Fennell, RSM, Sister Marylouise

Sister Marylouise Fennell, RSM died peacefully on Wednesday, October 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida. "Weezie" as she was affectionally known was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 3, 1939 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Higby) Fennell. A Sister of Mercy for 65 years, she professed her final vows on June 26. 1963.

Sister Marylouise received a B.A. in Education from the Diocesan Sisters College (1961) and an M.A. in Counselor Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Hartford (1970, 1973) and a Doctorate in Education from Boston University (1976). These degrees were enhanced by post-doctoral training in Management (Harvard University), Family Counseling (University of CT) and the Family Study Center (Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and the Institute of Psychotherapies).

Educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Sacred Heart School, Bridgeport and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Lauralton Hall, Milford, these experiences prepared the way for her entering the Sisters of Mercy religious community following her high school graduation. It was as a Sister of Mercy that she embarked on her educational career. Basing her teaching on the development of students as self-directed lifelong learners and with a recognition of the value and integrity of each person, these principles became hallmarks of Sister Marylouise's life as an administrator, educator, mentor, board member and consultant.

As President of Carlow University (1982-1988) she opened doors to opportunities for many students, especially women, through empowering them to believe in themselves and enabling them to meet new challenges and serve others. As a partner in Hyatt-Fennel Executive Search firm, she assisted numerous associations, colleges, and universities in furthering their mission and identifying candidates who would render competent and compassionate service in their personal and professional life.

Sister Marylouise's efforts in linking both Central American and historically Black Colleges in this country with other American Colleges and Universities has provided many opportunities for cross-cultural relationships which are mutually beneficial and which point to the direction of multicultural higher education. Her educational travel brought her to over 20 countries as teacher, lecturer, consultant, and student, often providing pro bono services. In response to her accomplishments in higher education, Sr. Marylouise has said, "I don't think I have done anything in my whole life in education that I've been so proud of."

The recipient of over 40 honorary doctoral degrees, numerous leadership and management/consultant awards, Sr. Marylouise is internationally recognized as a standard-bearer for quality in colleges and. universities and for-profit businesses that serve the non-profit sector.

Widely known as a good listener, a promoter of common-sense advice, and an enabler of positive change in higher education, Sr. Marylouise's life work bridges the varying levels of development and provides avenues of collaborative advancement in higher education on a world-wide basis.

Besides her parents, Sister Marylouise was predeceased by her brothers: Joseph Fennell and Edward Fennel, her sister Harriet Auger, her nephew Michael Fennell, and her nieces: Elizabeth Auger and Kathy Auger Deal. Sister Marylouise is survived by her nephews: Timothy Fennell, John Auger, and Joseph Auger and her nieces: Patricia Fennell, Mary Lou Auger, and Maureen Auger, their families, her colleagues in higher education, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Sister Marylouise's funeral services will be held on Friday, November 11, at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford, CT 06110. The wake will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. Sister Marylouise's Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Sister's webpage at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com

You are asked to consider a donation in memory of Sister Marylouise Fennell, RSM, to the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott Street, West Hartford, CT 06110.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries