Mary Rosaline Foushee was born on Sept. 22, 1930, the third child of William Albert and Virginia Frances Mills Foushee at Ekron, Ky. She was the oldest girl in the family with six sisters and three brothers — Charles Albert, Bernard Alexander, James Aloysius, Rita Evelyn, Ann, Jeanette, Dorothy Jean, Margaret Laverne, Therese Frances and Mary Martina. Mary Rosaline began her education at St. Martin School in Flaherty, Ky., with MSJ Ursulines for teachers. She graduated from St. Martin High School as class valedictorian in May 1949. She received a scholarship to Brescia College, but in July, Mary elected instead to enter the Ursuline order.
On the entrance questionnaire she was asked, “What is your motive in wishing to become a religious?” Her answer was, “My motive in wishing to become a religious is to become a saint and help save the souls of others.” Twenty-four entered the community with her. Seven of the 25 Sisters were still alive and celebrated their 67th jubilee in 2017.
Sister Mary Cabrini earned her bachelor of arts degree in education from Brescia College in 1966 by attending classes in the summer. Sister also continued her education in summer classes and received her Master of Science in Administration and Education from Indiana University. From 1964 to 1994, Sister taught in Kentucky schools — Rome, Stanley, Radcliff and Leitchfield mostly in the intermediate and upper grades, along with being principal. In 1972, she received a Certificate of Recognition from Georgia State University School of Education for meritorious service to a program called Follow Through for Families and Children.
After 42 years of teaching, she retired from classroom teaching and principalship and became a director of religious education at St. Anthony Church in Axtel, Ky. At St. Anthony, she directed and taught the elementary and high school students, ministered to the shut-ins, visiting them in hospitals and rest homes and did many other activities around the parish.
In June of 2000, she was named Citizen of the Week by the Meade County Herald News. In 2004, Sister Mary Cabrini returned to the Motherhouse. In the mornings Sister was busy quilting, the afternoons found her writing letters to the homebound, and in the evenings, Sister served at the switchboard. In 2011, Sister Mary Cabrini “retired” again from active duty. She became quite ill but continued to smile, spread good cheer and began her new role of full time prayer for the community. Sister spent five year in Saint Joseph Villa; the Villa staff loved Sister Mary Cabrini and took good care of her.
Sister Mary Cabrini Foushee, 85, died July 27, 2016, in her 66th year of religious life. The funeral Mass was at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2017. Her remains are buried in the convent cemetery.