Sr. Marion Irvine, OP

Sr. Marion Irvine, OP

October 19, 1929—August 30, 2025

Sister Marion Irvine, OP (formerly Sr. M. Bonaventure), a Dominican Sister of San Rafael for 76 years, died peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the Dominican Convent in San Rafael, surrounded by her family and her Dominican Sisters. Whether in Catholic education, at the finish line of her next race, or in the midst of an injustice in need of a voice, Sr. Marion will be remembered for her wisdom and leadership combined with a deep sense of service, faith, and sharp wit. Through her actions, presence, and example, she touched countless lives and communities.

Sr. Marion embodied a life of action. Reflecting on her running career in 1985, she said: “It is difficult, but it is extraordinary. Each day, I thank God for having given me this opportunity. I will run as long as I can and as long as my legs will carry me.” Her legs, heart, and voice carried her far—through a lifetime of faith, justice, teaching, and inspiration. Read more about Sr. Marion’s life online at www.sanrafaelop.org. 

She is predeceased by her parents, Mabel and Walter Irvine, and her brothers Walter Jr. and John. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, countless great-grandnieces and nephews, generations of students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and by her Dominican Sisters. 

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:30 pm in the Conlan Center at Dominican University of California (1475 Grand Ave. San Rafael). Burial will follow at St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia on Monday, September 22, at 10 am.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Marion’s honor may be made to the Retirement Fund, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Advancement Office, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.

Assisted by Monte’s Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, CA

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