A Life Story

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 Province 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 10 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, Sr. 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.