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She loved her years teaching. August 15, 1930 July 18, 2022, by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jul 11, 2022 | Franciscan Sisters News, LCWR, Obituaries, SISTER ANGELITA LAWS, OSF Sister Gertrude served her FSPA community as a homemaker in convent homes in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin from 1948 to 1965. The sixth died on Oct. 29 and the most recent two died on Nov. 6. In 1979, Sister Pat moved to Tulsa, Oklahomato minister to the elderly. Our dear Sister Jovita went to her rest in the arms of our loving God on February 16. She was in the 66th year of her religious profession. She later went back to her baptismal name. In 1974, she returned to Fort Wright College and earned a bachelors degree in sociology. She was received into the novitiate in 1959 and given the name, Sister Mary Leo (later going back to her baptismal name). Sister Joan was received into the FSPA novitiate on August 12, 1957, and was given the name Sister Vernamae. Obituary Sr. Miriam Sitarz OSF Sister Miriam, 100, a sister for 84 years, died June 3, 2017 at Mary, Queen and Mother Center in St. Louis. In 2003, Sister Patricia joined the FSPA membership team where she provided a listening ear to women discerning their future vocation. During Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14), join the congregations of Catholic Sisters and us throughout Illinois in refusing to use any single-use plastic beverage bottles. After a years sabbatical, Sister Jean was appointed the Director of Mission Integration for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a position she held until 2016. After graduating high school from Holy Names Academy, Joanne wanted to become a sister, but her parents objected. A small, but sophisticated museum at the Franciscan Life Center outlines the history of the Franciscan order and its role in central Illinois. During World War II her parents moved to Seattle. Her father was a cook by trade but later worked as a dock loader. And we have lots of LOL moments during our convo together. There she met the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the seed of her religious vocation was planted. Sister Jean Moore, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 67, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is grounded in the sacredness of all life . After retiring, while teaching ESL, she began learning Chinese in order to better communicate with her students. During her time as Director of Development and Director of Planned Giving she would talk about working toward friend-raising, rather than fund-raising. Her fathers work, assistant sales manager for Auto-lite, led the family to move to La Crosse shortly after her birth. She was in the sixty-seventh year of her religious profession. With a bachelors degree in education from Viterbo College (University) and a masters degree from Clark College in reading, Sister Rita was well-prepared for 39 years in the field of education. In 1983 Sister Rosile was elected Provincial for the FSPA Healthcare Province, whose headquarters was in St. Paul, Minnesota. She always had a story of St. Francis of Assisi to fit any occasion. By August, 1955, Sister Dorothy was beginning her high school at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She wanted to do things differently! 259 were here. From 1980 to 1981, Sister Helen ministered as a nurse in Larned, Kansas. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1948. She professed vows on August 12, 1942 and made final profession on August 9, 1948. (formerly Sister William Anne) died. In 1989, she was elected Regional Assistant for the FSPA Eastern Region (now Marywood Spirituality Center) in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin; four years later, she was elected Regional Leader. Her mother was a homemaker, but as Sister Joanne would say, also an activist, who was involved in many civic and social justice activities as she raised Joanne and her two brothers. Returning to her home in 1973 in Guttenberg to care for her father, Sister Clara Mae also ministered as an activities director and home care aid. She had been taught by sisters for two years, but in her earlier years was not attracted to their communities. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1950, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1968 and by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Dec 31, 2016 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. Joselda Hageman, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 94, died of natural causes on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Read inspiring reflections from our sisters and keep up-to date . During the summer of 1946, Sister Anita shared her sense of call to become an FSPA with her parents, who were not too surprised since she had FSPA as teachers and a great-aunt, Sister Clarissa Heinz, and an aunt, Sister Genelda Maier, who were FSPA. After Sister Theas death, Sister Dorothy Ann remained in Canton as a volunteer hospice worker, ministering to people with HIV/AIDS. She also served from 1962 to 1977 as assistant housekeeper at Viterbo College (University). After graduating from the eighth grade, Sister Jean attended Pilgrim Park Junior High for one year before moving to Brookfield Central High School. Her elementary school years were spent at St. Marys School in Guttenberg. Hope Restores, an FSPA Seeding a Legacy of Healing grant recipient and La Crosse-based . A private burial took place in Resurrection Cemetery on May 1, 2020. A second sister, Kathy, was born following the familys return to the States. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Kathleen as a true mystic. In 1977, at the age of 38, he was received into the novitiate, made his simple profession one . Sister Margaret Ann was involved in school consolidations, both in Ashland and Eau Claire. She loved life and the gifts God gave her during each phase of life. Obituaries Bernardine Franciscan Sister Laetitia Okoniewski, a graduate of St. Hedwig School. She loved her family and didnt miss a family reunion as long as her health permitted. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Evelyn as a lively, generous person. After leaving the classroom in 1976, she was on staff at Northern Province House in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin with responsibility for food service and maintenance. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Viterbo College (University) and a Master of Arts in Education: Instruction and Curriculum from St. John College, Cleveland, Ohio. In 1991, the FSPA sponsored a Chair in Global Education at Viterbo University. With her graduate degree in hand, she began teaching Spanish at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois. Helen completed eight grades at St. Gabriels School, then attended St. Marys Academy in Prairie du Chien. Franciscan Spirituality; Franciscan Charism Modules; Franciscan Charism Team; History; Land Ethic; Leadership Team; . At that time, Sister Joanne was living at Rockwood Lane retirement facility where she volunteered as a Bible study facilitator and home visitor. She ignored it despite the persistent nature of the call. She loved her family and had made an extensive family tree. Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, submitted the following from "the earliest materials in our archives." "During the early 1860s, Father Pamfilo had taken under his care four Sisters in the Congregation of the Holy Cross at St. Mary (Notre Dame), Indiana. She was in the sixty-ninth year of her religious profession. Sister Sandra was born to Carroll and June (Nicholson) DeMann on October 12, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the eldest of four children. The Congregation's headquarters are located at Assisi Heights in Rochester, Minnesota. Sister Agnes learned about the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from her aunt, Sister Anna (Bernadita) Gehling. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Karolyne for her delicious baking and great love of the outdoors. Posted on March 1, 2023 February 6, 2023. Sister Bernadette earned a bachelors degree in English with a minor in music from Viterbo College (University), then earned a masters degree in English with a minor in Latin from Notre Dame University, and finally received a Ph.D. in English from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sister Patricia began her ministry in the congregation as an elementary school teacher in Spokane, Washington (St. Ann, St. Augustine and St. Xavier Schools). She was eager to go to school with her sisters. Louise, her sister, spoke often about going to the convent and finally decided on the Benedictines in Missouri. She truly was a friend-raiser. Sister Karolyne began her ministry as a homemaker at various congregational homes and institutions, primarily in Wisconsin and Washington, before branching out into other areas. Until 2010, Sister Rita Marie had neither taken a pill, no been hospitalized. She and her older sisters walked to school and enjoyed the flowers and nature along the way. Joanne received her early education at St. Joseph Grade School in Spokane and graduated from eighth grade at St. Aloysius Grade School. Her keen mind could question and analyze any situation. Sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee were Sr. Mary Carolita Turzinski and Sr. Mary Lucia Skalka. Carmel). Agnes Marcella was born to Anthony and Agnes (Gehling) Wernimont on January 20, 1932 in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Before them was a newly-unveiled 7-foot bronze statue of Sister Mary Virgilius Reidy, one of their own. The person we lost is Sister Annette Fessler, who died on Oct. 29 at the age of 95. She continued there as a sacristan until 2015 when her health declined. Perhaps the most memorable is Sister Dorothy Anns loving care for those suffering with HIV/AIDS. Her father was a lumberman and later worked for the railroad. St. Francis and St. Clare saw the good and holy possibility in the culture of everyday life. We remember Sister Therese Francis Waldowski, January 25, 1928 - March 2, 2022. Sister Margaret and her sister, Helen, then began at St. Francis High School in Little Falls, Minnesota where the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls staffed the school. She was quite an artist; doing beautiful rosemaling and also oil paintings and water colors which can be found around the Villa. She served numerous people for ten years through the health department before retiring. In 2007, she moved to Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, ministering as a volunteer to the community until 2019. Sister Michon Desmond, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 89, died on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Active nonviolence is a creative power for good available to everyone. For almost 40 years, Sister Bernadette played background music once a month for televised Masses in the Madison Diocese as part of their Apostolate to the Handicapped. Her love of the Eucharist carried over to her dedication in taking Communion to shut-ins. In the picture above, Sr. Karen (left) and Sr. Loretta (right) "God has constantly been our companion on the journey as we walked with much joy..". Sister Cecilienne taught music in numerous elementary and secondary schools in Wisconsin at Blessed Sacrament School and Aquinas High School, La Crosse and elsewhere in Marathon and Ashland. She began her ministry of teaching in elementary schools in Edgar and Boyd, Wisconsin and Spencer, Iowa, before moving into high school. But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on . No grave photo. Sister Rosile Pernsteiner, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 98, died Friday, July 10, 2020, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Community members, family and friends, remember Sister Jean as someone that always loved life in any of its aspects. She made the Sodality of Mary a very active part in the lives of the teenagers including Sister Agnes. Your gifts connect you to our ongoing ministries and honor Sisters who are your former teachers, friends or family . She always showed upfor events, parties, fundraisers, meetings and assorted other occasions. She was in the eighty-first year of her religious profession. Every place she taught she loved her little children, especially teaching them to read. Throughout her multiple ministries, she had a can do attitude. Sisters. In 1998, Sister Margaret Ann officially retired from teaching, but continued to volunteer at the parish and school at Our Lady of the Lake in Ashland. After profession in 1943, Sister went to St. Veronica's in Greenwich Village for three months, then taught at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School in New . Born on July 1, 1943 in Batesville, she was the second of five children born to Ethel (Nee: Schumacher) and Francis Werner. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1950, and final profession on August 9, 1956. In 1953 she was received into the FSPA novitiate and given the name Sister Geralyn. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Viterbo College (University), La Crosse, she continued her education with a Masters in Music Education from DePaul University, Chicago. In 1989, with the close of FSPA regions, Sister Evelyn was called to serve as assistant treasurer for the FSPA congregation in La Crosse. Sister Jean has been selected to be honored with the Viterbo University Pope St. John XXIII Award, the highest non-academic award bestowed by the university, in May 2020. She was in the seventy-sixth year of her religious profession. Celebrating the Life of Sr. Gerarda Augustyniak, The Franciscan Sisters join other Women Religious in grieving the shooting in Colorado Springs, LSAP Resource Guide Community Engagement & Participatory Action. Born on April 4, 1928, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Sister Margaret Ann was the oldest child of Carl and Josephine (Rogalski) Mason. On August 6, 1983 Sister Jean made her first profession of vows as a FSPA. She once said, The opportunities [in Cameroon] for creativity, reconciliation, leadership, inter-congregational collaboration and personal involvement have been a pure gift.. Sister Betty learned all the skills she needed to be mothers helper: cooking, sewing, baking. After 12 years of schooling, the matter was settled and she entered St. Rose Convent in September 1947. She had a deep and compassionate heart for the poor and had the most humble and human way of finding the poor in spirit and being one with them. She didnt let her physical infirmities bring her spirits down. From there, Sister Evelyn ministered in the office at Marycliff High School from 1977 to 1979 before being appointed regional treasurer for the Western Region of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration until 1989. In 2013, she moved to Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse and in 2022 back to St. Rose Convent. After her retirement, Sister Margaret Ann was active in attending events at the Fine Arts Center at Viterbo University and community events at St. Rose Convent whenever possible. When she became a novice on August 12, 1953, she was given the name Sister Leocadia. Her love of those from other cultures enriched her and endeared her to many at home and abroad. Her older brother, Father Joel, OFM, and her sibling, Sister Thomasine, OSF, were great influences in her choice. After receiving a bachelors degree in English from Viterbo College (University), La Crosse, she went on for a masters degree in English from Marquette University, Milwaukee. She lived very simply and felt relationships were more important than material things. Carmel, Sister Rita began thinking about ministering in a different environment. Sister Rita Jansen, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 94, died on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sister Pat continued to minister in Elroy as a private music teacher and parish volunteer until moving to Villa St. Joseph in 2008. She had taken several business subjects in high school, so she did secretarial work for three years before entering St. Rose Convent in La Crosse on July 29, 1941. For almost 30 years she ministered in junior and senior high schools as a teacher and principal in Wisconsin, Washington, Guam and Montana. The Bernardine Center Times. Sister Pat was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1947, and was given the name Sister Paula. Sister Helen made profession of vows on August 12, 1947, and final profession on August 9, 1953. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Michon for her loving presence. In 1972, Sister Michon and her younger sister, Sister Rosemary, FSPA, spent a couple of weeks in England, Ireland and Scotland with their parents reinforcing her Irish heritage. She was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1948 and given the name Sister Laura. Sandy loved being a nurse in Africa. Sister David . She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession. Family and community members remember Sister Pat for her quick Irish witalways with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. On September 9, 1921, Sister Rosile was born to Kilian and Katherine (Hertert) Pernsteiner on a farm near Spokane, Washingon. In 1976, Sister Joan transitioned to the ministry of activities director at Villa St. Joseph, a post she held until 1983. During her junior year she began to think of entering religious life. At that time, she retired and spent the next eight years volunteering, mainly as a math and science tutor. Sewing was one of her hidden talents. Active Nonviolence. She taught primary and intermediate grades in parochial schools in Iowa (Milford, Coon Rapids, Richmond, Festina, West Point, Bellevue, Guttenberg, Willey, Dedham, Calmar, Mt. A representative of the Manitowoc Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity declined an interview with a Herald Times Reporter. Thats what I take.. September 9,1941 July 1, 2022, by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Oct 28, 2021 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. She later went back to her baptismal name. Sister Ladonna made her home at St. Rose Convent in 2016. Sister Agnes was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1951 and was given the name Sister Ella. As soon as their dad came home from work, the question was put to him. The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis is an evangelical community of Franciscan women called to observe with loving and generous hearts the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. Praying to Mary helped her make the decision about religious life. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession. From 1990 to 1993, she served as Director of Pastoral Care at St. Anthony Hospital and Nursing Home, Carroll, Iowa and then pastoral minister at St. Jude Parish in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1981, Sister Bernadette moved to Milwaukee where she ministeredas an instructor, associate professor, professor and assistant dean of the English department at Marquette Universityover 36 years. She later went back to her baptismal name. She attended the newly erected St. Johns School. Sister Helen served her FSPA community as Director of Nursing at Villa St. Joseph 1964 to 1965, prior to completing her Masters Degree in nursing education at Columbia University in New York City, New York from 1965 to 1967. She earned a bachelors degree in history with minors in English and sociology from Viterbo College (University) in La Crosse and a masters degree from St. Louis University in American history and Asian studies. Sister Mary Philip Patin died on April 28 at the age of 93. She never missed an opportunity to share the good things in life with others. Two years later on Christmas Eve again, a change took place in the Beskar family when her father announced that he was marrying Leona Buberl. After completing eighth grade, Sister Lydia wanted to attend high school. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2006, Sister Margaret also volunteered at Immaculate Conception School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. At her baptism, she was named after her paternal aunt, Sister Lydia Wendl. In 2000, another transition occurred in her life when she moved to volunteer in the finance office and kitchen at St. Rose Convent. It was a combination church and school. She used her collected skills and knowledge as the first director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse a position she held from 1984 to 1987. Her father taught her the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship. She also taught in Blackfoot, Idaho and St. Paul, Iowa. Our community was founded in central Minnesota in 1891 by sixteen women who had previously been members of another Franciscan congregation. She then became pastoral assistant at St. Peters Parish in Spokane until her retirement in 2005. Sister Helen Keating, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 93, died of cancer on May 14, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. While in Cedar Rapids, Sister Anita began doing youth ministry in the parish and vocation education in the congregation. Her commitment to those less fortunate has been immeasurable. Sister Evelyn entered St. Rose Convent in the fall of 1958. High school years at St. Marys were filled with the usual high school activities including babysitting and working on crafts. Follow Felician Sisters. From 1995 to 1998, Sister Betty was asked to serve as treasurer for the FSPA Central Region in Hiawatha, Iowa. Sister Bernadette Milada Prochaska was born on June 15, 1932 in Montfort (Castle Rock), Wisconsin to Frank and Victoria (Roh) Prochaska, where she grew up with her nine brothers and sisters. Gertrude was the youngest player on the basketball team when they won the Archdiocese of Dubuque tournament. She later went back to her baptismal name. Her work in Minneapolis was evidence of her compassionate and helpful nature. Martina Mary was born the fourth oldest of 13 children, seven sons and six daughters, to Henry and Helen (Julich) Stork on January 30, 1916 on a farm near Breda, Iowa. For family and friends unable to attend in-person funeral celebrations, FSPA offers live streaming. Yermo High School in El Paso. In 1986 she began teaching primary grades in Monroe, Louisiana. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Rita as always having a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. As one parishioner said, We have been blessed to have Sister Geralyn in our parish. Sister Geralyn had a great devotion to Capuchin Father Solanus Casey from Prescott, whose cause is in consideration for canonization. Everyone knew when Sister Pat was around because her hearty laughter carried through the halls. From 1975 to 1979, she was principal at Marquette High School in West Point, Iowa. Felician Sisters Cemetery. Sister Ladonna was interested in helping others in any way she could, whether training someone to work in the business office, caring for students in the residence halls, teaching someone about bookkeeping, organizing the annual neighborhood picnic on the Viterbo campus or working toward improving a neighborhood with new street lights and a neighborhood garden. SISTER MARIA TESSARI, O.S.F. She professed first vows on Aug. 12, 1955. Her family was very important to her. Born on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1928, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Sister Pat was the daughter of Frank and Willa (Cherrier) Keating. She served on numerous boards, including St. Marys Hospital (Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, Sparta, Wisconsin), St. Anthonys Foundation in Carroll, Iowa, St. Francis Hospital (Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse) and Viterbo University in La Crosse. She brought her medical skills and missionary interest with her. She was in her 37th year of religious profession. Her life of prayer, service and love for others has absolutely represented the Spirit of St. Francis. In 2005, she retired to St. Rose Convent and later moved to Villa St. Joseph. Our History. Sister Patricia was received into the novitiate in 1963 and given the name, Sister Mary Owen. Sister Joselda served her Sisters as a homemaker and housekeeper from 1948 to 1992 in Durand,Boscobel and La Crosse in Wisconsin and Coon Rapids, Iowa, with the last 15 years at her home parish in St. Lucas, where she also was able to assist her elderly mother. At the completion of her term she moved to Sun City, Arizona, where she served as parish administrator of St. John Vianney Parish. Whenever anyone suggested that she would end up at the convent, she objected. As most little girls are inclined to feel when first coming in contact with a real, honest-to-goodness Sister, I felt that I wanted to become a Sister, too, she wrote in her autobiography. Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois in 1917, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1930 and by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Feb 16, 2017 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. Some A Nun's Life friends from the Chicago area come to the podcast. Sisters of Saint Francis - Rochester, Minnesota Welcome! Mary Jane, her sister, Monica, and two brothers, Myllin and Mark, grew up in Eau Claire. From her mother, she learned the importance of family as well as the artistry and necessities of cooking, cleaning, sewing and gardening. Sister Margaret Schmolke, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 96, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 1943-2018 Our dear Sister Maria Tessari went home to the Lord on January 16. She later returned to her baptismal name. In 2000, she moved to La Crosse where she was the assistant development director for FSPA until 2007. Her work with young people was recognized by the Davenport Diocese, where she was invited to become the Diocesan Director of the Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, a position she held from 1981 to 1989. In August 2007, the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, Pennsylvania merged with the Syracuse-based congregation. She then moved back to La Crosse where she was a nursing instructor at Viterbo College (University) School of Nursing from 1981 to 1984. Obituaries We thank God for the lives of our Sisters who have moved on to Eternal Life and their impact throughout their many years of service within the vowed religious life. Founded in 1988 to renew the contemplative dimension of the form of life of the early Franciscan penitents, we are a contemplative-active community of religious women who have given our lives to glorify God and make known His merciful Love through prayer and works of mercy. She then visited St. Rose Convent, the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), in June of 1952and immediately filled out the application. Manage Volunteer Settings. She kept close contact with family, former students and friends via letters and phone calls, even visiting her adopted Greene family in Texas in her 100s.