1964 she was granted a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from St. Benedict’s College and continued her education at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. for five summers, 1965-1969. From her early years in elementary school she became avid reader, a habit that lasted throughout her life. During her years as a professed Ferdinand Benedictine, August 10, 1961 to July 20, 1974, Sister Mary Joachim was a music teacher in elementary schools in the Diocese of Evansville. Her assignments included St. Matthew’s in Mt. Vernon from 1960 to 1966, Huntingburg, IN from 1966 to 1968, St. Theresa, Evansville from 1968-1970, Nativity in Evansville from 1970-1971 and Evansville Area Music Teacher, 1971-1974. On July 20, 1974 she was granted exclaustration from the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception and returned to her baptismal name, Mary Antoinette. From 1974 to 2005, she pursued a career in giving private music lessons, playing the organ and piano and directing choirs for both protestant congregations and Roman Catholic parishes in the Evansville area. She was also sought after as a judge for area music contests and her many, many students performed in contests at a very high level. Throughout her life’s journey and music career she enjoyed many friendships and acquaintances. Beginning in 2005, her health began to decline and by 2011 she was admitted to Park Terrace Village in Evansville. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of the caregivers at Park Terrace Village who gave “Miss Mary” (as so many affectionately called her) the support, care, and love that eased her through her final years. Thanks also to Heart to Heart Hospice who provided support, comfort and love in her final days. There will be a memorial service conducted at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, Rev. Theodore Tempel officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery on Friday, April 13, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Benedict, Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, 802 E. 10th Street, Ferdinand, IN 47532.

Mary A. Pfeiffer

March 27, 1938 - April 9, 2018