Celebrating the life of Elaine "Cissy" Musselman, SHA Class of 1961

Cissy Musselman `61Today, Sacred Heart Academy is mourning the loss of an extraordinary Valkyrie – Elaine “Cissy” Musselman, Class of 1961. On this International Women’s Day, we honor this amazing woman.

Cissy fought a long and challenging battle with Alzheimer’s, but throughout her illness, she always stayed positive and greeted friends, fans, and family members who visited her with her beautiful bright eyes, wicked sense of humor, and signature smile.

Cissy was a true Valkyrie. During her years at SHA, she played field hockey and basketball and served as captain of both teams. She was president of the Student Council in her senior year and class president in her freshman and junior years. She was a proud member of the 100 Club and had 100% game attendance all four years. She was active in CSMC, Red Cross, Science Club, Drama Club, Rosary Club, and Youth Speaks and worked on the Angeline News staff. She was elected Junior-Senior Prom Queen and was always one of the most admired students in her class.

Cissy continued to love and support SHA and its students throughout her life. She served on the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute cabinet and mentored many of our students. She also served on the King Scholars steering committee and the SHA Alumnae Board and was a member of the St. Angela’s Vision Campaign steering committee.

Cissy received many awards during her lifetime for her community service, philanthropy, and leadership. She was the SHA Alumna of the Year in 1982, was inducted into the Valkyrie Hall of fame in 1992, and was an honoree at the Archdiocese’s Salute to Catholic School Alumni event in 2007.

Cissy was a natural-born leader and “connector” throughout her life. She was a successful and respected executive in the insurance industry, but she will also be remembered for her brilliance in “connecting” people and marshaling community resources to improve the lives of women and girls in Louisville and Jefferson County.

Cissy and Tom MusselmanIn September 2007, Cissy’s brothers honored their sister by funding the Cissy Musselman Connecter, a large gathering space that actually connects the SHA gym to the school building.

Cissy Musselman was a “sister” and role model for countless Sacred Heart Valkyries of all ages. Her name and her memory will never be forgotten.

Reflecting on Cissy’s legacy with Sacred Heart Academy, Dr. Karen McNay, president of Sacred Heart Schools, said, “It was a true honor to know Cissy. Cissy always greeted me with a warm smile and shared how much she loved SHA. I admire her great dedication to Sacred Heart Academy and its students. She was a bright light to our Ursuline campus and will be deeply missed by all.”

 

The visitation will be at Highland Funeral Home on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi.

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~ Eternal rest, grant to her O Lord, And let Perpetual light shine upon her. 

May she rest in peace. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.