Sister Mary Corese SND

SISTER MARY CORESE FLOYD, S.N.D.

The motto “Cor ad cor loquitor” has been emblazoned on the coats of arms of religious dignitaries and saints. The motto meaning “heart speaks to heart” also aptly describes the life of Sister Mary Corese Floyd (95) who died on June 4, 2026, in her 74th year of religious life.

Born Laura Mae Floyd, daughter of Edward and Vivian (Dresser) Floyd on August 14, 1930, Laura had a personality that often seemed to be listening to God and those near her. It was not a surprise that she considered the Sisters of Notre Dame who taught her at Sacred Heart School in Toledo as a future life choice. She took the name Corese and insisted her students know that her name referred to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1952 Sister Corese professed vows and began her extensive ministry among the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Manse College, she taught middle school students in Sandusky, Bellevue and Toledo. Then Sister felt in her heart the call to be a missionary in Papua New Guinea where she taught secondary level in Banz, Fatima, and Kumdi (1962-78) before turning to pastoral work in Hagen, PNG (1979-1981).

While her heart may have remained in PNG, Sister returned to the United States in 1981. She took up a decade of teaching again in Toledo at Mary Immaculate, Ladyfield, Christ the King, and Sacred Heart schools. No matter the geographical location, Sister’s heart was with her Lord and God. Did she hear God speak “You’d be great in pastoral work”? Her ministry covered multiple activities over the next 23 years at St. Michael Parish, Gibsonburg, Ohio. Every day she took Holy Communion to housebound parishioners and even remembered the names and favorite treats of the people’s dogs. Her accolades cover a broad spectrum: sewing, wood-working, small appliance repair, cooking, good conversationalist, conscientiousness, setting up students for success, and more. A pastor with whom Sister worked said whenever he wanted something to go well, he mentioned Sister Corese’s name. If Sister was involved, the plan or project was deemed good for the parish and was immediately given approval.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brothers Edward and James. Sister will be greatly missed by her many family members, the Sisters of Notre Dame, friends, and former parishioners.

The day for Sister’s funeral on Friday, June 12 is specially chosen, since the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is Sister Mary Corese’s name day. The celebration at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 5900 Davis Road, Whitehouse, Ohio will begin with sharing memories at 2:00. The eulogy will be read at 4:15 before the funeral Mass at 4:30, officiated by Rev. Ted Miller, a close friend and co-worker.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Urbanski Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo, OH. Any tributes may be made to the Sisters of Nore Dame, at 1656 Henthorne Drive, Suite 200, Maumee, OH 43537.