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 Margaret Ann was involved in school consolidations, both in Ashland and Eau Claire. Sister Lydia then served as Pastoral Care Minister at St. Annes Parish, also in Las Vegas, until she retired to St. Rose Convent in 2001. Proudly created with Wix.com. Florence was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1944 and was given the name Sister Cecilienne. Born in Sand Lake, Michigan, Sister Patin entered the by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jun 4, 2019 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. August 16, 1935 - July 10, 2020 IN THE CARE OF Whalen & Ball Funeral Home Sister Maureen Kelly, FSP, formerly known as Sr. John Agnes, was the second child of four born in New York City to John and Agnes Kelly. During her junior year she began to think of entering religious life. 9 Sep 1876 - 28 Mar 1944. As a loyal companion to many, her interests focused on what was happening in other peoples lives, both family and community members. From 1981 to 1984 she worked as a baker in West Glacier, Montana, then three years at a university in Lockport, Illinois. 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 Community members, family and friends remember Sister Kathleen as a true mystic. Date of Death: August 1, 2022. She lived simply, joyfully and with great love and care for everyone. Our podcast guests, Sister Nancy and Sister Joyce, talk about what the Sacred Heart means to them, as Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Sister Rosewyn Meyer, FSPA was there and spoke many times with Helen. Even after retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2000, Sister Gertrude assisted in the wellness center, accompanying sisters to doctor appointments and helping as needed. From there she moved back to Arizona and worked as a medical support staff member and Initial Loss Reporting (ILR) claims associate for State Farm Insurance. During high school, she participated in various sports and clubs. She wanted to enter St. Rose Convent after graduation, but circumstances compelled her to wait until August 30, 1943. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Joan as a happy, joy-filled person, always ready for any invitation to explore something new. She and her siblings enjoyed the ride to school in their carriage in the spring and fall and on the bobsled in the winter. During that time, she completed a Master of Arts in Music Education from DePaul University, Chicago. Gertrude left home on Sept. 3, 1945 for St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her commitment to those less fortunate has been immeasurable. Saint of the Day. She was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1948 and given the name Sister Laura. After a years sabbatical in 1998 at the Tau Center in Winona, Sister Michon moved to St. Rose Convent where she served as assistant administrator for the sisters. After she initially applied to the Maryknoll Sisters, she subsequently met Mother Joan Kramer, FSPA, on a visit to St. Rose Convent to see her sister, Sister Jean (Carmelita), FSPA. Born on April 4, 1928, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Sister Margaret Ann was the oldest child of Carl and Josephine (Rogalski) Mason. Sister Jeans most recent ministry was that of freelance writer and presenter. She was actively involved in the National Catholic Development Conference during her tenure as Director of Development. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Michon for her loving presence. Sister Rita Marie was born the eighth of 14 children to Mathias and Emma (Dettling) Bechel on March 6, 1925, on a farm near Plum City, Wisconsin. Everyone knew when Sister Pat was around because her hearty laughter carried through the halls. She especially enjoyed her junior year studying abroad in Spain. In 1978 she received on-the-job training as a dental assistant. In 1953 she was received into the FSPA novitiate and given the name Sister Geralyn. She was in the fifty-seventh year of her religious profession. For the next 11 years, she ministered as a volunteer and driver at Villa St. Joseph. September 9,1941 July 1, 2022, by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Oct 28, 2021 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. Born on Oct. 7, 1927 in Sparta, Wisconsin, to William and Alice (Senogles) Sheridan, Sister Patricia grew up in Kendall, Wisconsin where her father worked for the Sheridan Lumber Company. Helen began to pray about it, but the following August she entered St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1944, and final profession on August 9, 1950. Her favorite teacher (a Sister of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa) had a deep devotion to Mary. Its great to be Irish, she would proudly proclaim. She made profession of first vows on August 12, 1954. She attended Mount Carmel Catholic School, which included elementary and secondary classes. The eldest of 13 children, she remembers growing up on the farm with her younger brothers and sisters. A congregation of Franciscan women religious serving in the United States,. There was always a twinkle in her eye and a story on her lips. Sister Agnes served her community as a homemaker in convent homes in Iowa, Mississippi, Washington and Wisconsin for thirty years. From1953 to 1954, she served as cashier at Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and from 1954 to 1958 at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH), La Crosse. For anyone unable to join the live stream, an archive of our funeral celebrations is available here. St. Paul Elder Services has developed specialized programs and facilities that are specifically designed to enhance the lives of aging individuals. In 1982, she moved to Waterloo, Iowa, to resume her ministry of occupational therapy, serving mainly children with severe disabilities at River Hills School. In 2010, Sister Margaret Ann retired to Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse where she continued to volunteer until her health weakened. She by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Feb 25, 2019 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. 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. After profession of vows, Sister Clara Mae worked in dietary services for one year in Sparta, Wisconsin. Our dear Sister Jovita went to her rest in the arms of our loving God on February 16. It is here that her spirit was touched by the Franciscan by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Aug 30, 2018 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. Sister Lydia Wendl, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 101, died on Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1995, Sister Pat became Director of Religious Education (DRE) at St. Joseph Parish (Kendall) and continued to serve as DRE and parish minister in Wisconsin at St. John the Baptist Parish (Wilton) and St. Patrick Parish (Elroy) until retiring five years later. Felician Sisters of North America Home Page. She enjoyed the Bright Star theatre and La Crosse Symphony performances at Viterbo University. She then moved to Boise, Idaho where she did bookkeeping for a construction company. She then returned to St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing to teach and later assist with the transition of the school to the baccalaureate degree nursing program at Viterbo University. Sister Michon was born to John W. and Vera (Duffy) Desmond on August 28, 1933, in Winona, Minnesota, the eldest of six children. She was instrumental in expanding student life programming since, at the time, the college was rapidly growing its enrollment of lay students. Sister Ellen Mary MacDonell, who served 64 years in the health care field with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, died Dec. 27, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany. In high school she was engaged in one-act plays and glee club. What a thrill it was for Florence to play for Christmas Midnight Mass and Easter Sunday High Mass. Her early devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary stayed with her all through her life. Sister Sandras primary ministry prior to joining FSPA was serving as a midwife in Tanzania and Kenya. In 1975, Sister Kathleen earned a second masters degree, this one in theology from Notre Dame University. Her older brother, Father Joel, OFM, and her sibling, Sister Thomasine, OSF, were great influences in her choice. Upon her graduation from the eighth grade, she announced to her parents that she would like to go to the convent. Rapnicki - Sister Mary David, FSSJ Sister Mary David died peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at St. Francis Park, in the 88th year of life and the 70th year of religious life. Her passion for animals was evident to everyone, with her constantly feeding the birds, rabbits and squirrels around the motherhouse. While in Cedar Rapids, Sister Anita began doing youth ministry in the parish and vocation education in the congregation. From 1980 to 1981, Sister Helen ministered as a nurse in Larned, Kansas. The Bernet sisters are identical twins who are celebrating 70 years of religious life. 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. Born on July 1, 1943 in Batesville, she was the second of five children born to Ethel (Nee: Schumacher) and Francis Werner. She had a great passion for Ecospirituality, which she wove into most of her conversations and actions. Her mother worked as a stenographer. She continued her education with the Franciscan Sisters at St. Marys High School, graduating in 1953. Manage Volunteer Settings. To Love is to Give - March. Remembering Sr. Mary Elizabeth Glueckstein Wheaton Franciscans October 3, 2022 In 2016, Sister Evelyn officially retired to a ministry of prayer and hospitality in La Crosse. One of her favorite quotes was, God does not ask us to be successful, but to be faithful. And faithful, she was as she visited and brought communion to the sick and elderlyeven organizing a potluck luncheon for seniors at her Las Vegas parish each month for 17 years. 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. Her family was very important to her. Sister Pat continued to minister in Elroy as a private music teacher and parish volunteer until moving to Villa St. Joseph in 2008. Sister Kathleen Kenkel, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 91, died Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She attended Glenrose Public Grade School, just a half mile from her home, until her graduation from eighth grade. After a pilgrimage to Assisi she wrote, In the language of mystic praise and amazement, earth and nature will always bedazzle, sparkle and glow of the Benevolent Creator. On a clear full moon evening, you might hear her howl at the moon. She made profession of vows in 1950. Sister Rita Marie developed her creative talents by crocheting, embroidering, cross stitching, creweling and recycling greeting cards. She was living a good life, enjoying friends, family, nice clothes and her job, but was feeling an attraction to something else. 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. She then attended Marycliff High School in Spokane. She ministered at Sacred Heart School in Spencer, Iowa from 1973 to 1997 as music teacher and organist for the parish. Instead, she worked at Kaufer Catholic Bookstore in Spokane, then enrolled at Holy Names College (Fort Wright College) with a major in journalism and a minor in dramatics. Posted on March 1, 2023 February 6, 2023. Sister Patricia began her ministry in the congregation as an elementary school teacher in Spokane, Washington (St. Ann, St. Augustine and St. Xavier Schools). 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. Sister Karolyne Rohlik, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87 died of natural causes on May 17, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. will officiate and burial will be in the convent cemetery. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1952. During the annual three-day retreat of her senior year, she admitted to herself she was called to religious life. When she became a novice on August 12, 1953, she was given the name Sister Leocadia. Posted June 15, 2022 Sister Anna Louise Aherne, O.S.F. 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 then moved to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin and began her journey as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), completing her secondary education at St. Rose High School. She attended St. Josephs Grade and High School in Bellevue. At entrance into the novitiate, she received the name Sister Alicita. When asked what gave her life, she responded, Vitamin P (for prayer). This experience in religious education led her to a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and further theological study. She passed to her eternal reward on September 7, 2020. Sister Bernadette Prochaska, FSPA, 88, died Wednesday morning, January 6, 2021 of pancreatic cancer at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, Wisconsin. From 1995 to 1998, Sister Betty was asked to serve as treasurer for the FSPA Central Region in Hiawatha, Iowa. Sister Betty is remembered for her love of God, life and teaching. Her devotion for the missions remained with her long after she left the South. Sr. Marcy Romine, 67, a sister for 47 years, died February 14, 2017 at her apartment in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2016 she moved to St. Rose Convent and she became a regular volunteer at the Franciscan Hospitality House. Sister Betty learned all the skills she needed to be mothers helper: cooking, sewing, baking. She completed high school at St. Marys Academy in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Donnas grade school years were spent in six different schools, while living in six different homes. Sister Rose Marie Przybylowicz, OSF, passed away September 9, 2022. She attended Holy Family Grade School and DePadua High School. Sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee were Sr. Mary Carolita Turzinski and Sr. Mary Lucia Skalka. She made first profession of vows in 1956 and final vows in 1962. Sister Clara Mae Kuempel, FSPA, 90, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. After completing her doctorate, she returned to Viterbo as assistant professor of Spanish from 1990 to 1993. At the end of her time at Viterbo, Sister Anita was invited to serve as an FSPA representative on the inter-congregational coordinating team for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the congregation. During her time as Director of Development and Director of Planned Giving she would talk about working toward friend-raising, rather than fund-raising. Later, she taught elementary school and parish music in Tomah, Wisconsin for five years. Sister Margaret Ann ministered as an elementary school teacher for 47 years throughout Wisconsin (Eau Galle, Mondovi, Odanah, Ashland, Eau Claire, Edgar, Athens, Superior and Ashland), as well as Blackfoot, Idaho and Milford, Iowa. After a year, she resigned again from the Salvation Army and formally entered the congregation and made first vows in 1986 as an FSPA. In 2003 Sister Rosile retired and volunteered at Clare Center in Spokane. In her early years, Mary Jane began knitting and crocheting, a hobby she carried into her adult life. A small, but sophisticated museum at the Franciscan Life Center outlines the history of the Franciscan order and its role in central Illinois. She was privileged to attend Father Solanus beautification ceremony in Detroit. In 1999, she was officially incorporated as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. Sister Kathy, as she was lovingly called, was small in stature but large in spirit and generosity. From 1963 to 1968, Sister Bernadette ministered as superintendent of Catholic schools on the island of Guam, returning there at the request of the Bishop in 1971 for another five years. Assoc. At that time, she studied occupational therapy in Des Moines, and served as activity director at Willis Adult Day Care. She grew up on her parents farm. Sister Jovita received all of her sacraments and elementary education at St Stanislaus Parish in St Louis. read more Celebrating the Life of Sr. Marcy Romine O.S.F. After high school, Sister Helen completed coursework at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing and served as an RN at St. Marys Hospital, Sparta, Wisconsin. Carmel, Sister Rita began thinking about ministering in a different environment. During this time, the call to religious life was reawakened in her. A highlight of her life took place in 1995, when she was invited to participate in a pilgrimage to Rome, where she had the privilege of meeting Pope St. John Paul II. After the high school in Lansing closed, she remained there as a religious education teacher for two more years. December 2, 2022. She managed to turn every business trip into an adventure. Follow The feliciansisters.org Blog on WordPress.org. In 1977, she was appointed Director of Financial Affairsand later Business Managerat the institute, where she served until 1987, simultaneously earning there a Master of Arts degree in Theology, with a concentration in spirituality. 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. Realizing there were only 30 Consolata sisters left in the United States in the early 1990s, Sister Sandra began exploring American-founded Midwestern religious communities open to international missionary service. AUBURN Starting in the 2021-22 academic year, two Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist will join the staff at Saint Dominic Academy as teachers while also overseeing and enhancing campus . During her eight years there, she earned a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. From there, she felt called to a new ministry, one that would challenge her inner strength and resilience. She was in the68thyear of her religious profession. She boarded with the sisters Monday through Friday and it was customary to make a retreat between the two semesters. She later went back to her baptismal name. Impressive! Her family hosted foreign exchange students from Iceland and Italy. For recreation, Scrabble was her passion, along with a good card game now and then. Community members, family and colleagues will remember Sister Donna as a caring, creative person who loved life and loved her God. When her mother became ill, Joanne left the Benedictines to care for her until she died; subsequently, Joanne resumed her position at the Salvation Army. In Iowa she taught at St. Lawrence School and Kuemper High School, Carroll, as well as in Breda, West Point and Spencer. She had been taught by sisters for two years, but in her earlier years was not attracted to their communities. Born on October 12, 1930 in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, Frances Lorraine was the youngest of six children of Fredrick and Catharine Estella (Murphy) Yanisch. Later, she returned to her baptismal name. Sister Rita Jansen, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 94, died on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sylvania, Ohio 43560 419-824-3625 She taught in Wisconsin at Platteville (1962-65), Blessed Sacrament School in La Crosse (1966-70 and 1977-79) and Dodgeville (1973-77) also serving as principal. After high school, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. They were raised at the Mount Loretto Orphanage on Staten Island . Possessing excellent office skills, she was tapped for clerical work at Viterbo College (University) from 1962 to 1966. Mary Jane was born to Raymond and Stella (Bien) Misura on Dec. 16, 1933, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Bernardine Franciscan Sisters: Our Story In 1894 Mother Veronica Grzedowska and three companions left their cloister in Poland to respond to the educational needs of children of immigrant coal miners in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Later, she received a masters degree in pastoral studies from Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago. 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. We remember Sister Therese Francis Waldowski, January 25, 1928 - March 2, 2022. She made her profession of vows on August 12, 1946 and final vows on August 9, 1952. During this time, she began taking classes part-time at Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis. She ignored it despite the persistent nature of the call. 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. Her love of the Eucharist carried over to her dedication in taking Communion to shut-ins. While at Marquette, sheplayed the organ at Gesu Parish and after retiring from teaching English, she ministered as receptionist at the parish until she moved to St. Rose Convent in December of 2016.