Sister Judine Mayerle, an esteemed member of the St. Scholastica Monastery, passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 84. She spent her final years at the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth, Minnesota, marking the conclusion of an impactful 64-year journey in consecrated life.
Born Barbara Jean on May 23, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Sister Judine was raised in Bovey. She later joined the St. Scholastica Priory, adopting the name Judine as she dedicated her life to service and education. Throughout her career, she earned advanced degrees in English, Motion Picture History, and Mass Communication, sharing her knowledge as a professor at several universities.
After returning to Duluth, Sister Judine produced the documentary “Sing a New Song,” which explored community life within the monastery. Her contributions extended to strategic planning initiatives, where she frequently expressed her belief that “Clearly the plans God has for us are so much better than what we might design for ourselves.”
Sister Judine’s legacy is carried on by her surviving siblings, including Judith (Allan) Burroughs, James (Kristin), and Thomas (Susan), as well as the community of the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances Mayerle, and her brother Mark.
The wake for Sister Judine will take place on Tuesday, September 9, starting at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed, providing an opportunity for the wider community to join in remembrance. The interment will occur at Gethsemane Cemetery, with funeral arrangements managed by Dougherty Funeral Home.
Sister Judine Mayerle’s life reflects a commitment to education, spirituality, and community, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered throughout her years of dedicated service.
