BSGC Bio - Sister Mary DePazzi

Sister Mary DePazzi graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Covington, Kentucky, after which she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1932 and made her First Vows in 1935.   She served for 33 years at St. Aloysius Orphanage, in Cincinnati, OH. Among her many duties, Sister DePazzi was a childcare worker, substitute teacher and health care provider to the children there. At the age of 37, Sister's eyesight began to fail due to macular degeneration. She became one of the founders of Radio Reading Services for the Blind, serving on the Local Board in Cincinnati and State Board in Columbus, and on the committee for fifteen years.

One of of Sister ePazzi's interests was Bonsai trees. She started meeting with like-minded people interested in the art of bonsai and was a founding member of the Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati in 1964. As a member of the BSGC she served two terms President from 1977 to 1979, as well as belonging to all of the committees. In 1972, Sister DePazzi moved to St. Joseph Heights, where she continued her love of working with nature and her passion for reading. "I feel as though I am witness to the Goodness of God in my contacts with those I meet at the Radio Reading Service, and with the Bonsai [Society] members. I believe the study and knowledge about Bonsai makes them appreciate nature in a living art form."