BELMONT — Mercy Sister Marilyn Helene King passed away on April 8, 2026, at Sacred Heart Convent-Marian Center, aged 86.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, in the Cardinal Gibbons Chapel of Sacred Heart Convent, 103 Mercy Dr. in Belmont. The Mass will be livestreamed: https://www.facebook.com/events/711297872058595.
Immediately after the Mass, the Sisters will provide lunch, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
Marilyn Helene King was born in 1940 to Francis and Helene Johnson King in San Francisco. She grew up at Holy Name Parish and graduated from Mercy High School, where she came to know the Sisters of Mercy. She entered the community in Burlingame, California, in 1957 and professed her vows in 1960.
Before teaching math and religion at Mercy High Schools, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the San Francisco College for Women. Sister Marilyn was particularly interested in theology and was sent to St. Paul University, University of Ottawa, and the Graduate Theological Union, where she completed a doctorate degree in 1975. These studies equipped her to teach high school, college and adult religious education.
She was later drawn to a contemplative lifestyle and spent a year at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, then moved to the Bardstown, Kentucky, area and ministered in local parishes and for the Archdiocese of Louisville. In 2014, she and Genevieve Durcan, OSCO, founded The Laura in Lebanon, Kentucky, as a contemplative residence where others could come for retreat and reflection. Accomplished in many avenues of education, she was proud of her time in Kentucky.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two younger brothers, Jesuit Father Frank King and Rich King.
She is survived by her nephew Richard King and a loving community, the Sisters of Mercy.
Prayerful thoughts and heartfelt condolences may be left at www.mcleanfuneral.com.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, c/o Donations, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Served Clemmons, Boonville parishes with compassion and purpose
LEWISVILLE — Deacon Michael Langsdorf, 72, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his faith, his humor, and the love he so freely gave to everyone around him.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Boonville, with a visitation for family and friends from 11 a.m. to noon.
Born on Aug. 22, 1953, in Pennsylvania to the late Francis and Eleanor Geno Langsdorf, he lived a life rooted in faith, family and service.
In 1976 he, his wife Mary and their family moved south from their native Philadelphia. As his children reached their teen years, he responded to the call to serve the Church, which he had discerned for some time particularly through his involvement in Cursillo.
On July 1, 1995, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte by then-Bishop William G. Curlin. As a deacon, he dedicated himself to serving others with compassion, humility and a steady sense of purpose.
His first assignment was to his home parish of Holy Family in Clemmons, where he served for nine years. As their family grew, Deacon Langsdorf remained very involved in youth ministry and was active with his wife Mary in family and life ministries of the parish and within the diocese. In 2004 he was assigned to Divine Redeemer Parish in Boonville, where he coordinated the English-language youth faith formation program and conducted sacramental preparation classes for baptisms and confirmations.
Above all, Deacon Langsdorf was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
For 52 years, he shared a deep and enduring love with his wife Mary, building a life centered on family, laughter and unwavering support. He found his greatest joy in the moments spent together – whether gathered around the table, traveling in their RV, or simply enjoying the outdoors he loved so much. He had a passion for gardening, fishing and camping, and he rarely missed an opportunity to be outside. Known for his quick wit and playful spirit, he had a gift for making others smile – especially through his well-timed (and often well-rehearsed) dad jokes.
He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Michael Langsdorf (Molly), Amanda Reilly (Robert), Matthew Langsdorf (Nicole), and Beth Morris (Will). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Miracle, Jaeda, Julia, Maryn, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Buddy, Bradley, Anthony, Andrew and Theo, and a great-grandfather to Eloise, Fergus, Elora and Lincoln. He is also survived by his brother, Francis Langsdorf (Connie); his sisters, Nancy Knappenberger (Alton) and Lisa Cloran (Scott); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved dog Anya, affectionately known as “Munchkin.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in his honor to Food For The Poor (www.foodforthepoor.org), reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping those in need.
Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home – Lewisville Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald