Sr. Lucy Frein RSM

Sister Lucy Elizabeth Frein, RSM, 91, died on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after a brief illness. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Chris and Suzy DeWolf Innovation Center, 9000 C Ave. NE, Marion, Iowa, by Father Jim Brokman.  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The visitation will be on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 4 – 6 pm in the HallMar Village Community Room at 8900 C Ave. NE, Marion, Iowa, with a wake service at 4:30 pm.  Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services.

Sister Lucy was born on June 11, 1934, in Greene, Iowa, the daughter of Mathias and Marie (Majewski) Frein. She attended school in Charles City, Iowa, and graduated from Immaculate Conception School in 1953. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1954.  She graduated from Mt. Mercy College in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in American History and Elementary Education.

Sister Lucy’s first ministry was teaching younger children in the primary grades. From 1958 to 1972, she taught at All Saints School and St. Matthew’s School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, St. John’s School in Waterloo, Iowa, Sacred Heart School in Oelwein, Iowa, St. Joseph’s School in DeWitt, Iowa, and St. Patrick School in Garryowen, Iowa. She then chose another career path and received her cosmetology license in 1978. She was very compassionate as she made sure the sisters all looked very nice between 1978-1996.

After her retirement in 1996, Sister Lucy was very active in the Cedar Rapids Community as a volunteer for Birthright, Mt. Mercy College, Oakhill Neighborhood Enterprise Store and St Vincent DePaul.  Her biggest passion was being involved in pro-life issues assuring that all of life from conception to death was honored.

Sister Lucy was a vowed member of the Sisters of Mercy for 71 years.

In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Lucy is survived by her sister, Sr. Gladys Frein, Marion, Iowa, and brother, Edward Frein, Charles City, Iowa, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mathias and Marie; her brothers, Donald and Mark; and her sister, Vonita.

Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy at 1125 Prairie Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.