Sr. Marjorie Elizabeth Allen, RSM, a Sister of Mercy for 72 years, died Aug. 13 at McAuley Center in Farmington Hills. She was 101.

Marjorie was born in Memphis, Mich., on Feb. 16, 1916, the only child of Bernard and Mildred (Shane) Allen. She earned degrees from Western State Teachers College and the University of Michigan, and a certificate as a teacher in Michigan schools.

During her teaching career in public schools, she became attracted to the Catholic Church. She was baptized Nov. 20, 1942, and on Sept. 7, 1944, she joined the Sisters of Mercy in Detroit, receiving the name Sr. Bernard Mary. She made perpetual vows Aug. 16, 1950.

During the 1950s and early 1960s, students at Mercy schools in Ada, Cheboygan, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Pinconning, and Saginaw learned Latin, English and journalism from Sr. Allen. After earning a Ph.D. in Latin from St. Louis University, she taught at Mercy College in Detroit for many years.

She later returned to high school education, teaching at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills and served as as alumnae coordinator and archivist at the school.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 16 at McAuley Life Center in Farmington Hills.