re question about virgin mary in article may athos rutgers edu ddavis cass ma bull com dave davis writes since mary was free from original sin she did not exactly die at the end of her life as the dogmatic prounouncement says she was assumed into heaven the dogma of the assumption does not state whether or not mary died a physical death before being taken into heaven catholics are free to believe what they wish whether it be that she was taken still alive or after having died i lean somewhat toward the latter myself steve creps indiana university creps lateran ucs indiana edu
