“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Coming Home: Meet New Associate Mary Ann Lococo
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
Mary Ann Lococo made her commitment as an Associate in Mission in August 2025.
On Aug. 9, 2025, Mary Ann Lococo made her commitment as an Associate in Mission with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, deepening a relationship with the Community that began in her formative years. Introduced to the Sisters by S. Marianne Van Vurst, her principal at the Springer School and Center, Mary Ann came to know them as models of love, leadership, and devotion. By joining as an Associate, she hopes to grow closer to S. Marianne, who has been a lifelong inspiration.
“The Sisters started schools. They’ve been nurses and doctors,” Mary Ann reflects. “The women I’ve met through the Sisters of Charity are so dynamic. These women can lead, and I admire that.”
Through her discernment, Mary Ann formed meaningful connections with other Sisters. S. Donna Steffen provided spiritual guidance, while S. Mary Ann Humbert’s story – taking up a surprise ministry at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf after planning to retire – has reinforced Mary Ann’s admiration for the Sisters’ dedication to serving those in need. She also values the support of her companions, S. Barbara Davis and Associate Karen Elliott, C.PP.S., whose generosity helped her discern her vocation.
A Cincinnati native, Mary Ann attended Purcell Marian High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. She shares her love of art through volunteer work at the Dayton Art Institute and enjoys volunteering with local pet shelters. She is also active in her parish, Bellarmine Chapel, participating in the music ministry.
Mary Ann credits her upbringing in a “tight-knit Italian, German family” with shaping how she forms relationships and sees the world. She recognizes that same sense of closeness and “being home” in the Sisters of Charity Community.
As she embraces this new chapter as an Associate, Mary Ann looks forward to growing in faith, friendship, and service among the caring supporters and strong leaders of the Sisters of Charity.
S. Marianne Van Vurst (right), who first introduced Mary Ann Lococo (left) to the Sisters of Charity, has served as a source of inspiration and guidance through the years.
As a new Associate, Mary Ann Lococo looks forward to growing in faith, friendship, and service.
Contact Us
The post Coming Home: Meet New Associate Mary Ann Lococo first appeared on Sisters of Charity.