Sr. Maria Teresa Apalatequi (MT), OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Maria Teresa Apalategui (MT), OP (79), a native of Tucson, AZ, died on February 1, 2020, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, Kentucky. 

A Dominican for 57 years, the first 47 as a Eucharistic Missionary of St. Dominic, Sr. Maria Teresa (MT) earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Rogers College (Maryknoll, NY) and a Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ).  “Sister MT” served in catechetical, youth and pastoral ministry within the Dioceses of Tucson, AZ, and Lafayette, LA, for several years.

Sister’s creative passion for service to the poor came together in her role as Associate Director of Catholic Social Service for over 40 years in the Diocese of Tucson.  Most notably, she conceived and directed the program of the Santa Cruz Project to provide critical religious, medical and social services within an integrated system for the people of the barrio where she grew up.  The SCP continues to this day.  Sr. MT served on the boards of El Rio Santa Cruz Clinic and John Valenzuela Youth Center.

She hoped to be remembered “as a missionary.” Her motto: “To do what I am doing.”  Friends describe her as “gentle, passionate for the poor, steadfast, energetic, hospitable, and fun.”

Sr. Maria Teresa (MT) moved to St. Catharine Motherhouse, St. Catharine, KY in 2013 where she provided community service within the Motherhouse and once weekly at the Presbyterian Church’s thrift store where Hispanic shoppers loved her company.  In 2020, Sister relocated next door to Sansbury Care Center for a ministry of prayer and presence.

Sr. Maria Teresa is survived by her brother Carlos Cocio, sister-in-law Shirley Apalategui, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Mollie Barnes Apalategui, older brothers Alphonse and Jack, and twin sister Charlotte Apalategui.

Arrangements are handled by Hale–Polin–Robinson Funeral Home in Springfield, Kentucky. The visitation begins at 3pm, Thursday, February 6, at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel.  The funeral will be held at 10:30am, Friday, February 7 at Sansbury Care Center Chapel.  Burial will be in the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Maria Teresa’s (MT) memory may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098. To make a secure online donation or to view a full obituary, please visit www.oppeace.org.