Mary Cleophas Garvin facts for kids

Sister Mary Cleophas, born Linetta Anna Garvin, was an amazing American mathematician and nun. She was born on December 11, 1899, and lived until January 16, 1990. She spent her life teaching and studying mathematics.

Early Life and Calling

Linetta Garvin was born in Vickery, Ohio. She was one of six children in her family. Her father, Austin Edward Garwin, was a salesman who sold cars and meat.

After finishing high school at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio in 1917, Linetta decided to join a special group of nuns. In 1918, she became part of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Cleveland, Ohio. She took her vows to become a nun in 1920 and again in 1923. When she became a nun, she chose the name Mary Cleophas. This name was a way to remember her brother, Cleophus, who had passed away when he was a child.

Education and Teaching Career

As a Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Cleophas began her career as a high school teacher in Cleveland. She was dedicated to both her teaching and her own learning.

While teaching, she also studied part-time at Fordham University. She worked hard and earned her first college degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1927. She loved learning so much that she decided to become a full-time student in 1929.

Sister Mary Cleophas continued her studies at St. Louis University. She earned a master's degree in physics in 1931. Then, in 1934, she achieved something very special: a Ph.D. in mathematics. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in a subject!

After earning her doctorate, she became a professor of mathematics and physics at Notre Dame College. She also became the head of the mathematics department there. Sister Mary Cleophas stayed at Notre Dame College for an incredible 50 years! She taught as a professor until she retired in 1975. Even after retiring from teaching, she continued to work at the college as an archivist until 1984, helping to organize important historical records.