Celebrating the life of
Sister Mary Faith McKean, RSM
Passed away on July 06, 2026
Click here to watch Sr. Mary Faith's Mass livestream.
Sister Mary Faith McKean, RSM
An accomplished teacher, linguist, and leader Sr Mary Faith dedicated her life to the service of others by excelling as an educator and administrator. Born in Washington, DC, as the oldest of eight children born to Brigadier General William McKean and his wife, Mary Lorine, she moved many times·as part of a Marine family.
Her interest in languages led her to earn degrees in French and Spanish from Mount Saint Agnes College in Baltimore followed by a master's degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a PhD from The Catholic University of America in D.C. She also dabbled in German, Russian, and Gaelic.
Sr. Mary Faith entered the Sisters of Mercy in Baltimore in 1954 where she later served as the Provincial Administrator for the Provice of Baltimore. She was a well loved and respected teacher having been on the facilities of Mount de Sales and Pacelli High Schools in Georgia as well as Mount Saint Agnes College in Maryland, And Virginia Union University in Virginia and Alabama Lutheran Academy and Junior College in Selma, Alabama.
In 1982, she was named the CEO of St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. She served in this position for 1 O years. Late in 1993, she was appointed the Chancellor of the Diocese of Savannah and held that post for 9 years.
She is predeceased by her parents, brothers William, Thomas and Theodore and sister Margaret. She is survived by her sister Page, Judy, and Claire as well as her Sisters of Mercy family.
She leaves a legacy of mercy, faith, joy, friendship, generosity, and the ability to greet every employee of the hospital by name. Her concern for the well-being of her students and employees was always a prime goal. After a life of prayer and varied work St. Mary Faith retired to Mercy convent in Savannah, Georgia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery.
Sr. Faith hired me to be the Receptionist at the Catholic Pastoral Center and was always so kind and attentive to me for the 19 years that I was there. She was a remarkable woman and I thought the world of her. God bless her and may she rest in peace!
- Roxie Bryant, Savannah, GA
Sister Faith was a wonderful CEO. She put patient care first. May she rest in peace. Therese Sheehan RN
- Therese Sheehan RN, Savannah, Ga
Sr. Mary Faith was CEO of St. Joseph's Hospital at a time when I was employed there. Her priorities were always to God, her patients, and her employees. Her joy in serving was apparent any time she was present among us. I am blessed to have seen her walking the halls and smiling at each and everyone. May she rest in the peace of a job well done.
- Joan Montford, Savannah, GA
Sr. Faith "replaced" me as administrative assistant to Bishop Lessard and chancellor. Her qualifications far surpassed mine, going beyond even what the position required. May the angels lead her into Paradise.
- Fr. Michael J. Kavanaugh, Savannah, GA
May the Good Lord keep her in the palm of His hand
- Terri and Mike Patillo, Savannah, GA
Sister Mary Faith hired me to serve at the Diocese of Savannah. She was always an effective and dedicated servant, leading the staff with fairness and a touch of humor. I am so honored to have known her.
- Joan Altmeyer, Savannah, GA
Sr. Mary Faith was one of my favorite teachers when I attended Mt de Sales Academy in Macon, GA. Everyone loved her. What a blessing it was that she lived to reach her 90's! I know that she'll be missed but never forgotten for all many accomplishments.
- Alice Lynn Clark Hunnicutt, Cumming, GA/formerly of Macon, GA, Georgia
To those of us who were fortunate enough to have been touched by Sr. Faith's kindness and concern this is a very sad day.. But for her the joys of heaven have begun. She will be an inspiration for us. God bless her
- Sally King, Macon, GA
Heaven is lucky to have a new saint. Over the years whenever I would see Sr. Faith she always smiled and spoke to me. Treated me as if I were the most important person in the world. What a gift! I pray that you can continue to use it from your heavenly home. God bless you Sr. Faith
- Gloria Keane, Seattle, WA
Sister Faith was a wonderful and gentle person who showed kindness to all that she came in contact with! Knowing her was a privilege from God, for which I am truly grateful. Respectfully, Trusan Ponder, RN
- Trusan Ponder, Savannah, GA
I've worked several years as a nurse and I have to say she was the Best CEO I've ever worked for! St Joseph's employees were “family”! Rest,Sister, in God's peace!!
- Betty Lachapelle, Savannah, GA
Sister Mary Faith will be always in my heart, a wonderful light of faith, love, beauty, and example. She will always be with us. We know this from the faith revealed through her.
- Roderick Guerry, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Sr Mary Faith was one of our most beloved Sisters at Mount de Sales Academy, Macon, Ga. I was privileged to have kept contact with her all the years since 1962 May Our Lord and Savior grant her family peace and comfort.
- Catherine Marshall Garcia (Padilla), Evans, GA
Sister Faith has been with me every step of the way in my walk with the Lord and in the Catholic faith. We met at the Newman Center when I was a sophomore at Towson State College in Baltimore. It was 1966. I was not Catholic. She was having an art show, and a friend suggested I take my watercolor painting over there. God is very creative in His ways. This was a divine meeting. Sister Faith has been with me from that moment on. Since she told me if I had any Catholic questions she'd be happy to answer them, I am sure I have asked her thousands. It has been almost 60 years and the joy "growing up" with her guidance and care. With many letters and phone calls, we stayed in touch-- including my formal conversion to Catholicism at the age of 34, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Monmouth, Illinois. Confession, baptism, and confirmation with my 2 year old by my side, and pregnant with my second, both girls, who would also come to know Sister Faith. Although hundreds of miles apart, Sister Faith was with me. Continual communication, especially during her retirement years, and mine also, have been so special-- even lunches when possible. Our very close relationship will always be so very special to me. She is now in the presence of God the Father, Jesus her Savior, and in the company of the Holy Spirit and angels. I am confident of that. And she is forever in my heart. My dear dear Sister Faith, I love you, and I will see you again someday soon. Diana Marye Bass
- Diana Bass, BALTIMORE, Maryland
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 10:00AM on Thu, July 09, 2026
- St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
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(map)
- Burial
- on Thu, July 09, 2026
- Catholic Cemetery
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1420 Wheaton St. (map)
Savannah GA 31401
