Sister Loraine Marie Peter, RSM  (Mary Antonia) 94, a Sister of Mercy for 74 years, died April 19, 2026. A Cincinnati native, she ministered 26 years as teacher and principal in elementary education in Ohio, primarily in Cincinnati at St. Teresa and St. Cecelia Schools. Sister Loraine, an avid storyteller, recounted many experiences that revealed her deep compassion for people in need, especially her students. She never hesitated to address situations that needed attention, sometimes even bringing about systemic change, while tending to the individual needs of students.

Her second major area of service was 23 years as Director of Communications for her community, the Sisters of Mercy, Cincinnati Province and South Central Regional Community. Mid all the heavy responsibilities of her role, Sister Loraine, gifted in writing, created the InkLinks newsletter to be a means of connection across the community, and it became very popular among the Sisters.

While people seldom remember what you say, they do remember how you treated them. Sister Loraine will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, appreciation of others, wild sense of humor, lively stories, upbeat spirit, and deep love for her community, family and her God. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews and “greats,” friends, and her Mercy community.

Her funeral was held on Monday, April 27, 2026 at McAuley Convent, Cincinnati, and she was buried at the new St. Joseph Cemetery.