Mary Marcella, one of eight children of Joseph Lawrence and Alice Hughes Newton, was born at Manton, Ky. on June 6, 1911. Her faith journey began with baptism at Holy Rosary Church, Manton, on September 2. Her mother died when Marcella was only six years old, and an older sister, Golda, quit school to take care of the younger children. Marcella’s formal education began at Gandertown School in Marion County, Kentucky in September 1917, and continued at Nalton Public School and St. Martin School, Flaherty.
On September 7,1926, Marcella, along with 14 other young ladies, entered the MSJ Novitiate to begin the three‑year preparation for the life of an Ursuline educator. Marcella enrolled in the Mount Saint Joseph Academy at this time, and continued to pursue her education. She was invested in the Ursuline habit on March 19, 1927, and received the name Sister Agnes Leo. In the summer months, throughout her teaching years, Sister continued with her education, earning a diploma from MSJ Academy, and a BS in Education at Brescia College, Owensboro.
Shortly after professing temporary vows, Sister was assigned to teach grades 1‑4 at St. Lawrence, Kentucky, where she remained three years. Other assignments in the following 55 years included classroom teaching in Ursuline‑staffed schools in Kentucky at Central City, Mayfield, Sorgho, Louisville, Brown Valley, Buechel, West Louisville, Cloverport, Leitchfield, Holy Cross, New Haven and Curdsville. She also served in Affton and Hillsboro, Missouri. She always taught grades one through eight.
From 1973‑86, Sister helped in the Health Care Facility at the Motherhouse and in the community museum. In 1986, she worked part‑time preparing vegetables and caring for flowers for the annual picnic. She loved flowers, and could be found nursing them when they were spindly or sickly. As her mind became more confused, she gave up her flowers. Then her days in the infirmary were spent in prayer.
June 2002 found Sister Agnes Leo in her new home in the new health care facility, Saint Joseph Villa, where she and Sister Robert Angela Fleischmann spent many hours together watching TV and videos. On August 22, 2002, Sister Agnes Leo answered the final call of her God, following Sister Helen Marie Pfohl (who died the previous evening). She joined her Newton family sisters and Ursuline family sisters, Sisters Joseph Volk Newton and Josepha Newton, in the eternal reunion.
Her wake service was held Sunday evening, August 25, 2002 with Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, superior, speaking in remembrance. Her nieces paid her homage by their participation in the funeral liturgy held Monday morning, August 26, 2002 with Father Greg Trawick, celebrant. Sister Agnes Leo was laid to rest in the convent cemetery.