Run in Peace
Sister Marion Irvine, “The Flying Nun” Joins Heaven’s Running Club
Sister Marion Irvine, “The Flying Nun”, passed away peacefully, Saturday, August 30th at the Dominican Convent care facility next to Dominican University. Marion made an impact on so many lives and was the matriarch of the family. She entered the convent in 1947, celebrated her 75th Jubilee in July- amazing! She was an educator, a Principal, activist, on every committee- and an athlete. She began running at age 48 ( that’s another whole story).
I met her formally back in 1980 or so through one of her friends, Laura who wsnted Marion to get help to making the Trials.
This was the beginning of a wonderful coach-athlete relationship that led her to making the first Women’s Olympic Trials held in Olympia, Washington in 1984 at age 54. ( she qualified with a 2:51:01). I include pictures of her with Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Marathon Gold medalst at the LA Olympics, a group photo of some of the Bay Area qualifiers , and one with Frank Shorter, the 1972 Gold Medalist. Shorter was one who also pushed for these first Women’s Trials to be held as their own event; not as an add-on to say, NYC Marathon.
Sister Marion was an excellent motivational speaker to so many groups of athletes, people in Social Justice, and more.
I was also so impressed how she could handle thise 70-100 mike weeks at an age over 50. I never had to motivate her to train, but get in rest days! She win six gold medals at the Senior Games held in Eugene back in 1989 at age 59. Her records have now been broken, but set the first solid over 50 records that Shirley Matson and others have broken.
She became the aunt to our kids and helped tutor my son Andre when he required help. Our family spent many holidays with Marion and did a trip together back in 1987 to Melbourne when the Senior Games were held there. We also took in New Zealand and Tasmania. May you rest in peace, Marion and you touched so many lives.