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Sisters celebrate 100 years of life

Sister Orielda Spoden at her 100th birthday celebration at the Villa

A life of 100 years contains countless episodes, encounters with people and ideas, interesting and routine work, and experiences of sadness and joy. For the few FSPA who reach this milestone, their centennial birthday celebration at the Villa St. Joseph surely falls in the joy category.

In the late summer Sisters Orielda Spoden and Charlene Dernbach were feted. Their century-long lives were recognized and honored. Both women rallied to participate in their parties. Sister Orielda was alert and expressive. Sister Charlene, who often sleeps most of the day, stayed awake for the entire afternoon.

Sister Orielda Spoden
Sister Orielda turned 100 on Aug. 12. Comfortable temperatures at her party on Aug. 11 meant that many were able to be outdoors for the festivities. Her sister-in-law from Prairie du Chien was among the guests. Noting the crowd, Sister Orielda said, “My oh my, why are all these people here?” A hawthorn tree was planted in her honor, just inside the iron fence near the street. As she studied the tree from her wheelchair, Sister Orielda said, “Where in the world are they going to plant that tree? That’s a big tree.”

Sister Orielda Spoden in Lake Pepin, June 1923

The party continued inside with brightly-colored balloons, cake and ice cream. Each table was set with cupcakes. When Sister Orielda was wheeled up to the table, she got right to work eating the cupcake. When the ice cream came she gave her full attention to that as well.

Staff at the Villa had assembled a collage of photos taken during Sister Orielda’s life. When she saw a picture of herself as a little girl with her parents, she readily recognized “Ma and Pa.” When shown the decorated sheet cake she said, “It’s got my name on it.” The cake was eventually taken to third floor to be shared with her neighbors who could not attend the party.

At the party several members shared their memories of Sister Orielda, and Insight spoke with others just before the event. Sister Rose Rita Collingon remembered Sister Orielda as her first Catechism teacher in Bangor. At that time she was young and thin, and they called her “the pretty sister.”

From the years she ministered at the Villa, Sister Muriel Stork described the centenarian as a very busy worker who loved what she was doing. “It was her pride.” Sister Florence Marie Veit remembered teaching Sister Orielda to drive in her 50s. She noted that Sister Orielda was always obliging about everything and was willing to try new things.

Sister Mary Eve Hytry, correspondent and helper to Sister Orielda at the Villa, says she never spoke much but that even at age 100 Sister Orielda was able to calculate and spell well.

Sister Orielda was known for shutting off unnecessary lights and making sure doors were locked at night. Evidently she performed these tasks with courtesy. Sister Clarone Brill recalled that when she was hosting a meeting with prayer partners Sister Orielda said to her with a beautiful smile, “When you leave you’ll shut that door won’t you?”

Comments about Sister Orielda’s smile were common. Sister Florence Marie said, “She has a smile that includes her eyes.” Sister Mary Eve concurred, “When she smiles her whole face smiles.”

Sister Orielda’s ministry card notes that from 1938 until she retired in 1986 she served as a domestic, a homemaker, and in various laundries. Prior to that work, she taught at the primary grade level for about ten years. The paucity of these descriptions led to conjecture of how Sister Orielda’s ministry might be labeled today. A short list includes: environmentalist, domestic engineer, supervisor, teacher, security guard and one who shares joy.

Sister Charlene Dernbach

Charlene Dernbach, FSPA

Celebrating her 100th birthday, Sept. 3, at the Villa seemed especially appropriate for Sister Charlene Dernbach, because the Villa has been her home for 48 years. She taught for 30 years, primarily in Wisconsin schools, and then moved to the Villa in 1958 because of a hearing problem.

In a personal account Sister Charlene made it clear that she did not retire to the Villa in 1958, indeed, she often took on multiple ministries. For many years she had charge of the sacristy, including the altar boys. She was also the organist for some time. Sister Muriel Stork says that Sister Charlene was very particular when she was in charge of the sacristy, “Everything had to be just right.”

Outside of her liturgical work, Sister Charlene was in charge of the dining room, worked in the occupational therapy area, ran the gift shop and, in the early years, substituted at the parish school.

Sister Maris Kerwin, left, helps Sister Charlene Dernbach bless the redbud tree planted in her honor.

Sister Charlene also lent her creativity to help with other sisters. According to Sister Helen Esther Lueck, Sister Charlene often played her accordion for the sisters. She also wove rugs on a large loom at the Villa and assisted other sisters with the loom.

Reportedly Sister Charlene used to cut a small hole in her coif near her ear to improve the likelihood that she could hear others. Wearing the full habit was always a high priority for Sister Charlene. She wore it longer than any other member. Only recently has she been seen in other attire.

Sister Drusilla Trussoni said Sister Charlene was a serious and very prayerful person, yet she had a dry wit. Sister Helen Esther noted that when asked how she was, Sister Charlene used to comment, “I’m good for the shape I’m in.”

It was a sunny, breezy day for Sister Charlene’s party on Sept. 1. About 30 people watched as a redbud tree was planted in her honor near the grotto. Among the witnesses were nieces and nephews and a great niece, who traveled from Kentucky, Missouri and three different cities in Wisconsin. Sister Charlene had nine brothers; she was the only girl in the family. Sister Helen Esther recalled that Sister Charlene would often travel alone to the East Coast and to the mountains in the west to visit them. One brother, age 95, is still living in Florida.

Just as her family prepared to leave the Villa, Sister Charlene spoke her only words of the day. Sister Mary Ann Gaul said they had been sitting and visiting, looking at family pictures and laughing. As family members rose to leave Sister Charlene uttered, “I am so glad you all enjoyed yourself.”

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