DAVENPORT — Sister Marie Ven Horst (Mary Helene), CHM, 99, died Oct. 17 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston.
Marie Elizabeth Ven Horst was born Feb. 8, 1916, in Pleasant Valley. Her parents, John and Helena (Venes) Ven Horst were born in Holland.
In 1938 she entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, professing vows in 1941.
Sister was in the first graduating class of the newly established Marycrest College in Davenport where she devoted almost 60 years of ministry as professor, dean, consultant and statistician. Her education in chemistry included: an M.S. from St. Louis University; a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa; and numerous summer fellowships in chemistry and computer science throughout the U.S. She founded and directed Marycrest’s Weekend College, guided grant writing, published in science journals and served on boards. She was included in several listings of Who’s Who in America and in American Men and Women of Science. Sr. Ven Horst also taught applied physics to engineers at Caterpillar Works in Davenport.
In 2001 she retired from Teikyo International (Marycrest) University to the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport. In 2012 she moved to Bishop Drumm where she resided until her death.
Her funeral was Oct. 22, at the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport. Burial was at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.