Sister Pauline Wittry's Story & Gallery

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Pauline Wittry- oval portrait-pastel watercolor flowers

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Pauline Wittry, born in 1926, grew up in Breda, Iowa. She received her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, and worked as a dietician at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for 13 years. Sister Pauline earned a master’s degree in psychology from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and ministered as a hospital chaplain. She was honored with the Iverson Freking Ecumenical Recognition Award and celebrated for her advocation of unity among faiths.

Sister Pauline retired from pastoral care at the age of 65 and began a ministry in spiritual direction at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. It was there that she worked extensively in watercolor. An article in Ashland Daily Press features an interview with Sister Pauline:

“During my first years in the convent, I made bookmarks with ink silhouettes of Mary to send as gifts in letters. In college I took a lettering course and oil painting classes. Life was too full of work as a hospital dietician, chaplain, chaplaincy trainer and with civic activities as well as events for sisters, so art remained on my to do list … I paint watercolors predominantly. I use it as a background with stamping of verses, greetings and other designs. I’ve also learned to design and make jewelry. I make handmade cards using dried flowers, leaves and an assortment of other materials like ribbon and lace. My love of art is now being fulfilled.”

Sister Pauline's Art Gallery

Click/tap on the images below to view an enlarged version of her work.