Sister Mae Cruikshank, SNJM
(Sister Mary Lawrence)
May 16, 1925 – February 1, 2020
Sister Mae Cruikshank, SNJM departed this life on February 1, 2020 at Marie Rose Center, Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Sister Mae celebrated 94 years of life and 74 years of her religious profession.
Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Wednesday March 4, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Names Chapel, Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Burial took place on March 26, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane, Washington.
Sister Mae Cruikshank, SNJM
Sister Mary Lawrence
May 16, 1925 – February 1, 2020
Sister Mae Cruikshank, SNJM, 94, died February 1 in the Marie-Rose Center at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, Lake Oswego, Oregon. A Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 74 years, her funeral will be held at 11 a.m., March 4, in Chapel of the Holy Names, Marylhurst. Following a committal service, burial will take place March 26 in Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane.
Daughter of John and Taimi (Heino) Cruikshank, Mae grew up in Minnesota and moved to Portland with her family in her late teens. After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Names and received the name Sister Mary Lawrence.
Sister Mae enjoyed a long career in elementary education as a middle- and upper-grade teacher. She also served as principal in SNJM schools in Portland, Salem and Eugene.
Moving to parish ministry, Sister Mae found her time in rural parishes near Ferndale, Washington, and in the Yakima Valley a very special experience. In reflecting about her pastoral work, she rejoiced in the cherished opportunities to share faith with such faith-filled people. She also deeply treasured the interaction with multiethnic groups sharing in their culture and her own Finnish roots.
After retiring, Sister Mae lived for a number of years as part of the Sisters’ retirement community in Spokane. Eventually moving to Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, she continued as she had always been, a prayerful, fun-loving person sharing her gifts with others.
Sister Mae is survived by her nieces Patricia MacLean of Portland; Lisa Bailey and Susan Cruikshank of Fairbanks, Alaska; and nephews Rory Cruikshank of Auburn, Washington, and Terry Cruikshank, Fairbanks, Alaska, and members of her religious community. Remembrances may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org/donate.