Sister Agnes served her community as a homemaker in convent homes in Iowa, Mississippi, Washington and Wisconsin for thirty years. Sister Geralyn earned a bachelors degree in elementary education from Viterbo College with a minor in music. Sister Joan Hageman, FSPA, 82, died on February 20, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1978 she received on-the-job training as a dental assistant. Possessing excellent office skills, she was tapped for clerical work at Viterbo College (University) from 1962 to 1966. The sixth died on Oct. 29 and the most recent two died on Nov. 6. In 2016, Sister Evelyn officially retired to a ministry of prayer and hospitality in La Crosse. There she attended St. James School and Aquinas High School, both staffed by FSPA. From 1986 to 1989, Sister Margaret Ann served as Director of Development of Catholic Schools for the Superior Diocese. She saw beauty in creation and in people. 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. Her work in Minneapolis was evidence of her compassionate and helpful nature. Gertrude left home on Sept. 3, 1945 for St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was 86 years old.Baptized Patricia Ann at Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, NE, she entered religious life in 1952 and pronounced perpetual vows in 1958. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession. Elementary school years were spent at Kendall Public School. As the religious sisters from Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Tenafly admired . In 2001 Sister Geralyn retired from teaching but remained in the parish as sacristan and organist, roles she continued until she retired to Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 2017. From 1984 to 1989 she ministered to the elderly in Las Vegas and was instrumental in developing Pastoral Care Outreach at Sunrise Hospital. After a years sabbatical at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, Sister Karolyne stayed on as gardener and helped in the kitchen until 2005. 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). In 2022, with her health failing, she moved to Villa St. Joseph. In her early years, Mary Jane began knitting and crocheting, a hobby she carried into her adult life. In 1992, she retired to St. Rose Convent and moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2012. For six years she was the chapel tour guide coordinator at the convent. In 1974, she returned to Fort Wright College and earned a bachelors degree in sociology. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1948. Since she couldn't stop doing for others, a special aspect of her Marywood ministry was baking mini loaves of bread to welcome visitors. In her later years, she found comfort and gratitude in coloring and more importantly gifting her friends with her finished pictures. She made Villa St. Joseph her home in 2004. As a Consolata sister, Sister Sandra received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Royal Lancaster School of Nursing in London, England and became a certified midwife through the Whipps-Cross School of Midwifery, also in London. Joanne received her early education at St. Joseph Grade School in Spokane and graduated from eighth grade at St. Aloysius Grade School. 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. She used her many talents to write parodies for celebrations at St. Rose Convent and at Villa St. Joseph. She by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Feb 25, 2019 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. The following year she entered the community. Gertrude was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1946 and was given the name Sister Barbara Jean. After Sister Theas death, Sister Dorothy Ann remained in Canton as a volunteer hospice worker, ministering to people with HIV/AIDS. Mary Jane was born to Raymond and Stella (Bien) Misura on Dec. 16, 1933, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Her connections with friends from Ashland remained with her throughout the years. 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. The Tau Center in Winona, Minnesota recruited her as their baker in 1997, a position she held for the next two years. 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. Remembering Sr. Mary Elizabeth Glueckstein Wheaton Franciscans October 3, 2022 In 1979, Sister Dorothy Ann moved to Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Mississippi where she taught junior high for 10 years. Ever since she was small, Kathleen felt the desire to become a sister. But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on . Community members, family and friends remember Sister Clara Mae as always having a smile for everyone. Meet one of our Sisters responding to the needs of our community and the world. In 1982, Joanne became an affiliate of the FSPA. She grew up in Guttenberg with her three brothers and two sisters, helping her father at the Kuempel & Lake Hardware Store. She was an excellent teacher, a compassionate pastoral by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jun 5, 2017 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. 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. In her first year in community, she was Co-Director for the La Crosse Diocese Hispanic Ministry. In 1964 she began working at Viterbo College as Business Manager and Comptroller, a position she held until 1974. The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio are engaged in such diverse ministries as education, health care, social services, religious education and more. Growing up on the farm gave her a deep appreciation of nature, which stayed with her throughout her life. Sister Mary Clare Bernet, O.S.F., and Sister Mary Robert Bernet, O.S.F., are Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. 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. Read inspiring reflections from our sisters and keep up-to date . 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 ministered in schools in La Crosse, Plum City, Allouez and Stratford, Wisconsin; in Carroll, Calmar and Hiawatha, Iowa; in Bozeman, Montana; in Spokane, Washington and in David, Kentucky. She served as principal in both Carroll (St. Lawrence School) and Calmar. 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. She loved exploring new opportunities and places. Her grandparents in California came to help her father, who by that time had three children below the age of four. They were raised at the Mount Loretto Orphanage on Staten Island . 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. In high school she was engaged in one-act plays and glee club. Sister Clara Mae gifted family and friends with beautiful wood carvings. Sister Lourdine Bielawski, 90, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died Feb. 3 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, where she had resided since 2012. Franciscan Sister News Franciscan News and Events. Her father was a cook by trade but later worked as a dock loader. During her time in Bellevue, she also took care of her aging parents. Growing up on a farm she was exposed to a variety of experiences and learned responsibility early. Aston, PASister Barbara Ann Beck (formerly Sister Francis Charles), OSF, 83, died in Assisi House on Monday, August 1, 2022. The Bernardine Center Times Summer 2018. She was actively involved in the National Catholic Development Conference during her tenure as Director of Development. Helen and her cousin Art were constant companions until he left for Maryhurst in the Philippines to become a Brother of Mary. 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. Viterbo College called her back in 1974, again as a bookkeeper. From 1974 to 1977, Sister Ladonna served as treasurer for the FSPA Central Province in Hiawatha, Iowa. She then attended Marycliff High School in Spokane. She completed her bachelors degree at Viterbo College (University) with a major in education and a minor in music. Sister Mary Klisart, OSF. Again she received a negative response, but a week later her father gave his approval. From 1981 to 1984 she worked as a baker in West Glacier, Montana, then three years at a university in Lockport, Illinois. She loved biking and walking anything to be out in Gods creation. Sister Pat was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1947, and was given the name Sister Paula. She could usually be found volunteering some place at Villa St. Joseph helping other sisters. Circumstances prevented her from following her hearts greatest desire, to enter religious life at the time of her graduation. Born on March 18, 1926, near St. Lucas, Iowa, Sister Joselda was the oldest daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Schmitt) Hageman. Helen began to pray about it, but the following August she entered St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. 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. Oftentimes, she would spend days in the home of someone dying of HIV/AIDS or care for them in her home if they couldnt afford another place or another place was not available. She was in the sixty-first year of her religious profession. She taught for 33 years in elementary schools in Iowa, Washington, Oregon and Wisconsin. 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. After three years in that position she resigned, was married and began raising her five children: Marianne, George, Pat, Susan and Tom. Franciscan Sisters have served at St. Benedict's for 80 years. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Sep 13, 2022 | Franciscan Sisters News, LCWR, Obituaries, Uncategorized. She taught Spanish at Wayne State College in Nebraska for a year before transferring to Viterbo University in La Crosse as a Spanish instructor in 1985. FSPA - 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601 | Phone: 608-782-5610 |. She was then appointed Congregational Treasurer of the order, a position she held from 1964 to 1983. Her father taught her the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship. Sister Karolyne continued to faithfully serve in a variety of ministry assignments that defined her loving commitment to religious life. She made her home at Villa St. Joseph in 2013. In her spare time she became very involved in woodcarving, a hobby she took with her to St. Rose Convent in 2008 when she retired there. The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, is a community of Roman Catholic women religious who follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ, walking in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. The children would often ask their mother for a picnic supper on hot summer days. She and her siblings enjoyed the ride to school in their carriage in the spring and fall and on the bobsled in the winter. She helped found a Father Solanus Prayer Circle and had organized several pilgrimages to Detroit, Michigan, where Father Solanus spent most of his religious life. In the eighth grade, Sister Pat started playing trumpet in the high school band and later moved on to playing the trombone and baritone. She and her older sisters walked to school and enjoyed the flowers and nature along the way. 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. Whether the need is for short- or long-term, our caring, trained personnel are here to help. While in Cedar Rapids, Sister Anita began doing youth ministry in the parish and vocation education in the congregation. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. Being one with all people was not just an idea for Sandy; it was the reality she sought. The first 26 years of her ministry were spent as a middle-grade and junior-high teacher. Sister David . In 1949, she entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse and was given the name Sister Anysia. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Evelyn as a lively, generous person. Saint of the Day. Born on April 4, 1928, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Sister Margaret Ann was the oldest child of Carl and Josephine (Rogalski) Mason. Born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1929, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1945 and professed perpetual vows in 1951. Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania Ohio 6832 Convent Blvd. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Sep 13, 2022 | Franciscan Sisters News, LCWR, Obituaries, Uncategorized Sister Rose Marie Przybylowicz, OSF, passed away September 9, 2022. A second church, that could hold 500, was built in 1930. She was very fond of Pope Francis and talked often about his vision and teaching. 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. These four congregations originated from the same Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Her devotion for the missions remained with her long after she left the South. Manage Volunteer Settings. On September 9, 1921, Sister Rosile was born to Kilian and Katherine (Hertert) Pernsteiner on a farm near Spokane, Washingon. From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service. Helen again pushed the idea of a vocation out of her mind until December 1944 when she was assigned to the Sisters ward at the hospital. 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. She attended St. Josephs Grade and High School in Bellevue. She professed first vows on Aug. 12, 1955. She later returned to her baptismal name. She then returned to Tulsa, where she again ministered to the elderly at St. Marys Parish and served as campus minister at Tulsa University. She professed vows on August 12, 1942 and made final profession on August 9, 1948. She attributed her good health to the daily walks/runs to the hermitages located on the Villa property. Sister Rosewyn Meyer, FSPA was there and spoke many times with Helen. Sister Rosile Pernsteiner, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 98, died Friday, July 10, 2020, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Marie never knew two of her brothers: Raymond died of jaundice shortly after birth and Vernon was kicked by a horse when he was seven. She learned to play the organ, violin and clarinet, but the organ was her favorite. Sandy loved being a nurse in Africa. Later, she received a masters degree in pastoral studies from Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago. Sister Betty learned all the skills she needed to be mothers helper: cooking, sewing, baking. Barbara Jane entered St. Rose Convent in the fall of 1951. (formerly Sister William Anne) died. Sister Helen retired and continued to serve as on-call nurse from 1995 to 2005, before moving to St. Rose Convent. By August, 1955, Sister Dorothy was beginning her high school at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1950, Sister Anita was received into the novitiate and given the name, Sister Mary Kenneth. The Franciscans are celebrating their 150th anniversary. SR. M. AQUILINA ACKER Sister Aquilina Acker, 87, a member of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died Monday evening, May 2, at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. 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 will officiate and burial will be in the convent cemetery. The Congregation's headquarters are located at Assisi Heights in Rochester, Minnesota. read more Celebrating the Life of Sr. Marcy Romine O.S.F. She was in the midst of writing a book on Pieces of the Parchment-Rubrics for Daily Living. She then moved to Boise, Idaho where she did bookkeeping for a construction company. Community members, family and colleagues will remember Sister Donna as a caring, creative person who loved life and loved her God. Her gentleness and sense of humor endeared her to her patients, family, sisters and many friends. There she and her two brothers and three sisters grew up, helping with chores when they were not attending school at Sac County School. 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. She was a quiet person who had an avid interest in world affairs. Later, she returned to her baptismal name. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1950, and final profession on August 9, 1956. She thrived on helping people and especially loved her adoration hours. She kept up on the news of the world and the Church. Her favorite teacher (a Sister of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa) had a deep devotion to Mary. Sister Kathleen Theresa was born to Joseph and Antoinette (Blum) Kenkel on September 17, 1929, on the family farm in Earling, Iowa. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Pat as an excellent music teacher. Sister Patricia began her ministry in the congregation as an elementary school teacher in Spokane, Washington (St. Ann, St. Augustine and St. Xavier Schools). A second sister, Kathy, was born following the familys return to the States. Her family was very important to her. 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. She was in the 66th year of her religious profession. At the completion of her term she moved to Sun City, Arizona, where she served as parish administrator of St. John Vianney Parish. 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. She was very appreciative of FSPA for enabling her to minister to those often forgotten or ignored by society. From daycare for loved ones who suffer from dementia, to rehabilitation centers for recovery from surgery . Our dear, sweet Sister Erlinda Gurule went home to the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Catherine was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Rosile. Community members, family and friends will remember the long and rich life of Sister Lydia, for her deep love of God and her faith, her loyal dedication to her work with little children and the elderly and her positive approach to life. For the next 20 years she ministered as an art teacher in high schools in Wisconsin (Superior, Green Bay, and at Viterbo College), as an art and religion teacher in Wausau, Wisconsin and Miles City, Montana. Sylvania, Ohio 43560 419-824-3625 She never missed an opportunity to share the good things in life with others. To Love is to Give - March. 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. She was in her 37th year of religious profession. It was a combination church and school. 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). At her baptism, she was named after her paternal aunt, Sister Lydia Wendl. 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. Sister Helen made profession of vows on August 12, 1947, and final profession on August 9, 1953. After high school, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. In 1953 she was received into the FSPA novitiate and given the name Sister Geralyn. In December of that year, she was brutally attacked and burned in an assault that occurred while she was at home in the convent. While she spent 18 years in parish ministry, she would not be able to say she loved it more or less than her years teaching. Marie was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1943, and given the name Sister Rita Marie. 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. The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago are happy to announce the 13th annual Swinging for the Sisters Golf Outing will be on June 15th at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. In later years, her contributions to liturgy, both work-related and in the FSPA community, served as major contributions to a Vatican II Church. She began her ministry as an elementary school music teacher in 1949: first in Spokane (St. Augustine), Wash. and then in La Crosse (Holy Trinity). 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. Her low-key personality, sense of humor and ability to go with the flow drew people to her. She later went back to her baptismal name. Sister Pat loved life and lived it to the fullest. Family, friends and community members remember Sister Mary Myron as a woman of prayer. She was eager to go to school with her sisters. She enjoyed helping raise funds for their science lab update and the school gymnasium addition. It was difficult and terrifying at first and then she fell in love with it. Sister Mary Philip Patin died on April 28 at the age of 93. The last seven years, before her retirement to Villa St. Joseph in 2005, were spent in Hiawatha, Iowa, volunteering at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center and at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, where she worked with senior citizens. Sister Kathy, as she was lovingly called, was small in stature but large in spirit and generosity. She then volunteered in Sun City, Arizona before assisting as a receptionist at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse. She enjoyed attending St. Marys School in Festina. Sister was 93 years of age and had been a Sister of St. Francis for 70 years. 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. 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. Follow The feliciansisters.org Blog on WordPress.org. Now 89 years old, they were born in Brooklyn 15 minutes apart. Thereafter, sheserved as Healthcare Province Representative on the General Board, Coordinator of Formation at Healthcare House of Studies, and Provincial of FSPA Healthcare Province from 1972 to 1979. She continued her ministry serving part-time as a healthcare provider for another ten years for Comfort Home Health Care, also in Rochester. Friends had always been important to Sister Jean. At her golden jubilee in 2015, Sister Patricia noted that she had walked with more than 200 young women in her membership ministry. Sr. Mary Alodia Stozek was remembered on her 80th Jubilee. She never wanted to miss a party. Franciscan Spirituality; Franciscan Charism Modules; Franciscan Charism Team; History; Land Ethic; Leadership Team; . She loved her family and visited them in Washington state as often as possible. Later she went back toher baptismal name, Karolyne. There is a picture of the Crucified Christ and beneath it is the following statement: Behold the book of the Chosen, behold the school of . Sister Lydia Wendl, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 101, died on Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Fast. Almost every day at St. Rose Convent, Sister Gertrude could be found in the Adoration Chapel praying for her family, friends, religious community and, of course, the needs of the world. Her older sister Eileen joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1943. She later went back to her baptismal name. It was Bishop John Martin Henni who invited the women from Bavaria to the Lake Michigan shore to help with the needs of the 19th century German immigrants. Sister Rita Marie Bechel, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 97, died Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1954. She later went back to her baptismal name. After attending the Creation Spirituality Program in Oakland, California, Sister Donna served on the retreat staff at Holy Cross Center in Merrill, Wisconsin. Many remember the fun time Sister Jean provided through her Annual Doctor Sister Dean Jean Golf Scramble at the end of each school year at Viterbo University. She wanted to enter St. Rose Convent after graduation, but circumstances compelled her to wait until August 30, 1943. When she was five, her family moved to another farm between Early and Schaller, Iowa. read more . Born on June 20, 1939, in Festina, Iowa, Joan Marie was the youngest of Nicholas and Rosalia Imoehl Hagemans 11 children. She passed to her eternal reward on September 7, 2020. Her love of the Eucharist carried over to her dedication in taking Communion to shut-ins. She was quite an artist; doing beautiful rosemaling and also oil paintings and water colors which can be found around the Villa. 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. Her family hosted foreign exchange students from Iceland and Italy. Sister Patricia Keating, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 91, died of natural causes on July 24, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. 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 ministered at Sacred Heart School in Spencer, Iowa from 1973 to 1997 as music teacher and organist for the parish.