In Memoriam

 

Sister Rosetta Trinkes

Sister Rosetta Trinkes, FSPA, 99, died Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, just 22 days before her 100th birthday. She was in the 78th year of her religious profession.

Sister Rosetta was born to William and Rose Anna (Johns) on Aug.13, 1910, on a farm on St. Joseph’s Ridge. At her baptism, she was given the name Edna Elizabeth.

Edna was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1929, and given the name Sister Rosetta. She professed first vows on Aug. 12, 1931, and made final profession on June 11, 1937.

Entering the field of education, Sister Rosetta served for 52 years as an elementary teacher in parish schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including eight years at Willey and Spencer in Iowa and Platteville, Wis. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1987, she was a tutor in adult literacy classes in Frogmore, South Carolina. Sister Rosetta moved to Villa St. Joseph in April 2001.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Rosetta as a prayerful woman, a hard worker and a loyal community member. She loved music, games, cards, reading, walking and nature scenes. Sister Rosetta felt it a privilege to teach the First Communion classes which the lay staff usually declined to teach. After leaving the classroom, she traveled through Appalachia to Frogmore, South Carolina, where she taught in an adult literacy program. She couldn’t stop talking about the mountains and scenery. Her students there were so eager to learn and so respectful. It made a profound impression on her. During retirement Sister Rosetta tutored Hmong women and audited classes at Viterbo. She began to write poetry.

Sister Rosetta is survived by her Franciscan Community; a sister, Catherine Servais, and a brother-in-law Raymond Passe, both of La Crosse; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Hilary and two sisters, Marie and Irene.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Heller

Sister Mary Elizabeth Heller, FSPA, 92, died Sunday, July 11, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-second year of her religious profession.

Sister Mary Elizabeth was born the only child of Harry and Mary (Stangl) Heller on May 4, 1918, in Dedham, IA. She was baptized the following day and given the name Lillian. Both Lillian and her mother were in a weakened condition after the birth. Her mother died two weeks later and Lillian was then hospitalized for a month until she grew stronger. Lillian went to live with her grandparents. In 1921 her father and grandparents moved to Milford, IA. After a few years Sister Mary Elizabeth’s father married again and had ten children. Lillian attended first and second grade at St. Joseph’s School. Her grandparents moved to Carroll, IA, and Lillian had to adjust to “city life”. After graduation from eighth grade, Lillian attended a year at St. Angela High School. Three girls in the class (including Lillian) had already decided on following a religious vocation. So on July 30, 1932, they traveled to St. Rose Convent and completed their high school there.

Lillian was received into the novitiate on August 5, 1936, and given the name Sister Mary Elizabeth. She made first profession of vows on August 9, 1938, and final vows on August 10, 1944.

Ministering in the field of education Sister Mary Elizabeth served as a primary teacher for forty-six years in schools in California, Idaho, Iowa, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. After her teaching career, Sister Mary Elizabeth was a library aide at Kuemper High School, Carroll, IA, and a cafeteria aide at St. Rose Convent. She retired at St. Rose in 1995 and Villa St. Joseph in 2003.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Mary Elizabeth as an effective primary teacher. She was a lively, fun-loving individual. Sister Mary Elizabeth often referred to herself as “Dizzy Lizzie”. There was a more serious side to her and this was reflected in the short stories and reflections on Scripture passages that were found in her file. Sister Mary Elizabeth also dabbled in painting.

Sister Mary Elizabeth is survived by her Franciscan community; two sisters: Cecilia Kollasch, Estherville, IA, and Betty Foxhoven, Emmetsburg, IA; four brothers: Vince (Joy) Heller, Graettinger, IA, Raymond (Clarice) Heller, Milford, IA, Jim (Lois) Heller, Spencer, IA, and Leonard (Arlene) Heller, Terrill, IA; nieces and nephews. Her parents and step-mother, her brothers, William and Bernard, and her sisters Isabelle and Mary Ann preceded her in death.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Magdelle Spinner

Sister Magdelle Spinner, FSPA, 85, died Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 65th year of her religious profession.

Sister Magdelle was born to Raymond and Della (Severson) Spinner on Nov. 15, 1924, in Oelwein, Iowa. At her baptism she was given the name Dorothy Marie. Her family moved several times during her childhood. The first move was to Sumner, Iowa, and then to Waterloo where Dorothy began kindergarten at Sacred Heart School. The next move was to Lansing where she attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from eighth grade. She began her high school education in New Albin and completed it in Lansing. Since second grade Dorothy felt the call to religious life. Though it faded during the early year high school years, it became strong again during her senior year. Dorothy entered St. Rose Convent on Sept. 4, 1942.

Dorothy was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1943, and given the name Sister Magdelle. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1945, and final profession on Aug. 5, 1951.

Sister Magdelle taught 24 years in parochial schools in Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho and Washington. In 1966 she was named a councilor and secretary for the newly formed FSPA Northern Province. For three years she also served as treasurer. Sister Magdelle was appointed St. Rose Convent Coordinator in 1980. She served a four-year term and then lived in the Northern Province Formation House in La Crosse for a year. In 1985 Sister Magdelle went to work in the FSPA Congregational Secretary’s office and the following year was appointed to that position. She served in this capacity for eight years. Sister Magdelle volunteered in the FSPA business office and archives for several years. She retired at St. Rose in 1999 and to the Villa in 2000.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Magdelle as a soft-spoken woman, genuine and kind. That twinkle in her eye that accompanied her smile told you she was thinking of a good story or joke and she could always entertain a group with stories especially, The Three Little Pigs told in pig Latin. Sister Magdelle was a loyal friend and co-worker with Sister Dorothy Mulheron. Together they established the first Northern Province house in Wausau and later moved to Marywood on Trout Lake, Woodruff, Wis. She also served as Sister Dorothy’s chauffeur as they visited sisters in the province. Sister Magdelle was a steady worker and her desk was cleared off each evening before she left work. She enjoyed her family and had many friends. Socializing and playing cards were high on her list of enjoyable things to do.

Sister Magdelle is survived by her Franciscan Community; her sister, Janet Gunderson, Fairbank, Iowa; her brother, Michael (Kathleen) Spinner, Marshalltown, Iowa, her sister-in-law, Myrt Spinner, Davenport, Iowa, and two brother-in-laws, Gordon Halverson, Urbandale, Iowa, and Thomas (Mary Lou) Benson, Weslaco, Texas; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Raymond, Donald and Thomas; and three sisters: Kathleen, Mary Lou, and Patricia.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Immacula Lynch

Sister Immacula Lynch, FSPA, 98, died Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse.  She was in the 76th year of her religious profession.

Sister Immacula was born Jan. 18, 1912, on a farm near Lanesboro, Minn., the daughter of Timothy and Catherine (Enright) Lynch. At her baptism she was given the name Mary Lucille. 

Mary received the habit on Aug. 10, 1932, and was given the name Sister Immacula.  She made profession of first vows on Aug. 6, 1934, and final vows Aug. 9, 1940.

Having earned a degree in nursing and medical technology, Sister Immacula ministered as a nurse for six years before serving as a medical lab technician from 1940-1978 in hospitals in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, New Mexico and Wisconsin, including ten years in Sparta, nine years at St. Francis, La Crosse, and seven years each in Idaho and at Hillsboro. She did research in electrophoresis and chromatography, participated in a national research program for making anti-sera therapy for pneumococci infections, and supervised a multiphasic health screenmobile unit project.  Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1986, Sister Immacula taught religious education and did some home care nursing.  She moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2002.

Community members and family remember Sister Immacula as very proper in her carriage and demeanor.  In her work she was fastidious and detailed which made her an excellent technologist. Health was important to her and she was eating and promoting natural foods before most of us even heard about them. She loved nature and hiking in the mountains. Sister Immacula was Irish, of course, and lived out her Irish Catholicism to the hilt. She was very prayerful and had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. Though not demonstrative by nature, Sister Immacula really cared about those with whom she lived and worked.

Sister Immacula is survived by her Franciscan Community and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Leo, Thomas, Joseph, and Vincent, her sister Veronica, and a set of twins who died in infancy.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

Sister Evelyn (Clarentia) Retka

Sister Evelyn Retka, FSPA, 81, died Monday, April 12, 2010 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 57th year of her religious profession.

Sister Evelyn was born on May 23, 1928, to Leo and Sophia (Rosenski) Retka in Little Falls, Minn. 

Evelyn entered the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1951 and was given the name Sister Clarentia.  Later she returned to her baptismal name.  She pronounced first vows on Aug. 12, 1953 and final vows on Aug. 11, 1959.

Her ministry was diverse: for nineteen years she was as a homemaker in convent homes; two years at a home for the developmentally disabled in Ellsworth, Wis.; four years in child care in Watertown, Wis.; two years at Jefferson, Wis., as the house manager and sacristan; and nine years in the St. Rose Sewing Room. After her retirement she ministered to the elderly and handicapped in La Crosse. Sister Evelyn retired at St. Rose Convent in 2003 and to the Villa in March 2010.

Sister Evelyn is survived by her Franciscan community, her brothers: Alvin (Margaret) Retka, Brandon, Minn., Richard (Barbara) Retka, St. Cloud, Minn., and Edwin (Mary Ann) Retka, Browerville, Minn.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alfred, and her sister, Sister M. Carmel, OSF.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Evelyn as a compassionate person who was always willing to help others. She was an expert seamstress and a very good cook. In 2000 Sister Evelyn was requested to create a doll in an “official” FSPA habit for the Unique Doll Museum at the The Cross in the Woods Shrine in northern Michigan. The doll was the idea of someone who had fond memories of Sister Optata Fries (d. 1997). The doll is 26 inches tall and has taken its place among over 525 dolls dressed in the garb of religious orders of women who worked in the U.S. Sister Evelyn had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. One of the highlights of her life was a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Medjugorje Shrine in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Her health prevented her from going a second time. Another one of her passions was gardening which she did until her move to St. Rose Convent. 

Sister Evelyn is survived by her Franciscan community, her brothers: Alvin (Margaret) Retka, Brandon, Minn., Richard (Barbara) Retka, St. Cloud, Minn., and Edwin (Mary Ann) Retka, Browerville, Minn.; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alfred, and her sister, Sister M. Carmel, OSF.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Arlene Laverdiere

Sister Arlene Laverdiere, FSPA, 93, died Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of her religious profession.

Sister Arlene was born the sixth of ten children to Joseph and Flora (Desautels) Laverdiere on Feb. 11, 1919, in White Bear, Minn. Because she was not expected to live, she was baptized soon after birth and given the name Lucille Agnes.

Lucille was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Arlene on Aug. 8, 1933. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 6, 1935, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1941.

Before earning a bachelor degree in piano and organ and a master degree in voice and choral, Sister Arlene taught primary grades for one year and music for four years in Iowa and Wisconsin. She taught music for 42 years on various levels in Montana, Washington and Wisconsin, including 34 years at Viterbo College. After her retirement from the classroom, Sister Arlene continued to give private music and voice lessons until she moved to St. Rose Convent in 1995. In 2000 she made her home at Villa St. Joseph

Community members, family, former colleagues and students remember Sister Arlene as a charming and delightful person to be around. Her sense of humor, smile and warm personality were attracting. She was a dedicated teacher. Many sisters remember her as the St. Rose Choir director in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sister Arlene is survived by her Franciscan Community; two sisters, Rose Colpaert and Rita (Louis) Marshall, all of Duluth, Minn.; one brother, Wilfred Laverdiere, Mesa, Ariz.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Joseph, Alfred and Arthur; and three sisters: Eva, Merilda, and Sister Eva Jean Laverdiere, FSPA.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Barbara Marie Link

Sister Barbara Marie Link, FSPA, 63, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 43ird year of her religious profession.

Sister Barbara Marie was born on Aug. 22, 1946, the oldest daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kuhar) Link in Peoria, Ill.

Barbara entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Immaculate Conception, Peoria, on Sept. 8, 1964. She was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1965, and made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1967. She made final profession on Aug. 12, 1972. On Feb. 12, 2003, Sister Barbara Marie transferred to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and celebrated her final incorporation on May 27, 2006.

Having earned degrees in history, Sister Barbara Marie began her 29-year teaching career as a history/social studies teacher at Spalding Academy, Normal and Bergan High Schools in Peoria. She earned a degree in systematic theology and taught religion and history at Notre Dame High School before leaving the classroom. Sister Barbara Marie then served as campus minister/pastoral staff at St. John Newman Foundation on the campus of the University of Illinois-Champaign until she moved to La Crosse in 2003. During the next three years she earned certification in Clinical Pastoral Education and Spiritual Direction and taught in the Diocesan Lay Ministry Program. Sister Barbara Marie became a chaplain with Heartland Home Care and Hospice, Brookfield, Wis., in 2006. In June 2009 she made her home at the Villa while taking treatments for cancer.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Barbara Marie as an outgoing and disciplined person who loved learning. She was a natural-born teacher. Her goal was to teach students how to learn, how to do and how to stand on their own. Tours to U.S.S.R. and Italy with students broadened and deepened her awareness of reality. Toward the end of her teaching career she taught honors and advanced placement courses. Sister Barbara Marie was recognized as a master teacher by the State of Illinois in 1984. She received the Peoria Diocesan Teacher Award in 1993. The Notre Dame Club of Peoria’s Exemplar of Service to Education Award was bestowed on her and in 1997 she was named Cosmopolitan Teacher of the Year by the faculty of Peoria Notre Dame High School.

Sister Barbara Marie is survived by her Franciscan community; her mother Elizabeth Link, Metamora, Ill.; two brothers: John (Linda) Link, Chillicothe, Ill., and Al (Sue) Link, Peoria, Ill.; two sisters: Jan (Rick) Holman, Metamora, and Midge (Jeff) Barnes, East Peoria, Ill.; and nieces and nephews Her father and her sister Mary preceded her in death.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. Click here for a contribution form.

 

Sister Josalia Thering

Sister Josalia Thering, FSPA, 88, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. She was in the 68th year of her religious profession.

Sister Josalia was born on March 19, 1921, to Joseph and Rose (Ederer) Thering on a farm near Spring Green, Wis. At baptism she received the name Marie Elizabeth.

Marie was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1940, and received the name Sister Josalia. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1948.

Having entered the field of education, Sister Josalia taught for 12 years in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin and served as organist in those parishes as well. She left the classroom due to ill health and served as a homemaker in convent homes over 20 years including 11 years at Aquinas Convent. From 1979-1992 Sister Josalia was part of the housekeeping staff at Viterbo College. She served as homemaker three more years before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1995 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2007.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Josalia as a prayerful woman, a woman who went about her work quietly and diligently. She had a delightful sense of humor. In 1982 Sister Josalia began using her free time and her talent to make crocheted articles for the needy in the area. By 2006 she had made 2,442 articles: 122 afghans, 118 baby caps, 41 booties/slippers, 2,120 teen caps, 26 scarves, and 15 miscellaneous items. “Everyone wants to be warm in winter!” she said. Who knows how many more articles she made in the past four years? The items have been distributed through RSVP (Retired Seniors and Volunteers Program). Sister Josalia was also a master at counted cross stitch. Several of her cross stitch articles were sold in the gift shop. At the Villa one would often see her at the jigsaw puzzle table on second floor.

Sister Josalia is survived by her Franciscan community; her sisters Florence Kraemer, Plain, Wis., Roseann Beverly, Freeport, Ill., and Joann (Robert) Nachreiner, Spring Grove, Wis.; her brothers Leo Thering, Corpus Christi, Texas, and Fred Thering, Madison, Wis.; a sister-in-law Bernice Thering, Cottage Grove, Wis.; brother-in-law Leonard Hanson, Sherwood, Oreg., and nieces and nephews. Her parents, her brothers Harlan, Joseph, Louis and Alphonse and her sisters Dorothy and Mary preceded her in death.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Ruthmary Waterstreet, FSPA

Sister Ruthmary Waterstreet, FSPA, 88, died on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 62nd year of her religious profession.

Born on July 30, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wis., Sister Ruthmary was one of two children of Erhart and Ruth (Hornung) Waterstreet. At her baptism she was given the name Wanda Grace.

Wanda was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1946 and was given the name Sister Ruthmary. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1948 and final vows on Aug. 9, 1954.

Sister Ruthmary earned a master’s degree in mathematics and taught math and science classes at St. Rose High School, Aquinas High School, St. Michael’s Home and Viterbo College, La Crosse; at St. Angela’s Academy, Carroll, Bellevue High School, Lansing High School in Iowa; St. Mary’s Academy, Prairie du Chien, DePadua High School, Ashland, and Cathedral High School, Superior, Wisconsin. She was on staff at Mt. Scenario College, Ladysmith, four and a half years before moving to Michigan where she worked at Upper Peninsula Catholic Newspaper for ten years. For several years Sister Ruthmary taught at Viterbo College during summer sessions and later she tutored at Messmer High School and Marquette University in Milwaukee. She retired in 2000 in the Milwaukee area and moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2005.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Ruthmary as a photographer. Her love of nature and photography is supported by the numerous boxes of slides of nature comprised in her collection. She was a woman who had a gentle heart hidden under a sometimes brusque exterior. She expressed her opinions and preferences freely and strongly. Sister Ruthmary spent several summers volunteering at Marywood Eastern Region Province House.

Sister Ruthmary is survived by her religious community and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Wallace.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Frances Claire Mezera, FSPA

Sister Frances Claire Mezera, FSPA, 94, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of her religious profession.

Sister Frances Claire was born on March 16, 1915, Eastman, Wis., to Frank and Clara (Sprosty) Mezera. At her baptism she was given the name Loretta.

Loretta was received into the novitiate on Aug. 10, 1932, and was given the name Sister Frances Claire. She made profession of first vows on Aug. 6, 1934, and final vows Aug. 9, 1940.

After earning a degree in education, Sister Frances Claire taught for 20 years in elementary schools in Iowa, Idaho, Washington and Wisconsin. She then earned a degree in library science and devoted 44 years of service to Viterbo College as librarian. Sister Frances Claire served as director of the academic library, was museum curator for a few years and from 1994-1998 she organized the Viterbo Archives. She continued to volunteer at Viterbo even after she retired to St. Rose Convent in 2002. In 2006 Sister Frances Claire made the Villa her home.

Community members and family remember Sister Frances Claire as a quiet, gentle person with a radiant smile. She was dedicated and thorough, never too busy to help others. In 1992 Viterbo College bestowed on Sister Frances Claire the Distinguished Service Award and in 1998 the Francis Clare Library Endowment was named in her honor. She was one of several who were recognized in the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women in 1990. Sister Frances Claire was a well-read woman who shared her knowledge generously. Her faithfulness was exemplified by her years as librarian at Viterbo and by the 5 p.m. Adoration Hour that she and Sister Jeanice Lohman kept for many, many years.

Sister Frances Claire is survived by her Franciscan Community; three sisters: Dorothy Day, Montrose, Colo., Rose Trautsch and Catherine Steger, both of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; two brothers: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mezera, Eau Claire, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mezera, Junction City, Wis.; a sister-in-law: Velma Ann Weadge, Boscobel, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Donald, Clement and Lawrence and two sisters; Lucille and Mary Rita.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Josara Bielefeld

Sister Josara Bielefeld, FSPA, 93, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 71st year of her religious profession.

Born on Sept. 5, 1916, Sister Josara was the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Kuebler) Bielefeld in Muscatine, Iowa. At baptism she was given the name Pauline.

Pauline entered the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1937, and was given the name Sister Josara. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 12, 1939, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1945.

Sister Josara taught for two years before entering the field of health care. She ministered as a medical laboratory technician for 43 years in hospitals in La Crosse (St. Francis 9 years), Idaho Falls (5 years), Arco, Idaho (5 years), Hillsboro (St. Joseph’s 9 years) and St. Anthony’s, Carroll, Iowa, for 15 years. Sister Josara volunteered at St. Anthony’s another five years before moving to Villa St. Joseph in 1995 where she served as a volunteer. She retired at the Villa in 2006.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Josara for her gentle presence and for her willingness to fill in wherever there was a need. Sister Josara retired for the first time in 1986. There were times that she was called on as a relief tech, and she happily accommodated those requests to be back at St. Anthony. When she was not at St. Anthony as an employee, she volunteered many hours of her time visiting the sick and homebound, hospice patients, assisting with the Bloodmobile, as well as filling vacancies in the pastoral care department at the hospital.

Sister Josara always felt it was a privilege to serve her sisters at the Villa, which she did until she was no longer able.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Marda Tsai

Sister Marda Tsai, FSPA, 92, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the 68th year of her religious profession.

Born in the year of the dragon, Sister Marda comes from a long line of Catholics who boast of martyrs. She was born on June 11, 1916, the oldest of ten children of Paul and Mary (Wang) Tsai in Peking, China. At baptism she received the name Anna.

Anna was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1940, and received the name Sister Marda. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1948.

Entering the fields of education and art, Sister Marda taught in Wuchang, Hupeh, China, for a year before being principal at the newly established school in Hwang Shih Kang, Hupeh, China. She returned to the United States and taught art at St. Angela’s Academy, Carroll, Iowa (4 yrs). From1954-1986 Sister Marda taught junior high and then art at Bishop Baumgartner High School on Guam. She taught art on a grant from the Insular Arts Council, gave art lessons and taught oriental painting at the university as well as doing her own private art work. For the next 12 years Sister Marda devoted herself to private art lessons and visiting the elderly. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1999 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2008.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Marda as a prayerful woman and a talented artist. She was persistent, determined, loyal and very much in love with God. While in Guam she taught Tai Chi Chu’uan (physical exercise), Tai Chi Chien (exercise with sword dance) which she learned from her brother, Oriental painting, Calligraphy (Chinese and English) besides art. One of her creative abilities was quilling. Before moving to the Villa, she sought out Sister Carlene Unser and taught her the art so that it would not die out in the community when she herself died. One of Sister Marda’s proudest moments was in 1962 when she became a naturalized citizen of the United States. In 1986 Sister Marda was inducted into the Guam Educators’ Hall of Fame.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Jamesetta Dowd

Sister Jamesetta Dowd, FSPA, 90, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-first year of her religious profession.

Sister Jamesetta was born on Oct. 3, 1919, to James and Catherine (McKay) Dowd in Superior, Wis. At baptism she was given the name Catherine Mary.

Catherine received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1937, and was given the name Sister Jamesetta. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 12, 1939, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1945.

Entering the field of education, Sister Jamesetta taught in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin for 52 years including 21 years at Cathedral School in Superior. After leaving the classroom she ministered to the sick and elderly before retiring in Superior in 1995. Sister Jamesetta took up residence at St. Rose Convent in 1998 and Villa St. Joseph in 2005.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Jamesetta as a kind and gentle woman. You always felt comfortable in her presence. Sister Jamesetta was an excellent primary teacher. She enjoyed her third graders and said of them, “They’re challenging and lively and unpredictable.” Prayer, especially in the chapel, was the source of her strength for ministry.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Elaine (Mary Albert) McMullin

Sister Elaine McMullin, FSPA, 91, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 72nd year of her religious profession.

Born on Aug. 9, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minn., Sister Elaine was the second child of Albert and Florence (Green) McMullin.

Elaine was received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1936, and given the name Sister Mary Albert. (Later she returned to her baptismal name.) She made first profession of vows on Aug. 9, 1938 and final vows on Aug. 10, 1944.

Having earned a degree in education, Sister Elaine taught on the elementary level for 33 years in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin. After leaving the classroom, she served as religious education teacher for ten years in Menomonee, Mich., River Falls and Woodruff, Wis., and Coon Rapids, Minn. Yankton, S. D. was her next mission where she ministered as a hospital chaplain. Sister Elaine served as secretary for Camphor United Methodist Church in St. Paul, was coordinator of Driver Escort Program for Retired Seniors and Volunteers Program(R.S.V.P), and then visited the elderly through the Senior Companion Program in Minneapolis for five years. She retired in 1996 in Minneapolis, moved to St. Rose Convent in 1998 and had made Villa St. Joseph her some since 2007.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Elaine as an energy-filled woman with a thirst for knowledge and much determination. She possessed a great sense of humor and a sensitive spirit. Through all of the physical limitations she experienced in her later life, Sister Elaine strived to maintain a positive outlook. She was able to take the latest diagnosis in stride and quickly prepared for her death. Sister Elaine loved life and lived it to the fullest extent possible!

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Delberta Schmitz

Sister Delberta Schmitz, FSPA, 91, died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 72nd year of her religious profession.

Born on April 16, 1918, in Sparta, Wis., Sister Delberta was the oldest of three children born to Theodore and Agatha (Welte) Schmitz. At her baptism she was given the name Margaret Rose.

Margaret was received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1936, and was given the name Sister Delberta. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 9, 1938 and final vows on Aug. 10, 1944.

Sister Delberta taught 13 years on the elementary level and 26 years on the secondary level in parochial schools in Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada and Wisconsin including nine years in Canton, Miss., and eight years each in Muscatine, Iowa, and Aquinas High School, La Crosse. In 1982 Sister Delberta was elected provincial of the FSPA Southern Province. From 1985-1993 she served as business and plant manager at St. Rose Convent. Sister Delberta moved to Arbor Vitae, Wis., where she was responsible for the maintenance of the buildings on the FSPA Eastern Region property (Marywood). She spent two years of retirement in Wheat Ridge, Colo., as a tutor. Sister Delberta retired at St. Rose in 2000 and Villa St. Joseph in 2006.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Delberta for her friendly manner, jovial laugh and hard working nature. Her loyalty to community and dedication to prayer were as apparent as her love of nature. During her years at Marywood, Sister Delberta had two special pets, Cari and Lady, Australian Shepherds, who followed her everywhere. Lady came to visit her several times at St. Rose and the Villa. Sister Delberta enjoyed doing anything outdoors whether it was picking apples or strawberries, growing horseradish or digging up dandelions. In her retirement she took a watercolor painting class, read books and magazines relating to nature and ecology, taught a college algebra course to a single student. Knitting, crocheting new patterns, playing cards and solving any cryptograms all kept her mind active. One of Sister Delberta’s most memorable experiences was in 1995 when she and her sister got to shake hands with Pope John Paul II during an audience at the Vatican.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Mary Walter Heires

Sister Mary Walter Heires, FSPA, 94, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-third year of her religious profession

Sister Mary Walter was born the oldest of eight children to Walter and Rose (Bruch) Heires on May 22, 1915, in Carroll, Iowa. At her baptism she received the name Dorothy Marie.

Dorothy was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1935, and was given the name Sister Mary Walter. She made profession of first vows on Aug. 5, 1937, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1943.

Entering the teaching profession, Sister Mary Walter ministered for 45 years in elementary and secondary schools in Iowa, Mississippi, Washington and Wisconsin including 16 years each at Kuemper High School, Carroll and Holy Child Jesus, Canton, Miss. From 1983-1990 Sister Mary Walter cared for her mother until her death and managed the family farm. She moved back to Mississippi and was tutor and librarian in Camden until her retirement at Villa St. Joseph in 1994.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Mary Walter as a prayerful, caring, gentle and unassuming woman. She would go the extra mile for anyone. Sister Mary Walter had a wealth of knowledge and was eager to share it. She spent her energy for others. At the Villa Sister Mary Walter was correspondent for many sisters over the years. In Mississippi the poor were the recipients of her care and loving attention.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Alicia Bauer

Sister Alicia Bauer, FSPA, 88, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 65th year of her religious profession.

Sister Alicia was born to John and Mary Bauer on Jan. 13, 1921, in Lima, Wis. She was baptized and named Marcella Agnes.

Marcella was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1943, and given the name Sister Alicia. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1945, and final profession on Aug. 5, 1951.

Entering the education profession, she taught for 30 years in elementary schools in Washington and Wisconsin. After she left the classroom, Sister Alicia served as a homemaker in convent homes and taught religious education classes or visited the elderly. In 1984 she moved to St. Joseph Parish, Menomonie, Wis., where she was religious education coordinator for seven years and parish visitor for five years. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1997 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2002.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Alicia as a gentle caring person who was willing to help wherever needed. The elderly looked forward to her visits. The children in religious education classes were touched by her love of God which shone through her words and actions. The sisters whom she served as a homemaker appreciated her efforts to make the convent a home.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Joyce (Laurwyn) Miller

Sister Joyce Miller, FSPA, 71, died on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, WI. She was in the 51st year of her religious profession.

Sister Joyce was born on Oct. 24, 1937, to Laurence and Winifred (Lyons) Miller in Ashland, Wis.

Joyce was received into the novitiate on Aug.12, 1957. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1959, and was given the name Sister Laurwyn. Later she returned to her baptismal name. She made profession of perpetual vows on August 10, 1964.

Sister Joyce taught seventh grade at St. Mary’s, Wausau, Wis., and then on the high school level at Bellevue and Lansing, Iowa, for a total of 12 years. Sister Joyce changed careers and became a Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry in Ashland (12 yrs) and Green Bay (3 yrs). From 1989-1992 she was Director of Release Time Religious Program for the Consolidated St. Croix Valley in Stillwater. For five years Sister Joyce went back to the classroom. After a sabbatical year, she joined Harcourt Religion Publishers as a Religious Education Consultant, giving workshops all over the country.

Community, family, colleagues and friends will remember Sister Joyce as a talented teacher, a determined and strong woman. Her sense of humor and love of teaching made her a good workshop presenter. She also loved animals, especially dogs. Her pets visited the Villa and St. Rose often and were good therapy for everyone. During her life Sister Joyce was not a stranger to pain. She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for many years.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Marie Clemente Wild

Sister Marie Clemente Wild, FSPA, 90, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 64th year of her religious profession.

Sister Marie Clemente was born the only child of Albert and Anastasia (Freese) Wild on Feb. 4, 1919, in Denver, Colo. At her baptism she was given the name Mary Albertina.

Mary was received into the novitiate on Aug.12, 1943, and given the name Sister Marie Clemente. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1945, and final profession on Aug. 5, 1951.

Entering the health care field, Sister Marie Clemente earned her registered nurse certification from St. Francis School of Nursing and Viterbo College. She served in this capacity at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse for over twelve years, nine and a half years in Idaho Falls and four years in Sparta. Sister Marie Clemente worked part time at St. Joseph’s, Hillsboro, while living in the House of Prayer. She worked at a nursing home in Freeport, Ill., as a nurse and as activities director. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1992, Sister Marie Clemente concluded her active ministry as RN and then activities director at Villa St. Joseph.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Marie Clemente as a contemplative and gentle woman who shied away from the limelight. She entered the Poor Clare’s novitiate at Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1969, but returned a short time later to continue her nursing career. The last 20 years of ministry were devoted to the care of the elderly. They responded to her quiet nature, her enticing smile.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI
54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.