Sr. Marius (Regina A. Pick)

Born July 14, 1908. Entered St. Francis Order 1933.

Died October 14, 1987.

The kind Sr. Marius was described as the epitome of courtesy, graciousness, mildness, and generosity. Greeting all with warmth and many times, an awaiting cup of fresh coffee, her way was simple but with a big impact on those blessed with her presence.

Summary of Sr. Marius’ Life (from her funeral service)

Sr. Marius (Regina) Pick was a dedicated “homemaker” and a self-taught “nutritionist” who began mission life as a teacher. After five years in the classroom at Holy Ghost, Dubuque, she asked to become a homemaker because she wanted the sisters to have better than “starchy meals.” Since then her wholesome, attractive meals - always graciously served - have become Franciscan history.

Sr. Marius was missioned as a homemaker at Granville, Remsen, Briar Cliff College, Immaculate Conception Academy, Mount St. Bernard Seminary, and the Dubuque Archbishop’s residence.

Regina was born on a farm near Alton, Iowa, July 14, 1908, the ninth of Adam and Mary Rolfes Pick’s 15 children, four of whom would become Dubuque Franciscans (Sisters Bertilda, Aiden, Lea, and Marius) and two, diocesan priests (Henry and Raymond).

“The first five years of my life were spent on the farm,” she wrote many years ago in a brief biography. “I started school when six year of age…After finishing the first eight grades, I helped my mother most of the time. a few months were spent helping out at the parsonage and a few private homes near Alton. The Sisters at LeMars Hospital suggested that I help them, which I did for two months before entering Mount St. Francis.”

At 24, Regina entered the Dubuque Franciscans. She received the habit and the name “Marius” on August 12, 1933, and made perpetual profession on August 12, 1938.

In 1980 Sr. Marius retried to Mount St. Frances, where she helped with meals, and in 1985 she move to Holy Family Hall.

Sisters at Mount St. Francis comment on Sister Marius’ kindness. They say “She would do anything for you. Her favorite hobby was cards, mostly “500.” After she retired to Holy Family Hall, the “Pick-Fangman” Sunday afternoon card parties became a weekly ritual.