Sister Lucille celebrates 100 years, tree planted at St. Rose

Sister Lucille Kleinheinz’s family and friends joined her in June to celebrate her 100th birthday, which is officially Oct. 23, 2011.

In FSPA tradition, a tree was planted to honor the milestone. For the first time, however, the centenarian resided at St. Rose Convent at the time of her birthday so the tree was planted there—Sister Lucille’s home. To honor the occasion, Sister Lucille wrote a poem that was read by all who gathered for the ceremony.

A tree, you see, is made by God; yet, sometimes, when I write a poem, I think He talks to me and tells me what to write and say.

It’s wonderful to plant a tree. How many trees have you planted in your life, and been a creator in your own right?

How wonderful it is to plant a tree, and have more beauty for another century.

The Korean Maple tree and accompanying sign sit on the east side of the St. Rose
courtyard.

Sister Lucille retired in 1992 and moved to St. Rose Convent in 2001. She served in the field of education for more than 60 years, starting in 1929 as a teacher at St. Mary’s in Colby, Wis. Her ministry included serving La Crosse’s Aquinas High School as teacher and librarian from 1950 to 1992.