Born in. Sisters of Saint Francis - Rochester, Minnesota Welcome! 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. The 70th Jubilee group included Sr. Mary . She shared her love of beauty in various ways on her missions and at the motherhouseoften being the mastermind behind decorations for special occasions. She was so well-known at Glacier Park for her pies that an Associated Press journalist wrote about her in an article that appeared across the country. After the high school in Lansing closed, she remained there as a religious education teacher for two more years. Mourning the Deaths of Franciscans - Holy Name Province In St. Louis, Father Dunne was looking for Sisters to staff and operate Newsboys Home, an institution for unwanted and neglected boys. She could be counted on for a great conversation, often on politics, which she followed assiduously. Sister Michon was born to John W. and Vera (Duffy) Desmond on August 28, 1933, in Winona, Minnesota, the eldest of six children. There she met the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the seed of her religious vocation was planted. Sister Valerie Lemansky, age 90, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. Her family was very important to her. After Vatican II, Sister Frances felt the call to change her ministry. The story of consecrated life is about those who have met the Lord and set forth on a journey. Sister Betty ministered in the field of education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from Viterbo College (University) and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. After attending the Creation Spirituality Program in Oakland, California, Sister Donna served on the retreat staff at Holy Cross Center in Merrill, Wisconsin. 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. When Helen came to a decision, Sister Rosewyn spoke with Mother Engelberta and convinced her to allow Helen to enter St. Rose Convent in January instead of waiting until August. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 2016where she continued her organ ministry and began volunteering as receptionist at Catholic Charities. Her favorite subject was American history. Born on June 20, 1939, in Festina, Iowa, Joan Marie was the youngest of Nicholas and Rosalia Imoehl Hagemans 11 children. She loved exploring new opportunities and places. They desired to transfer from the congregation and become members of the Franciscan . She received a bachelors degree in business education with a minor in English from Viterbo College (University), then continued in the field of business at Mount St. Mary College in Milwaukee, College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, Indiana University and Notre Dame University. Franciscan Sisters have served at St. Benedict's for 80 years. After completing eighth grade, Sister Lydia wanted to attend high school. Now 89 years old, they were born in Brooklyn 15 minutes apart. She made profession of first vows on August 12, 1954. She always felt that her best friend was the Blessed Mother who accepted her for the person she was called to be. The seeds of being a Sister and a teacher were planted in those early years. While at Viterbo, Sister Jean volunteered at the federal prison at Oxford, Wisconsin as a retreat leader, mentor and friend to inmates. She didnt let her physical infirmities bring her spirits down. During high school, Florence participated in orchestra, pep band and choir, several clubs and was editor of the school paper for two years. In October, 1968, Sister Sandra professed her first vows with the Consolata Missionary Sisters of Turin, Italy. Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart > Obituaries She was a people person, warm and giving of her time and helpful to anyone in need. Entering the field of education, Sister Margaret served as a primary teacher for 27 years in schools in Iowa (Carroll [St. Joseph] and Roselle) and Wisconsin (Greenwood, Marathon, Dodgeville, Halder, La Crosse [Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament], Odanah, Big River and Menomonie). Sister Ceciliennes ministry was in the area of music. As a toddler, Marie would follow her mother around the kitchen and in the garden, picking berries, plums, grapes and whatever else was in season. In 1949, she entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse and was given the name Sister Anysia. She later returned to her baptismal name. Always interested in finding out what she could do to make life better for others, she was quick to recognize the goodness in others and reinforce it. She managed to turn every business trip into an adventure. She completed high school at St. Marys Academy in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. 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 first profession of vows was made on August 12, 1955. 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. Sister Margaret Schmolke, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 96, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Upon visiting her sister at St. Rose Convent one weekend, Sister Pat told her parents she wanted to stay at the convent with her sister. She was in the seventy-third year of her religious profession. She loved her family and especially enjoyed visiting them and receiving visits from them. Twelve years later, the small group of sisters established their Motherhouse in Reading, Pennsylvania. After high school, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. Sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee were Sr. Mary Carolita Turzinski and Sr. Mary Lucia Skalka. He never refused and the family would drive out to a shady, cool spot in the country. She was in her fifty-second year of religious profession. Her motto of living life in union with Christ was evident in her recent celebration of her 70th jubilee. Sister Helen taught one year at St. Marys School, Marathon, Wisconsinbefore devoting the rest of her life to the healthcare profession. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Rita Marie as a naturally curious person who asked a lot of questions and read many books on a variety of topics. Sister Agnes loved growing up on a farm and being outdoors; her family grew vegetables and raised chickens to sell. In 2003 Sister Rosile retired and volunteered at Clare Center in Spokane. She later went back to her baptismal name. Sisters of St Francis - Clinton, Iowa During that time, her roommate responded to a call to religious life. Since she couldn't stop doing for others, a special aspect of her Marywood ministry was baking mini loaves of bread to welcome visitors. read more . After high school, she helped on the farm, as two of her brothers were in the service. Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Margaret as a fun-loving person, with exceptional graciousness. This was probably the first time that any thought of a religious vocation entered her mind. She was a quiet person who had an avid interest in world affairs. Perhaps the most memorable is Sister Dorothy Anns loving care for those suffering with HIV/AIDS. At that time, she retired and spent the next eight years volunteering, mainly as a math and science tutor. As boarders, Sister Margaret and Helen got home one weekend a month. In 2009, she received the Bishop Robert F. Morneau Distinguished Service Award from the conference. 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. Our dear Sister Victoria took flight and went home to the Lord on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Having a sister (SisterMildred Weber, FSPA) and several other relatives in the FSPA community sparked the idea of a vocation in Donna. No grave photo. At St. Michaels School in Buckman, Minnesota, they had Benedictines of St. Joseph, Minnesota, as their teachers. Her father was a lumberman and later worked for the railroad. My family is a source of strength and support for me in their love and understanding. Sister Jean continued her education with a masters degree in Spanish and Foreign Languages from Purdue University. Focus on reducing and eliminating single-use plastic drink bottles (water, soda, tea, coffee, etc.). Sister Sandras primary ministry prior to joining FSPA was serving as a midwife in Tanzania and Kenya. She then attended St. Patricks High School, run by the Benedictine sisters. She always showed upfor events, parties, fundraisers, meetings and assorted other occasions. As Franciscans, we experience God's presence in all creatures, and we extend our care and concern for all our brothers and sisters in our common home. She truly was a friend-raiser. Obituaries - Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) In 1979, Sister Pat moved to Tulsa, Oklahomato minister to the elderly. In 2000, another transition occurred in her life when she moved to volunteer in the finance office and kitchen at St. Rose Convent. Sister Anita spent various periods of time in the West African country with the sisters, providing workshops, spiritual reflection, and just listening to their stories of history, fear and hope. She had a quick wit and always had a come back for everything. Helping to connect people to faith. 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..". Mary Jane was born to Raymond and Stella (Bien) Misura on Dec. 16, 1933, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 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. Over the years, Sister Rosile served on the board of directors for several health care institutions, including St. Francis Hospital, St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa and St. Joseph Hospital in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. 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. She was in the 70th year of religious profession as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA). We are the United States Region of an international congregation responding to the needs of the times since our founding by Mother Clara Pfaender in 1860. In Memoriam - Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio Sister Mary Klisart, OSF. They have responded to a call to incarnate the Good News, taking on Jesus . Sister FrancesYanisch, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 90, died on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin after a battle with cancer. Alleluia! Born on April 4, 1928, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Sister Margaret Ann was the oldest child of Carl and Josephine (Rogalski) Mason. She was born in Rochester, NY to Jeremiah J. and Mary O'Connor Collins. After a year, she resigned again from the Salvation Army and formally entered the congregation and made first vows in 1986 as an FSPA. Yermo High School in El Paso. She was very fond of Pope Francis and talked often about his vision and teaching. At that time she retired to St. Rose Convent where her ministry was that of prayer and hospitality. She later went back to her baptismal name. She was an avid stamp collector and accumulated a large stamp collection over the years. Later she returned to her baptismal name. She attributed her good health to the daily walks/runs to the hermitages located on the Villa property. She then moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2012. Sister David . She continued these activities until her health began to fail. 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. Whenever anyone suggested that she would end up at the convent, she objected. How surprised, and disappointed, was Sister Lydia when Louise (Sister Joan Marie) entered FSPA in La Crosse. Sisters Gertrude, Pelligrina, and Costanza arrived in New York City on Dec. 5 and were given hospitality at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street. 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. There she met the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) at St. Marys Grade School. There was always a twinkle in her eye and a story on her lips. She was in the seventy-sixth year of her religious profession. She was an excellent teacher, a compassionate pastoral by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jun 5, 2017 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Dec 29, 2022 | Franciscan Sisters News, LCWR, Obituaries, Uncategorized. Ellen Mary MacDonell was born Feb. 7, 1932, in Judique North, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Archibald and Mary Fitzgerald MacDonell. She then volunteered in Sun City, Arizona before assisting as a receptionist at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse. 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. For the next 11 years, she ministered as a volunteer and driver at Villa St. Joseph. In 1982, Joanne became an affiliate of the FSPA. She was in the68thyear of her religious profession. Come enjoy the day with a round of golf and support the Sisters' ministries. She taught high school and was assistant principal in West Point (1958 1966) and Lansing (1966 1973), Iowa. Sister Patricia Tekippe, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, died on December 25, 2022 at 11:20 am. In her later years, she found comfort and gratitude in coloring and more importantly gifting her friends with her finished pictures. She was always exploring the latest spiritual book or philosophy. 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. Read inspiring reflections from our sisters and keep up-to date . 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. She professed first vows on August 12, 1952. Having lived simply, joyfully and with great love and care for everyone, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Dorothy Ann. 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. Franciscan Sisters of Mary | Compassionate Care of Creation She enjoyed attending St. Marys School in Festina. 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. Sister Ellen Joseph (Elizabeth) Drury, 99, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement from Graymoor, died Oct. 9, 2016. She always sought to make life better for others. She was very appreciative of FSPA for enabling her to minister to those often forgotten or ignored by society. When funding ended, she was invited to join the staff at the Salvation Army in Spokane as Family Welfare Director. In 1999, she was officially incorporated as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. 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. For the next 21 years, from 1981 to 2002, Sister Margaret again used her teaching skills as a religious education teacher, tutor and parish visitor at St. Marys in Hurley, Wisconsin. 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. Her early years of teaching were in elementary schools in Wisconsin: Holy Cross (1952 to 1954), St. Marys (1958 to 1960), St. Wenceslaus (1968 to 1969), Cathedral (1969 to 1971) and St. James (1976 to 1981) in La Crosse; St. Josephs, Dodgeville (1954 to 1957) and St. Josephs Ridge, La Crosse (1960 to 1963). After retiring, while teaching ESL, she began learning Chinese in order to better communicate with her students. Sister Kathy learned from her parents early in life to be grateful for any kindness or gift, no matter how small. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jul 1, 2020 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. Later, she received a masters degree in pastoral studies from Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago. Aston, PASister Barbara Ann Beck (formerly Sister Francis Charles), OSF, 83, died in Assisi House on Monday, August 1, 2022. Sister Jovita received all of her sacraments and elementary education at St Stanislaus Parish in St Louis. Its great to be Irish, she would proudly proclaim. 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. ssj-tosf - Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis The sixth died on Oct. 29 and the most recent two died on Nov. 6. She was in the sixty-third year of her religious profession. 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. Her passion for animals was evident to everyone, with her constantly feeding the birds, rabbits and squirrels around the motherhouse. Friends had always been important to Sister Jean. Born in Bellevue, Iowa on Nov. 7, 1927, Gertrude Florence was the daughter of Cornelius Vincent and Teresa Mary (Keuter) Daugherty. Soon after she graduated from St. Simon Stock High School, Bronx, NY, in 1962, she began her journey as a Franciscan Sister. For six years she was the chapel tour guide coordinator at the convent. Gerald Walker, OFM, Cap. 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. 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 Mary Jane, her sister, Monica, and two brothers, Myllin and Mark, grew up in Eau Claire. 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. 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. . She was in the sixty-first year of her religious profession. Home Wheaton Franciscans Sister Karolyne Henrietta was born on December 31, 1932, in Seaforth, Minnesota to Charles and Helen (Kolander) Rohlik. Sister Lydia earned a bachelors degree from Viterbo College (University) in education with double minors in philosophy and history. When reflecting on her choice of vocation, she said, Upon visiting Maria Angelorum Chapel, I knew that I could never leave this.. Gertrude left home on Sept. 3, 1945 for St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her creativity was expressed there in numerous ways, especially at times of the many holidays and feast days celebrated there as she decked the halls with flowers gleaned from the garden. When her health began to deteriorate, she moved to South Hill Village in Spokane. 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. The family later settled in Menomonie, Wisconsin where Donna was in the first freshman class at the new St. Joseph High School. FelicianSisters. Her fathers work, assistant sales manager for Auto-lite, led the family to move to La Crosse shortly after her birth. Born on July 1, 1943 in Batesville, she was the second of five children born to Ethel (Nee: Schumacher) and Francis Werner. Upon completion of a bachelors degree in elementary education from Viterbo College (University), Sister Lois entered the teaching profession. 1943-2018 Our dear Sister Maria Tessari went home to the Lord on January 16. Sister Loiss last seven years of active ministry were in child care for two families in the St. Paul area. A congregation of Franciscan women religious serving in the United States,. Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community, offer hope. Sister Patricia was received into the novitiate in 1963 and given the name, Sister Mary Owen. She would often talk about her wonderful years at Glacier Park, where nature was a natural yearning of connection and communion with the earth and God. Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Gemona, Italy, sent three sisters to America. At the completion of her term she moved to Sun City, Arizona, where she served as parish administrator of St. John Vianney Parish. 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. She was in the seventy-second year of her religious profession. So on September 1, 1946, she entered St. Rose Convent. 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.. She was always ready to enter into conversation and had great stories to share. While in La Crosse, she served at St. Rose Convent for two years, Villa St. Joseph for six years and as dietitian at St. Joseph Nursing Home for three years. 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. Then she became the employee health director at St. Francis Medical Center (MCHS-FH) until 1991. She passed to her eternal reward on September 7, 2020. Sister Evelyn Schlosser, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died on October 7, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her early education was in a one-room school where the teachers husband brought wood to keep everyone warm in the winter. In 2007, she moved to Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, ministering as a volunteer to the community until 2019. Her older sister Eileen joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1943. Sister Rita Marie Bechel, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 97, died Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was worried about being the eldest in her class, but upon arrival Catherine learned that half of the class was older than she was. She loved her family and had made an extensive family tree. Family and community members remember Sister Pat for her quick Irish witalways with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. Possessing excellent office skills, she was tapped for clerical work at Viterbo College (University) from 1962 to 1966. Her low-key personality, sense of humor and ability to go with the flow drew people to her. In 2022, with her health failing, she moved to Villa St. Joseph. She was in the 69th year of her religious profession. Sister Dorothy Ann, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 81, died on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at HospiceMinistries in Ridgeland, Mississippi, where she had been chaplain for many years. Franciscan Spirituality; Franciscan Charism Modules; Franciscan Charism Team; History; Land Ethic; Leadership Team; . Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1921, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help |, Celebrating the Life of Sister Elaine Urbanek, OSF, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Celebrating the Life of Sister Rose Marie Przybylowicz, OSF, Celebrating the Life of Sister Carolyn Mruz, OSF, Celebrating the Life of Sister Angelita Laws, OSF, Celebrating the Life of Sister Gale Bednarek, 1943-2021, Celebrating the Life of Sister Victoria Munoz, 1941 to 2021, Celebrating the Life of Sister Charlotte Struckhoff, OSF 1939-2021, Celebrating the life of Sister Kathryn Ann Geringer, OSF 1941-2020, Celebrating the life of Sister Erlinda Gurule, OSF 1939-2020, Celebrating the life of Sister Mary Philip Patin, OSF 1927-2020, Celebrating The Life of Sister Marilyn Smolinski, OSF 1933-2019, Celebrating The Life of Sister Jovita Chierek, OSF, Celebrating The Life of Sister Loraine Brzozowski OSF, Celebrating The Life of Sr. Judith Tokarczyk OSF, Celebrating the Life of Sister Maria Tessari, Celebrating The Life of Sr. Miriam Sitarz OSF.