In Loving Memory Sister Mary Ann Korczynski

Sister Mary Ann Korczynski, Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Corpus Christi, was welcomed into eternal life by her loving God on Wednesday, April  6, 2022. Born to Joseph Steve and Cecelia Dworaczyk Korczynski on August 15, 1944, she was prececeded in death by her parents, three sisters, Jearline Wostal, Katherine Webb, and Genevieve Normand, and one brother, Steve Korczynski. She is survied by two brothers, Joe (wife, Beth), John, and one sister, Patsy Dyess.

Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of the Incarnate Word on August 30, 1963, made her first profession of vows on June 4, 1966, and made her final profession in George West at St. George Church, with Bishop Thomas Drury officiating. She celebrated her 50th anniversary of religious profession on April 2, 2016.

In 1967, she graduated from Incarnate Word College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, and in 1975 she received a Master of Natural Science with specialization in Mathematics from the University of Oklahoma. She taught at St. Patrick School (1965-1966), Incarnate Word Academy and Villa Maria High School in Brownsville (1968-1972), and Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi (1972-1988).

From 1968 to 1984, she served as treasurer on the school campuses in Brownsville and Corpus Christi, before becoming Treasurer General of the Congregation. She served as vice-president and president of the Council of Religious Treasurers (CORT) for Region XII. She served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Fannie Bluntzer Nason Renewal Center, Inc. (the Spirit Center) since its inception, and was vice-chair of the Members Board. She was Treasurer and Trustee of the Incarnate Word Academy Foundation.

Within the Congregation, Sister held many leadership roles and served on numerous commissions and committees. She was Sister-in-Charge of the Motherhouse from 1980-1984 and served on the General Council from 1992-2000, and again from 2008-2016. On the diocesan level, she was appointed by Bishop Mulvey to the Finance Council from 2011-2016.

Sister Mary Ann had a great love of her community and a deep sense of stewardship of God’s spiritual gifts, as well as the material resources God bestowed on the Congregation. She had experience, understanding, and knowledge of financial and legal matters, as well as the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and think strategically. Her expertise with accounting and the ins and outs of banking, assets, and insurance were treasured gifts for the Congregation. Her most recent assignment was local treasurer of the Motherhouse (2016-2022).

Sister had a great love for her Polish heritage and always wanted to visit Poland. Many years ago, she and Sister Martha O’Gara finally took that trip to Poland. One could often find her in front of the television or on her I-Pad watching programs about restoration or rebuilding of houses, e.g. Extreme Makeover, Love it or List it. She liked butterflies, instrumental and Western music, Klondike bars and ice cream cones. In high school, she was a majorette (twirler) for her hometown marching Band. After she entered the convent, she would occasionally perform her twirling routine for the Sisters at some of their weekend gatherings.

On September 13, 1987, Pope John Paul II visited San Antonio, TX and celebrated Mass for more than 350,000 people. The Pope had a special audience with the Polish priests, Sisters, and seminarians. Sister Mary Ann was able to maneuver the crowd and reach the Pope. “Up close and personal” was the highlight of her day!

Funeral arrangements are provided by Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service. Services are NOT open to the public. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Incarnate Word Sisters’ Retirement Fund”, Attention: Sister Annette Wagner, 5201 Lipes Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78413.

Services will be livestreamed on the Facebook Page of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Corpus Christi. The livestream will begin 10 minutes before both services.

Wake Service/Rosary: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:30 pm.
Mass of Resurrection: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 10:00 am.
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