For the next five years, Sister Helen served as a staff nurse at St. Rose Convent Health Center. St. Francis and St. Clare saw the good and holy possibility in the culture of everyday life. 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. Agnes Marcella was born to Anthony and Agnes (Gehling) Wernimont on January 20, 1932 in Coon Rapids, Iowa. LSAP Resource Guide Community Engagement & Participatory Action The Franciscan Sisters of Mary care passionately for God's creation. Born on July 1, 1943 in Batesville, she was the second of five children born to Ethel (Nee: Schumacher) and Francis Werner. The FSPA community is grateful for her leadership, especially in leading the congregation into the world of social security and investment. From 1985 to 2005, she served as a remedial teacher at David School, a small alternative high school in the coal-mining hills of Kentucky. She was in the seventieth year of her religious profession. Sister Joan served her sisters as a homemaker for 17 years, working in the bakery at St. Rose Convent for two of those years and at convent homes in Rozellville and Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Bellevue, West Point and Breda, Iowa and Provo, Utah. 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 was in the sixty-third year of her religious profession. Sr. Therese Francis was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis from St. Peter Parish in 1945. Her motto of living life in union with Christ was evident in her recent celebration of her 70th jubilee. Sister David . In 2018, with her health failing, she moved to Villa St. Joseph. In 1976, Sister Joan transitioned to the ministry of activities director at Villa St. Joseph, a post she held until 1983. She was a people person, warm and giving of her time and helpful to anyone in need. Being one with all people was not just an idea for Sandy; it was the reality she sought. She had a hunger for knowledge. Soon after she graduated from St. Simon Stock High School, Bronx, NY, in 1962, she began her journey as a Franciscan Sister. In 1994, she moved to Mobile, Alabama and ministered as a teachers aide and resource teacher for eight years before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2002. Black History Month: Hope Restores extends a challenge. Her mother was quite musical and made sure Kathleen took piano lessons. 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. She was privileged to attend Father Solanus beautification ceremony in Detroit. During her time in Canton, Sister Dorothy Ann became a companion to Sister Thea Bowman, an FSPA who gained prominence as a teacher, musician and civil rights activist in the African American community. Part of the celebration turned into a 20-year relationship with the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis in Cameroon, Africa, known as the Common Venture. This experience in religious education led her to a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and further theological study. In 1978 she received on-the-job training as a dental assistant. At that time, Sister Joanne was living at Rockwood Lane retirement facility where she volunteered as a Bible study facilitator and home visitor. In 1977 her ministry took her to St. Joseph School in Prescott, Wisconsin, as a first-grade teacher, choir director and organist. Sister Mary Myrons entire active ministry of 70 years was in the field of education. Angel, Ore. Sister Jeans most recent ministry was that of freelance writer and presenter. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Sep 13, 2022 | Franciscan Sisters News, LCWR, Obituaries, Uncategorized. Joanne Patricia Lancaster was born on February 17, 1928 in Spokane to Emmett and Effie (Turpin) Lancaster. She truly was a friend-raiser. She loved her family and had made an extensive family tree. will officiate and burial will be in the convent cemetery. In 1949, she entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse and was given the name Sister Anysia. By her junior year, she had decided to enter religious life. She then began a year of study at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where she had the opportunity for a three-month study tour in Israel. In 1933, she was received into the novitiate of the FSPA and was given the name, Sister Mary Myron. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Helen as an exceptional nurse and instructor. In 1993, she moved to Jackson, Mississippi where she served as chaplain and hospice worker, providing care for people with HIV/AIDS at Grace House in Ridgeland. Ellen Mary MacDonell was born Feb. 7, 1932, in Judique North, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Archibald and Mary Fitzgerald MacDonell. Sister Betty Shakal, FSPA, 87, died May 3, 2021 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventy-fifth year of her religious profession. Her fathers work, assistant sales manager for Auto-lite, led the family to move to La Crosse shortly after her birth. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1944 and professed vows in 1947. None of her other siblings had done so, but her parents allowed her to attend St. Angelas Academy in Carroll, Iowa. Sisters. She was in the fifty-seventh year of her religious profession. Sr. Mary Alodia Stozek was remembered on her 80th Jubilee. She then became Vice-President of Student Development from 1997 to 2005. Family and community members remember Sister Pat for her quick Irish witalways with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Her father worked there for a large U.S. copper mining company. Viterbo College called her back in 1974, again as a bookkeeper. 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. Joanne received her early education at St. Joseph Grade School in Spokane and graduated from eighth grade at St. Aloysius Grade School. After high school graduation, she felt a call to join the FSPA. Her adoration was always the first priority in her day while at St. Rose Convent. The Bernardine Center Times Summer 2018. She professed her first vows as an FSPA on August 12, 1965. In her early years, Mary Jane began knitting and crocheting, a hobby she carried into her adult life. She was in her 37th year of religious profession. 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. Then in a flash of light on Independence Day, she was set free. Elementary school years were spent at Kendall Public School. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 2016where she continued her organ ministry and began volunteering as receptionist at Catholic Charities. At entrance into the novitiate, she received the name Sister Alicita. Sister Dorothy Agnes was born on October 8, 1941 in Auburndale, Wisconsin to Joseph and Martha (Bayerl) Kundinger. Date of Death: August 1, 2022. And we have lots of LOL moments during our convo together. Sister Patricia Tekippe, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, died on December 25, 2022 at 11:20 am. She also taught in Blackfoot, Idaho and St. Paul, Iowa. In 1992, she retired to St. Rose Convent and moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2012. Soon there were three more children growing up on the small family farm in Big River. Sister Geralyn earned a bachelors degree in elementary education from Viterbo College with a minor in music. Born in Bellevue, Iowa on Nov. 7, 1927, Gertrude Florence was the daughter of Cornelius Vincent and Teresa Mary (Keuter) Daugherty. While in that locale, Sister Lois was a regular volunteer at the Mississippi Market Coop, doing most any task needed. Upon entering the FSPA community, she shared a religious vocation with an aunt and uncle who were both Benedictines. The 70th Jubilee group included Sr. Mary . For family and friends unable to attend in-person funeral celebrations, FSPA offers live streaming. In later years, her contributions to liturgy, both work-related and in the FSPA community, served as major contributions to a Vatican II Church. Obituaries Archives Wheaton Franciscans Obituaries Archive One could always count on Sister Betty for a welcoming smile and hearty laugh. She later returned to her baptismal name. She made Villa St. Joseph her home in 2004. Friars Minor. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Michon for her loving presence. Her work in Minneapolis was evidence of her compassionate and helpful nature. After completing elementary grades and two years of high school at St. Marys School in Durand, Lois expressed a desire to enter the convent, but her father resisted. She grew up in Guttenberg with her three brothers and two sisters, helping her father at the Kuempel & Lake Hardware Store. At her baptism, she was named after her paternal aunt, Sister Lydia Wendl. From there, she felt called to a new ministry, one that would challenge her inner strength and resilience. When her health began to deteriorate, she moved to South Hill Village in Spokane. She was very appreciative of FSPA for enabling her to minister to those often forgotten or ignored by society. Thats what I take.. This academic year she still served as chaplain for the Viterbo University womens basketball team. Praying to Mary helped her make the decision about religious life. While at Viterbo, she was asked to create furnishings for the expanded St. Francis Chapel, situated below Mary of the Angels Chapel at St. Rose Convent. Sister Ladonna Kassmeyer, FSPA, 84, died Monday night, August 3, 2020, of a massive heart attack at Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. With a sense of humility and pride, she enjoyed many years of service to families through the Salvation Army. Friends had always been important to Sister Jean. She was very social and loved visiting with people. Sister Betty learned all the skills she needed to be mothers helper: cooking, sewing, baking. 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. After attending the Creation Spirituality Program in Oakland, California, Sister Donna served on the retreat staff at Holy Cross Center in Merrill, Wisconsin. Province St. Elizabeth | Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Province St. Elizabeth Our History The American Province began in poverty with many hardships. Sister Karolyne Rohlik, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87 died of natural causes on May 17, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. In her first year in community, she was Co-Director for the La Crosse Diocese Hispanic Ministry. Franciscan Missionary of Mary vocation and life is a gift from God: "Meeting the Lord gets us moving, urges us to leave aside self-absorption," (Evangelii Gaudium 265). Sister Clara Mae then returned to St. Michaels Orphanage to serve as a registered therapist. The Franciscans are celebrating their 150th anniversary. She attended the newly erected St. Johns School. Sister Judith, a sister for 69 years, died February 14, 2018 at Mary, Queen and Mother Center in St. Louis. Friends, family and community members remember Sister Ladonna as being a friend to everyone. What a thrill it was for Florence to play for Christmas Midnight Mass and Easter Sunday High Mass. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1944, and final profession on August 9, 1950. She was in the seventy-third year of her religious profession. Active nonviolence is a creative power for good available to everyone. Sister Pat was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1947, and was given the name Sister Paula. She served as a primary school teacher for eight years in Iowa (Mallard and Dedham) and Wisconsin (St. Joseph Ridge, Eau Galle, Ashland and Edgar). They have responded to a call to incarnate the Good News, taking on Jesus . Of Resurrection Sisters (ASR) Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm (O.CARM) Congregation of Notre Dame (CND) Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN) Congregation of St. John the Baptist (CSJB) Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul (DC) In 1983 Sister Rosile was elected Provincial for the FSPA Healthcare Province, whose headquarters was in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sister Victoria, born by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jun 10, 2021 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. It was a happy home filled with conversation and joyous laughter. December 2, 2022. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession. Sister Clara Mae Kuempel, FSPA, 90, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. While at Viterbo, Sister Jean volunteered at the federal prison at Oxford, Wisconsin as a retreat leader, mentor and friend to inmates. She was in the 76th year of her religious profession. Everyone knew when Sister Pat was around because her hearty laughter carried through the halls. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of. She was in the eighty-first year of her religious profession. 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. Her family hosted foreign exchange students from Iceland and Italy. She provided pastoral care at Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Home in La Crosse from 1983 to 1987. 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. After receiving a bachelors degree in Human Services at Grandview College in Des Moines, she went on to earn a Clinical Pastoral Education certificate at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. 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. With her graduate degree in hand, she began teaching Spanish at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois. Sister Margaret worked at the hospital in Little Falls on weekends and during the summer. She pronounced first vows on August 12, 1953 and made final profession on August 11, 1959. Carmel, Sister Rita began thinking about ministering in a different environment. In 2009, she received the Bishop Robert F. Morneau Distinguished Service Award from the conference. About Us - Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities She always felt sorry for the city kids who didnt have the freedom and natural beauty available to the farm kids. Sister Agnes began her education at Providence County Consolidated School near her home, then transferred to St. Marys Catholic School in Storm Lake, Iowa, where she completed both grade and high school. She didnt let her physical infirmities bring her spirits down. By the time she graduated, it had become Regis High School. Sister Dorothy was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1959 and was given the name Sister Dorothy Ann. From 1980 to 1981, Sister Helen ministered as a nurse in Larned, Kansas. Sister Kathleen taught at the high school level for the next 11 years in Cathedral (Superior, Wisconsin), Kuemper (Carroll, Iowa), Aquinas (La Crosse), Marquette (West Point, Iowa) and Marquette (Bellevue, Iowa). Community members, family and friends remember Sister Kathleen as a true mystic. She once commented that she thought she learned how to rip the same afternoon she learned how to sew. Bernardine Franciscan Sisters' Jubilee Celebration ~ May 29, 2022 in Reading, Pennsylvania Doorways of Hope ~ Closing Activity for the Year ~ May 25, 2022 Bernardine Bonanza 2022 Renewal of Vows in Northeast Brazil ~ January 9, 2022 Motherhouse Christmas 2021 Doorways of Hope ~ Christmas 2021 Program Bernardine Center ~ Chester, Pennsylvania The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis operated a convent and church on a 300-acre site northeast of Springfield from 1917 until 2021. . Assoc. The twinkle in her eyes made one wonder what she was planning next. RAPNICKI, Sister Mary David, FSSJ - The Buffalo News She was a quiet person who had an avid interest in world affairs. Sister Joanne McGoldrick, FSPA, 93, died Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, Wash. She was in the thirty-fifth year of her religious profession. Her mission life there shaped her concept of community and service. Sister Betty taught high school chemistry and mathematics for 26 years in Wisconsin (Prairie du Chien and Stevens Point), Oregon (Salem), Iowa (Bellevue, Carroll, and West Point) and Texas (El Paso). Franciscan Sisters provide brief update on activities during pandemic By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald Oct 30, 2020 Franciscan Sisters of Allegany who reside at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Sister Valerie Lemansky Obituary - Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception The following year she entered the community. After completing high school, Sister Lois entered the novitiate on August 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Caroleen. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a minor in biology from Viterbo College (University). Sister Sandra DeMann, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 72, died of cardiac arrest Friday, May 22, 2020 at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona. But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on . Follow The feliciansisters.org Blog on WordPress.org. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Pat as an excellent music teacher. There she met the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the seed of her religious vocation was planted. Following her formation program, she began teaching in parish schools in Wisconsin . At the end of her junior year, she informed her parents that she felt called to religious life. As the Shakal family grew, they eventually moved to a larger farmhouse, close to Holy Family School in Stanley where Sister Betty completed her elementary education. Sister Donna Weber, FSPA, 91, died on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Helen and her cousin Art were constant companions until he left for Maryhurst in the Philippines to become a Brother of Mary. In 2017, Sister Gertrude moved to Villa St. Joseph Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Gertrude as quiet, cheerful, and always having a smile and kind word for others. On September 9, 1921, Sister Rosile was born to Kilian and Katherine (Hertert) Pernsteiner on a farm near Spokane, Washingon. After entering the FSPA congregation, Sister Joanne continued her ministry as a family counselor, both at Salvation Army and at Love Church Services Network in Spokane. Sister Clara Mae was born in Guttenberg, Iowa to John and Hildegarde (Lake) Kuempel on March 25, 1932. She later returned to her baptismal name. The Bernet sisters are identical twins who are celebrating 70 years of religious life. Possessing excellent office skills, she was tapped for clerical work at Viterbo College (University) from 1962 to 1966. She had waited a long time for this homecoming often asking what was taking the Lord so long. Born in New York City, Sr. Cecelia was one of six children, four brothers and a sister. Sr. Maureen Kelly F.S.P. Obituary - Yonkers, NY - Dignity Memorial Numerous university students credit her for their search into the world of spirituality. 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 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. In 2000, another transition occurred in her life when she moved to volunteer in the finance office and kitchen at St. Rose Convent. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession. Sister Loiss last seven years of active ministry were in child care for two families in the St. Paul area. After completing licensed practical training at St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa, she served as a LPN for 28 years at Villa St. Joseph, St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH) and St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue. In her retirement years, she took every opportunity possible to get out into nature and take long walks. Her love of the Eucharist carried over to her dedication in taking Communion to shut-ins. In 1986 she began teaching primary grades in Monroe, Louisiana. In 1996, Sister Sandra started the process of transferring to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin. After a one-year stint in the St. Rose Convent cafeteria, Sister Rita Marie moved to Villa St. Joseph where she assisted in many community service roles, such as receptionist, sacristan and organist. Her mother worked as a stenographer. Home | Franciscan Sisters of Allegany Every place she taught she loved her little children, especially teaching them to read. Catherine was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Rosile. She loved biking and walking anything to be out in Gods creation. Sister Gertrude made first profession of vows on August 12, 1948 and final vows on August 9, 1954. She was in the 69th year of her religious profession. Family was considered her best friends. Read more. She loved her years teaching. The Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, Minnesota, a Roman Catholic congregation for women religious, was founded in 1877 by Mother Mary Alfred Moes. In the summer of 1954 she visited St. Rose Convent on a Sunday, returned home, packed and again returned to St. Rose as an aspirant the following Monday. She taught primary grades in Wisconsin (Auburndale, Big River, Halder), Idaho (Blackfoot) and Iowa (Muscatine, Harper, Halbur, St. Lucas, Spencer, Bellevue, Mt. She never missed an opportunity to share the good things in life with others. Sister Sandra was born to Carroll and June (Nicholson) DeMann on October 12, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the eldest of four children. She attended a country school until grade six, when her parents, wanting to draw on the value of a Catholic education, enrolled her at St. Anns School in Wabasso, Minnesota. In 1950, Sister Anita was received into the novitiate and given the name, Sister Mary Kenneth. One of her students from David School said, She was always willing to help students make their projects perfect. She grew up on the family farm with her two brothers and three sisters, getting into to use her words all the mischief we could imagine.. Our History. In October, 1968, Sister Sandra professed her first vows with the Consolata Missionary Sisters of Turin, Italy. She worked in the dietary department at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH) 1977 to 1981. While at Mt. She designed the altar, chalice, tabernacle and credence table using the theme You fill us with the best of wheat. Creativity marked her life; even into her late 80s, she could be seen on a ladder in the dining room putting the final touches on Christmas decorations. I was into trouble almost constantly for skipping school, breaking rules and getting into things that were none of my business. It was not until her senior year that she gave her future a serious thought. Her final days of retirement were at Villa St. Joseph. FSPA - 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601 | Phone: 608-782-5610 |. Obituaries Home News Obituaries. Being a Thanksgiving baby has been a great asset to me, she reflected. After initially attending Viterbo College (University) for classes, Sister Frances went on to receive a certificate in dietary administration from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Missouri.