Born on July 3, 1934, in Sacramento, CA, to Ray Rasmussen and Mary Ann Donovan, Marianne was baptized a month later at Sacred Heart parish in Sacramento. Her given name was Kathryn Ann. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Francis Province, on Sept. 8, 1952, at the novitiate house in Sierra Madre, professing first vows on Aug. 18, 1955, and perpetual vows on Aug. 18, 1958. She was given the name Marianne.
Her life was marked by many years of service in education and leadership. She taught at the grammar school level and the high school level for 10 years — at Holy Angels grammar school and St. Francis High School in Sacramento. In 1962 she began 15 years as teacher, vice principal, and principal at Alverno High School in Sierra Madre. She was entrusted with the formation and education of new members of the province for five years in the Los Angeles area.
Leaving the education field, she began working at the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, a position she held for 18 years, while living at the motherhouse of the province in Redwood City. During this time, she was also a counselor at the Women’s Center for Domestic Abuse in San Mateo.
Because of her level-headed abilities and caring commitment to the welfare of the sisters of her province, she was elected to leadership positions often, for a total of 18 years as First Provincial Assistant.
After the closing of the motherhouse in Redwood City, known as Mount Alverno, in 2004, she remained in the Redwood City area, moving into a home with two other sisters in the same area. Her life then revolved around offering hospitality to friends, sisters, and family, volunteering in various endeavors, and being a member of the Charitable Trust Committee of the province. In November of 2022, she moved to Santa Maria, where she continued to advocate for the poor and support causes of justice.
After a short time in the care of hospice, Sister Marianne passed away on the morning of Sept. 4, 2025, surrounded by three of her religious sisters.
An evening vigil service will be held on Mon., Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. in the main chapel at Marian Convent. Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Tues., Sept. 16 at 11 a.m., also in the main chapel, 124 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Donations in her honor may be offered to the Catholic Worker House in Redwood City, California.
