Honoring Notre Dame Sister Marie Alice Ostry on Her 60th Jubilee
For Immediate Release (May 27, 2025) Omaha, NE – The Notre Dame Sisters honor Sr. Marie Alice Ostry, ND as she celebrates her 60th Jubilee—marking six decades of service, faith, and Spirit-led ministry. Born on a snow-swept Ash Wednesday, February 23, 1944, Sr. Marie Alice’s life has been a testament to divine timing, purpose, and love.
Growing up in a family rooted in faith, Sr. Marie Alice was inspired by two aunts—Sr. Agnes Marie Ostry and Sr. Mildred Ostry—who were Notre Dame Sisters. Frequent childhood visits to the Sisters left a lasting impression, and Sr. Marie Alice was drawn particularly to their joy, kindness, and warmth. It was during her fifth-grade year at Holy Trinity in Brainard, NE, where she boarded, that she declared, “I want to be like Sr. Regina!”
Entering the Notre Dame community led Sr. Marie Alice on a purposeful and diverse journey of ministry. Her early years in education began at Notre Dame Academy in 1967, where she taught Chemistry and Introductory Physical Science. That same year, legislation opened doors for high school girls to compete in sports, and Sr. Marie Alice stepped in as coach—leading Notre Dame Academy to its first-ever sports trophy at the Ryan Track Meet.
From 1972 to 1984, Sr. Marie Alice served at Bishop Neuman in Wahoo, NE, where she taught Biology and Advanced Biology. It was a time she remembers fondly as one of true community among faculty, parents, and students. Grounded in faith and mission, she became deeply involved in relationships within the school and parish communities. Beyond teaching, she coordinated CCD programs and was instrumental in launching the school’s National Honor Society Program.
She later taught both Religion and Biology at Bergan High School in Fremont, NE, and Roncalli Catholic High School in Omaha, NE, strengthening campus ministry and deepening students’ faith lives. Her academic background, which includes a Master’s in Christian Spirituality, allowed her to blend science and faith in meaningful and accessible ways.
Sr. Marie Alice also played a vital role in development and outreach. She helped launch the Notre Dame Sisters Development Office and later dedicated 16 years to Sacred Heart CUES in Omaha. For over two decades, she coordinated the Global Outreach Program in Nebraska, connecting host families with students from Eastern Europe, helping them experience and understand Catholic life in a post-Communist world—a ministry she continues to support today.
In 2006, Sr. Marie Alice took on a new challenge as Manager of Seven Oaks of Florence, a key component of what is now known as Notre Dame Housing. Established in 1996 by the Notre Dame Sisters, this ministry began as a response to the growing need for independent, affordable housing for older adults. At the time Sr. Marie Alice stepped into her role, plans were already underway to expand housing options by renovating the Sisters’ former Motherhouse. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing that vision to completion. In 2010, the renovation of the Motherhouse was finalized, increasing the total number of apartments to 107 and transforming the space into a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community for seniors—fulfilling the Sisters’ mission to care for those most in need.
Her heart for justice led her to support survivors of domestic violence through the Safe Homes Program, founded in 2002 through the Sisters’ Social Justice Committee. Safe Homes provides the first month’s rent or utilities to help women obtain affordable housing. These women in the Omaha Metro area have successfully completed programs through a domestic violence shelter and are ready to take the next step toward independence. Sr. Marie Alice’s ongoing presence and support have helped many individuals rebuild their lives and gain their independence.
At the core of Sr. Marie Alice’s vocation is her identity as a pilgrim—always attentive to where the Spirit leads. “A pilgrim goes where the Spirit leads,” she says. “Each day is an invitation to be present to the nudging of the Spirit.”
As she celebrates 60 years of vowed religious life, the Notre Dame Sisters honor not only her milestones but her continued journey.
About The Notre Dame Sisters
We are a group of consecrated Catholic women dedicated to serving God, each other and our world. Through our service and ministries, we strive to meet the unmet needs of those in our community and throughout the world. As we continue to respond to the call of Christ as women of faith and prayer, we commit ourselves to building a world Christian community in joyful, loving service to others. We have served in Omaha for more than 100 years, mostly as educators, nurses, and social workers.