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In Memoriam
We honor the sisters who have shared their lives with us and who have died recently. A Mass is offered at each of our retirement homes for each of them.
Sister Linda Avilla (Michaelinda)
Sister Terese Bartl (Sigfrid)
Sister Imeldine Bohlinger
Sister Patricia Cullen
Sister Edwarda Doyle
Sister Ramona Krapf
Sister Maxine Kruger
Sister Dorothy Ann Schwertman
Sister Pauline Shamaj
Sister Marie Sibbel (Athanasia)
Sister Veronica Wagner
Sister Linda Avilla (Michaelinda)
Born: December 12, 1926
Died: March 4, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Ritaclare Johnson
Sister Linda was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on December 12, 1926 to Peter Avilla and Conscension Agilera both of Mexico. Sister Linda has always been close to her family having grown up with four sisters and five brothers. She graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy in Del Rapids, South Dakota.
Sister Linda made up her mind to become a religious on her First Communion day. Later at a Catholic Music Festival in Madison, South Dakota, she came into contact with the School Sisters of St. Francis from Howard, South Dakota. Sister Paraclete took her to the convent to talk and in 1949 Linda Theresa Avilla entered the convent. She was received in June of 1950.
For the most part, Sister Linda proclaimed the Gospel with her life by her “ability to incorporate academic knowledge with a real pastoral concern.” Her area of special interest was in the area of peace and justice. Her Franciscan charism made her sensitive to the needs of the poor and outcast with whom she labored in a variety of situations.
After Vatican II, Sister became interested in teaching Native Americans and so she taught in a public school in Chinle, Arizona for ten years. The people there loved Sister Linda. Her teaching in Texas was also to the poor and outcast population. Wherever Sister Linda taught she gravitated to her ministry of peace and justice on behalf of the people to whom she ministered. During her teaching in these areas Sister Linda continued to pursue studies through the Pastoral Institute in San Antonio, Texas.
Although, Sister Linda received a teaching award in Texas and was well loved and respected wherever she ministered, she never talked about herself. Sister Linda was a strong woman of faith having accepted the suffering that came to her. She was an intensely spiritual person. These are the graces that God gave this woman who wanted to belong to God with her whole being. Her special sense of humor brought us joy and laughter that will not be forgotten.
Sister Linda, you were so endeared by the Native Americans you ministered to that we will say farewell with the Indian Farewell.
Until we meet again may the Great Spirit make sunrise in your heart.
And may your moccasins make tracks in many snows yet to come.
Born: July 25, 1913
Died: March 1, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Ritaclare Johnson
Often in community we don’t notice the little things that are done on our behalf. Although, Sister Terese seemed always to be first in the food line, it was because we didn’t notice her small service for us. I happened to be in the dining room when I observed Sister Terese very carefully preparing the silverware for the rest of the sisters. She would fold the cloth that covered the silverware and put it away graciously. This way when the sisters moved in the food line the silverware was ready to take. This was a small thing that went unnoticed but it was a service for her fellow sisters. In these last days of Sister Terese’s declining health she was unable to do this service as she knew the Lord was getting ready to welcome her in His eternal home. She told me one day, “I know God is ready for me and I hope I am ready for God.”
Sister Terese, you were ready after all your years of dedicated service and willingness to serve wherever needed. Sister was a homemaker but often helped in the library or classroom. Her first mission was Our Lady of Victory in Chicago, moving on to Aurora, Illinois. Sister Terese also served in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
Born at St. Nazianz, Wisconsin on July 25, 1913 Sister Terese grew up with seven brothers and three sisters. The School Sisters became acquainted with Sister Terese at an early age when she delivered produce to the sisters and attended school. One day as she delivered the produce, one of the sisters said to her, “you’ll be a sister someday”. The following June, Sister Terese said, “I could not put off the call to dedicate my life as a sister. She was received in June 1935 and given the name Sister Siegfried which meant “Love of Peace.”
Besides her dedicated life to community, Sister Terese never turned down a chance to travel. As she said, “I was privileged to go to Fatima, Medjugorie, and Hawaii. My days traveling to these areas were days of prayer and meditation. They were indeed laden with peace, never to be forgotten.”
Sister Terese, you will be with us during Holy Week and of course you are already enjoying the resurrection. Sister Terese’s last sentence in her autobiography was, “I choose to spend my later years in Campbellsport to help wherever I can and to spend more time in prayer and move gracefully toward my eternal glory for which I yearn.”
Born: May 17, 1917
Died: March 17, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Ruth Brings
Sister Imeldine was born in Waumandee, WI, May 17, 1917 - the sixth child of Mary Ann (Mammie) and Frederick Bohlinger, and was named Lorine Catherine. There was excitement, not only in their home on that day, but also in the barn where a little colt was born on the same day.
Lorine Catherine grew up on a farm surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Mississippi River bluffs of western Wisconsin. She often spoke of her family’s home as a place where the skies were blue and the snow was white.
Lorine Catherine attended St. Boniface School where she was taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Inspired by their example, Lorine Catherine felt called to the religious life. On August 30, 1932, at the age of 15, Lorine Catherine left home for St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The first months were hard for Lorine Catherine as she missed her family greatly and was very homesick. But she was kept busy with school, prayer, and work. Two years later on June 13, 1934, Lorine Catherine was received into the community of the School Sisters of St. Francis. She was given the name Sister Imeldine and began her novitiate training with 67 classmates. In her autobiography Sister writes that in the novitiate, “they learned the art of prayer, hopefully, and the study of the rule by which they were to live their life.”
Sister Imeldine made her first vows on August 12, 1936 and was ready to go wherever she would be sent. Sister Imeldine’s first mission was Naperville, Illinois where she served as a homemaker for 11 sisters. For the next 45 years she enjoyed cooking for the Sisters in Charlesburg, Wisconsin; Buffalo Grove, Illinois; Bow Valley, Nebraska; Howard, South Dakota and several other places.
In 1980 Sister Imeldine came to Campbellsport to live at St. Joseph Convent. In her autobiography she writes she came “as a volunteer.” Her years of volunteering stretched into over 20 years of service at St. Joseph Convent. Shortly after Sister arrived, she worked in the bakery making the bread used for meals. After nine years of working in the bakery, Sister Imeldine took an upholstery course and began upholstering furniture. Her skill at upholstering led to another skill - that of making drapes, shades, and curtains used as window dressings in the convent. In between, Sister Imeldine kept busy sewing, and sometimes ripping, hundreds, if not thousands of name tags on items used in the convent. Hard-working, industrious, conscientious, diligent, meticulous, particular, unassuming and quiet are words used to describe Sister Imeldine by those who worked with her.
Sister was a prayerful person. Her prayer was her work and her work was her prayer. In later years as her health declined, she retired from active work to spend more time in prayer and reflection “in her hermitage, her bedroom!”
Today Easter Monday, we say goodbye to Sister Imeldine. May she be joyfully united with the Risen Christ, her Lord and Savior!
Born: June 18, 1914
Died: March 19, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Staff at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee
Sister Patricia (Margaret) was born in Olean, New York, to Andrew and Mary Alice Cullen on June 18, 1914. Her father worked as an air-brake inspector for New York Central Railroad. Besides being proud of her Irish ancestry, Patricia claimed her Irish wit from both parents. She graduated from Holy Family Grade School in Buffalo, New York. Later her family moved to Chicago, Illinois. In 1933, she graduated from Englewood High School in Chicago, Illinois.
Sister Patricia was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy and Sister Frances Ann. During the 1990s, Sisters Patricia and Frances Ann had the opportunity to live together at Marian Hall. Later Sister Frances Ann needed more care and moved to Sacred Heart Convent. Sister Pat lovingly made daily trips to see Frances, and did all she could possibly do for her sister.
For 27 years, Sister Patricia served in the field of education as a high school teacher. Her ministry spanned the three states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. For ten of those years, she answered the call of community and was a capable and spiritual mentor for the aspirants in Milwaukee. Many School Sisters remember her firm yet gentle mentoring during their high school formation years. They respected her rich spiritual core of wisdom and integrity. Over the years many of her former students continued to correspond with Sister Patricia, grateful for her lasting influence.
Sister Patricia’s friends enumerate numerous adjectives to describe her. She was kind, holy, intuitive, faithful, loyal, patient, thrifty and intriguing. Sister Patricia was a reflective person who articulated deep insights on many subjects. It became obvious to many who knew her that she pursued the truth relentlessly.
In 1969, Sister Patricia followed yet another path and for 21 years, she served in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Napa, California, as the Religious Education Director. She also assisted the pastor, Monsignor Vincent Fleming, with various parish duties. Co-workers and volunteers alike highly respected her person and work. Many remember her work in the Religious Education programs.
When Sister Patricia brought closure to her full time ministry and left Napa, California, “to come home” to Milwaukee, the pastor and parishioners received the news of her retirement with sadness and disbelief. Many deeply felt the loss of a mentor and a dear friend.
Sister Patricia always held many of her acquaintances in high regard. They in turn were honored to be her friend. One parishioner wrote to speak of her on-going influence and she wrote; “I am honored that Sister Patricia found time to correspond with me for all of these years. I still have many of her letters, some on beautiful note cards, with inspirational messages, comments on the activities at Marian Hall, and later, at Sacred Heart Convent, and observations on national and world current events, as well as her insights on many social and political issues.”
Throughout Sister Patricia’s life, her love of God was her first priority. We will cherish memories of her loving presence and her example among us, her genuine kindness and straightforwardness, and her smiling Irish eyes.
We can only imagine the glisten of love and joy in those Irish eyes as she left us on the feast of St Joseph and was welcomed and embraced by her God and those two very special saints – Sts. Joseph and Patrick.
Sister Patricia, you are already welcomed to the fullness of the Resurrection! You are already in the embrace of God’ love!
Born: September 8, 1928
Died: July 30, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Bernice Chantos
Sister Edwarda Doyle, Claire Marie, was born in Chicago on September 8, 1928. She was the second in a family of two brothers, now deceased, and one sister.
Sister’s Irish heritage, as well as her early education, was a source of great pride for her. She often sported Irish green with appropriate sayings or symbols. Her early education by the School Sisters of St. Francis was at St. Joseph School in Wilmette, Illinois. She often mentioned that this was the first of the schools opened by the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Sister Edwarda completed her high school education at St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She entered the School Sister community in 1945. Although her desire was to be a musician, she accepted the community’s call to nursing and received her nursing degree from Alverno College. She was very intelligent and prided herself on graduating from a difficult program with good grades.
Sister Edwarda was unique, intelligent, and a dedicated religious. Sisters who lived with her attest to her intelligence through her quick wit, and expertise in board games like Scrabble and Wheel of Fortune. Her spirit of poverty was demonstrated by the few possessions she kept. Her room was always tidy, her wardrobe sparse, and what she did not need was disposed of quickly. She readily shared what she earned with the community. Her most precious gift was her 50th Jubilee trip to Assisi.
The new associates of her area in Chicago wish it to be known that Sister Edwarda truly endeared herself to them through her welcoming presence at each of their visits to St. Priscilla Convent. They especially remember how Sister Edward stepped to the background when goodbye hugs were given at the end of their first visit. They searched her out and said, “You get one too.” Sister Edward never melted into the background again and got her hug along with the rest.
Sister Edwarda’s ministry included hospital and long term nursing care in Wisconsin and Illinois. Much of her ministry was spent in night-nursing at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport. Sister retired to Alvernia Convent and then to St. Priscilla Convent where she was able to return to her beloved study of music under the tutelage of Sister Imelda, her friend and mentor. Sister Edwarda was able to use her music in the service of others by serving as substitute organist in various parishes in Illinois. She also served by running errands for those who were ill. She took sisters to the doctor or hospital, picked up medicine at the pharmacy, and visited those who were sick.
After a short time of her own illness, Sister Edwarda came to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport where she commented, “The sisters are just beautiful!” Although the transition was difficult, her uncomplaining attitude was an inspiration. Sister Edwarda continued to keep contact with her acquaintances and friends by phone and spreading the news to classmates of those who were ill or recovering. She was beautiful in God’s eyes and in God’s house.
Born: July 10, 1917
Died: May 23, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Ritaclare Johnson
Gentle, courageous and genuine – these words epitomize the spirit and presence of Sister Ramona Krapf who was welcomed into the arms of her loving God on May 23, 2008.
Sister Ramona was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Adam Krapf and Rosalia (Essman) Krapf. At birth she was given the name Bernice and was the only girl in the family of three brothers. Her courage began at a young age when her mother died and she was raised by her grandmother. Sister met the School Sisters of St. Francis at St. Philomena School where she attended grade school and later took a two year commercial course. “The love that I saw in Sister Camillus, my second grade teacher impelled me to enter the religious life,” she wrote. At her reception on June 13, 1935, she was given the name Sister Ramona.
Her first assignment and her first work combined teaching and music. Sister trained choirs and played the organ. Sister Ramona taught in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and New Mexico. Part of her work in Albuquerque included serving as a catechist. Wherever Sister Ramona served she was well-loved.
When reflecting on Sister Ramona’s days here at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, I see a person who was deeply holy and long suffering, especially during her journey with dialysis. The journey was very difficult for her but she made a ministry of it, persevering three times a week. With her courage she ministered to the nurses, staff and sisters here. At dialysis she connected with the staff and other dialysis patients with loving concern for them. She once mentioned if she would ever have to make the decision to stop how she would handle it. But the Lord in his love and mercy called Sister Ramona to her eternal home and now she is free and at peace.
Sister Ramona, we thank you for your great witness to us in your gentle, courageous, and genuine spirit.
Born: September 22, 1911
Died: March 30, 2008
Funeral Commentary given by Sister Evlyn Schnieders
(From the writings of Sister Maxine) I was born on a farm outside of Stuart, Nebraska on September 22, 1911, on my parent’s third wedding anniversary.
I was baptized Angela Agatha four days later. My older brother preceded me and God sent us four more children for a total of three boys and three girls.
Ours was a very happy childhood. The loving care of our hard-working parents and the fresh air and sunshine contributed to a healthy family. All of us remained sports fans and we loved the horseback riding and playing ball in summer and ice skating and playing in the snow in winter.
My sister and I used to race a neighbor girl home for lunch at noon. One day I thought I had a head start and was ahead of everyone. When I got home, my mother said, “What are you doing here?” I answered, “I’m home for lunch.” But I soon discovered it only ten o’clock! It was recess and I cried and cried.
Love was the center of our lives along with a deep dedication to family prayer. If we had a quarrel, the cure was a hug and a kiss. There were times we didn’t want to do a task –for example, wash dishes – and Mom would say, “I’ll do it myself.” It would take a second for us to jump to the task. We were fortunate to have the School Sisters as our teachers at St. Boniface School. I loved school and my teachers who nurtured my prayer life and love of Mary and music which my mother began at home. I had always loved the sisters. I was proud of my aunt, Sister Ventura Kunz and cousin, Sister Gaudiosa (Emma Clare Schneider).
In the summer of 1926 I finished my first year of high school at our little Catholic school. It was time for my dream to come true, to be a sister. All that summer I followed my Dad around outside in the evening hoping for his “yes.” It was a difficult decision for both mom and dad, to give me up at the age of 14.
However, on August 13, about six weeks before my 15th birthday Sister Ventrua and I set out for Milwaukee. I can still feel the thrill in me as I walked up those high steps at St. Joseph Convent! It was the vigil of Mary’s Assumption! My postulancy was an exciting year and it was over like a dream. Finally the day of reception arrived, June 15, 1927 and I received the name Sister Maxine. It was a memorable day with my dear mother.
In August I was appointed to teach at St. Clara’s in Chicago. While teaching, I finished my high school and graduated from Loyola. I enjoyed college and later received the administration degree in Omaha, Nebraska.
In June, 1929 I had the joy of bringing my dear sister Hildegard to the Convent. She was only 18 months younger than I and we were very close throughout life. She was received on June 12, 1930 and given the name of Sister Leocretia. She was appointed to work at Sacred Heart Sanitarium and later became a registered nurse.
However, among the deepest sorrows I experienced in life were the days and years Sister Leocretia endured illness, especially cancer. Her death was a relief and joy for her but a sad departure for me. I have found all the deaths of my dear ones very difficult. My living brother, Arby, and sister, Bernadette, are very precious to me.
My 56 years of teaching /administration brought many blessings and joys. I loved my mission life. I taught in Illinois, Wisconsin and Nebraska. I taught all the grades and loved my pupils. My belief in motivating the children brought good results and we, together, had fun in school which included daily singing. Some happy returns have been the visits and letters from former students and class reunions.
In 1984 I decided to “quit while I was ahead” and returned to St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. It was “going home again” where I spent 11 happy years volunteering for small tasks, as well as renewing old acquaintances, and participating in the LaFarge program. Among those experiences was the almost unbelievable privilege of going on a Marian pilgrimage to Europe during my 60th Jubilee year.
In 1995 it was time to move on. After having been a volunteer at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport during a number of summers, I felt it was a good place to retire as it is the “founding “spot of our community where the original spirit lingers. Although I found the adjustment difficult, I believed that was where God wanted me at that time. I enjoyed helping with the tasks, tutoring, watercolor and acrylic painting. God has been my pilot and I walk serene in this place. In 2007 preparing for my 80th Jubilee I add this joyous realization: God is my delight and I am God’s delight!
Maxine, you have been a gift to us really a delight, and we will not forget you.
Born: May 25, 1915
Died: May 19, 2008
Submitted by Sister Julia A. Rice. (The parts in italics are not part of the original autobiography.)
We offer our condolences to Sister’s family, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews and their children.
There is a welcoming party going on in heaven. Sister Rene has prepared it for her beloved sister and ours, Dorothy Ann.
At the end of her autobiography, Sister Dorothy Ann mentions three of the most significant people of her life.
Autobiography of Sister Dorothy Ann Schwertman
I cannot conclude this abbreviated sketch of my life without mentioning three important people in my life. They are the children of my father's second marriage. My sister Norma was born in 1922. I was already seven years old, so I could "help" take good care of her. Two years later my sister Eleanor was born. Now we had four girls and no boys. So we prayed for a brother, and in 1927 God answered our prayer by giving us my brother Jack. There is a close bond of love and caring between all of us. When one of us suffers, we all suffer; when one rejoices, we all rejoice! God be praised!
I, Sister Dorothy Ann Schwertman, was born on May 25, 1915, in Jacksonville, Illinois. I was welcomed into the world by a special "big sister" who felt responsible for me immediately even though she was only two years old.
Because my father's business required sending him to various locations, we moved often. In eight grades I was in about five different schools in four states: Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and Georgia. My high school years took me from Georgia to Alabama to Wisconsin.
My vocation to the School Sisters of St. Francis could only have come from a loving, caring God who had pity on me. He rescued me from throwing my life away and ignoring the deep desire I had to do good for people. Or – is this next version of my "conversion" the answer? My "big sister" always an example for me until she "deserted" me and left me in Georgia when she went to Milwaukee to join the SSSF. Her story is that she had bad knees because she prayed so much for me to have a religious vocation. It took six years of praying on her knees for me to heed the whisper of the Holy Spirit that even sinners could dedicate their lives to serve Christ. Immediately after entering I felt this was where I belonged. It was September 1, 1934.
At the end, of my first year, as I was about to leave for my Postulant visit home, tragedy embraced me. I was barely over the heartbreak of my father's early death at the age of 50 when it seemed death struck another blow. It killed my inner spirit. Sister Viola called me into a private parlor as I was about to leave for the train station. She sat next to me, cried bitterly, and said, "I was supposed to tell you this a week ago, and I just couldn't." My heart pounded as I feared something had happened to my beloved sister, Sister Rene. Then the blow struck when Sister Viola said I could not return. Medical records indicated that I had an ailment that would prevent me from living a community life. I was devastated and could not stop crying. I spent the entire night crying in the balcony of the Adoration Chapel, asking God why He didn't want me. I felt desperate and so alone.
After a year of disappointing news from doctors for any cure, and countless endeavors to convince Mother Stanislaus that I could live a community life, I made what I thought might be my final attempt at re-entering St. Joseph Convent. I visited Sister Rene who was stationed at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Chicago. Sister went with me to Milwaukee to speak to Mother Stanislaus in person. Mother said, "I'll send you to my personal doctor, and I'll go by his decision." Then Sister Magdala, Mother's nurse, took me to Dr. Burback. His diagnosis was the same as other doctors, but his conclusion, after my reaction of streams of tears, saved my vocation. He told Sister Magdala to tell Mother Stanislaus that if he had a convent, he'd take me and get rid of a hundred others who don't really want to be there. Mother acted on this advice, and I was accepted back.
A few years later, after Mother Stanislaus ordered me "in obedience" to ask God to remove this affliction, the doctors could find no trace of the disease.
I was received on June 13, 1937, and given the name Sister Wilbert. When we no longer wore the habit, I returned to my feminine, baptismal name. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1941 from Mount Mary College, majoring in English. I received my Master of Arts Degree in Theology from the College of St. Francis in Joliet in 1962.
My first mission, and first love, was Madonna High School in Aurora. After three happy years there, I was transferred to Winsted, Minnesota, then to Earling, Iowa. Then I was sent to A1vernia where I taught for the next 25 years.
In 1970 I moved to Davenport, Iowa, to be of a little help for my mother. Sister Rene and I taught English at Assumption High School. After three years there, we wanted to be nearer to our Chicago Province, so we accepted a job at Marist High School, an all-boys high school on the South side of Chicago. We then worked a few places in semi-retired teaching.
After much prayer and searching, we went to Mayslake Village in Oak Brook, a senior citizens independent living residence, and served as pastoral ministers for seven years. *
*Recently I met a Servite Sister who lives at Mayslake. She tells me that the people still speak of the ministry of our two sisters there. They not only ministered at the residence, but at the Jewel Grocery Store and at McDonald’s nearby, wherever they found Christ.
Finally we arrived at St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport, in 1998.
I have received no special awards nor have I made memorable trips. I did love teaching for 48 years, and my students knew I loved them too. There is one memorable experience I had at the close of my full-time teaching career. I made a 30 day retreat in Syracuse, New York under a Jesuit, Jim Dolan. This was all on the spirituality of Anthony de Mello, S.J. What a transformation in my life and attitude toward striving for union with God!
I am grateful to God for all His gifts to me, especially the gift of my sister, Sister Rene, who was also my friend and spiritual guide. I miss her more than words can express. Thank you, God, for her beautiful, dedicated life and for taking her home, relieved of the suffering she accepted with such deep love for You!
Sister Dorothy Ann Schwertman – July, 2002
Sister Gerda, whom she brought to the convent, and I were speaking of her the other day. To both of us she was a holy woman, living in the presence of God. Some thought she was too dependent on Rene, but she was her own woman. Who knows which one was a stronger influence on the spirituality of the other? All we can say is that Dorothy Ann was the quieter, sweeter one.
Sister Pauline Shamaj
Born: November 21, 1914
Died: February 20, 2008
Funeral commentary by Sister Evlyn Schnieders
I was not aware of the moment when I first crossed the threshold of this life. What was the power that made me open out into this vast mystery like a bud in the forest at midnight!
When in the morning I looked upon the light I felt in a moment that I was no stranger in this world, that the inscrutable without name and form had taken me in its arms in the form of my own mother…Gitanjali 95 by Rabindranath Tagore
Sister Pauline was born to Steve and Mary Rezak Shamaj on November 21, 1914 in Ford City, Pennsylvania. One week later her memoirs tell us that she was consecrated to God as His Child. She recalled many years later how the parish priest would raise an infant above the altar beneath the crucifix, praying aloud that God would protect the child and family.
Sister’s father had been a reporter for the underground newspaper in Czechoslovakia. He made his escape from the Germans and came to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania. Some months later his wife joined him with an infant son.
In the next years one additional son and six daughters were born in the family. They were a poor, hard-working immigrant family for whom Catholic values were very important, particularly respect for one another and attendance at Mass.
The family lived far from a Catholic church. The shortest route for those who would not fit in the horse and buggy with their parents was to cross the river in a boat. They used a path down the mountainside to the banks of the river where a boat was waiting. They then crossed the river, went to Mass, rode back in the boat and paid the gentleman 21 cents for the ride.
As a very young child Pauline had experienced suffering caused by a lack of water. She was the one who was sent to try to locate a spring from which to draw water after the well went dry. Pauline would walk up and down a large field trying to locate a spring. When she finally discovered fresh water, she filled her container and ran home. They were always conscious of wasting water – God’s precious gift, as her mother would call it.
Pauline was very close to her mother and shared: “As a small child I followed my mother wherever she went. I could hear her pray aloud all day long calling upon God for His assistance in whatever she was doing. I did not fully understand what it was all about, but I always wanted to be like her.”
Pauline thought of becoming a sister, and several months later took action in this direction. In 1933, Pauline was received as Sister Sixtus. She was educated as a teacher and soon joined the staff of Holy Assumption School in Indiana Harbor. Over the years she served as teacher and or principal in Milwaukee, Chicago, Menomonee Falls and Cudahy.
Since childhood Pauline experienced suffering in many different ways which likely contributed to her compassion for others who suffered. She took a job with an answering service for 15 years and during that time she counseled coworkers, or students who had or thought of having abortions. She listened to the hardship of women whose husbands would not give them money for household needs. She listened to the stories of fallen away and lax Catholics. She went to confession with those who didn’t want to go alone. When she celebrated her Golden Jubilee, friends surprised her with a party at a hotel and presented her with gifts.
Throughout Pauline’s life she struggled with doubt about herself and her relationship to God. The renewal and upheaval of the 1960s and 1970s in Church, society and religious communities were very difficult for her. It seems that suffering remained a constant.
After retiring to Marian Hall she helped out with the switchboard and other volunteer jobs. She especially appreciated the leadership and camaraderie there. In 1997 she came to live at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport.
The suffering in Sister Pauline’s life story hints of Saint Teresa of Avila and Mother Teresa, as does the life-story of every person who strives to connect the inner yearning for Beloved God and God’s yearning for us.
Dear Pauline, we thank you for sharing life with us and for the beautiful Slovak culture you and many other women brought to our community and to this country.
I close with another appropriate poem of Tagore:
I have got my leave. Bid me farewell, my [Sisters]. I bow to you all and take my departure.
Here I give back the keys of my door – and I give up all claims to my house. I only ask for last kind words from you.
We were neighbors for long, but I received more that I could give. Now the day has dawned and the lamp that lit my dark corner is out. A summons has come and I am ready for my Journey.
Sister Marie Sibbel (Athanasia)
Born: March 20, 1923
Died: March 28, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Margaret Sibbel
Marie Gertrude Sibbel was born in Butte, Nebraska – the third child in a family of nine children. Marie started her education at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School and was taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. When she graduated eight years later, Mother was not well, and Marie stayed home to help. She also worked for other families when Mother's health improved. Leona and I entered the convent, and when we came home for a Christmas vacation, Marie announced that she too was going to the convent. In fact, our oldest brother was teasing Marie about following her sisters to the convent. We were at the supper table and to everyone’s surprise Marie said, “Yes I intend to go back with them.” And she did! Luckily we had a blizzard that year so we had two extra days to get ready. Marie entered the community on January 6, 1942, the day Mother Corona took office, and Mother Stanislaus retired.
Marie desired and expected to be a homemaker, but was asked to be a teacher and organist. She began high school, and was received with Sister Margaret on June 13, 1943. Sister Leona had been received the year before. During the novitiate, community leadership saw the need for more nurses and asked for volunteers. Marie was one of them. She completed the three year course at Sacred Heart School of Nursing, and after some night courses she graduated from Alverno College. During her nursing career, Marie was asked several times to be an instructor of nurses, but she much preferred the direct care of those who were sick.
After 14 years of nursing at Sacred Heart, she asked to go to Germany, where she was nurse for over ten years. Upon her return to the U. S., Marie spent three months caring for our mother, who was dying of cancer. She had also been a nurse in Beaver Dam, at Villa Clement, and at Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee. When she retired at Marian Hall in Milwaukee, she worked as a resident nurse. At Maryhill Convent she answered phones, doorbells and attended to the mail, always happy to be available wherever she was needed.
Sister Marie was open to new opportunities, especially if it meant reaching out to those who were poor. She participated in the “Living Aware Program” in Lamedeer, Montana for 6 weeks, and a second time in India for 3 months. Techniques and equipment were primitive in India, but Marie thoroughly enjoyed her experience there. She also taught English to the Indian postulants. While in India, she saw extreme poverty, but quality of life was very evident. Marie loved her time in India, working with and for the poor.
Last May heart and lung problems necessitated Marie’s going to a nursing home. Sacred Heart Center was her home from May until September, when she was well enough to be transferred to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport. This was her original choice for retirement. She loved the country atmosphere and the spirit of the sisters, and she so appreciated the care she received at the convent.
Sister Marie was a caring and dedicated person. This last year has certainly shown her depth of spirituality in the way she accepted her physical condition and the need to be on the receiving end of care. Someone said to me, “Marie was never heavy on doing her own will.” That didn’t happen automatically. As a youngster, she was quite self-willed. Throughout her 66 years in the convent, Marie practice surrendering to God’s will, which was very evident in May, 2007. It was one surrender after the other, until there seemed only one will – God’s will! Whether to suffer another day, or to die, Marie would very peacefully say, “It’s up to God!”
Sister Marie, we thank you for the gift you have been to so many of us, and to so many others. You are gift. You are inspiration. You are witness of a nurse's dedication, a faith-filled Franciscan, and a courageous woman! Marie your suffering is over. Enjoy your reward!
Born: November 9, 1937
Died: May 30, 2008
Funeral Commentary by Sister Margaret Sue Broker
Sister Veronica was a gentle soul with a ten thousand watt smile and a heart big enough to encompass her family, her sisters in community, her students, her friends, and believe me, the entire team of the Green Bay Packers.
She was born to Karl and Leona Wagner on November 9th, 1937, in a little place called Town Meeme in Manitowoc County. Her childhood among her six brothers and four sisters was typical of the children in many farming communities at the time. What was perhaps not so typical was her deep devotion to God and her early attraction to religious life.
After 8th grade, she followed the footsteps of her two aunts, Sisters Matrona and Nicoletta. She was received into the community in 1954 and made her first vows in 1956.
Her first assignment was at Our Lady of Charity School in Cicero which she never failed to mention was the “hometown of Al Capone.” She taught first through fourth grade there for 10 years.
In 1966 she received her new assignment. This was at Sacred Heart School in Walls, Mississippi, another small farm community to be sure, but far different from her home town of Cleveland. It was also very different from Cicero and the city life of the Chicago area. But she came to Walls in obedience and found in Walls a new home.
Her love of Mississippi grew and she continued to teach at Sacred Heart School for 38 years, both in Walls and its new location in Southaven, until her retirement in 2004.
Her dedication to the works of Sacred Heart Southern Missions also included 29 years of service in the Sacred Heart School summer program. Not only did Sister Veronica teach but she spent much time with the athletic programs at Sacred Heart School as scorekeeper for the many basketball teams. She loved her sports. During sports events she had a transformation from quiet gentle teacher to enthusiastic fan and energetic cheerleader.
After her retirement Sister Veronica remained in Walls being of service where needed, tutoring, working in the church office, assisting at Sacred Heart School in many capacities, as well as helping in the social services programs in Hernando and Walls. In the evenings and on weekends one would find Sister Veronica glued to the TV and/or listening to the radio cheering for her favorite teams. Her favorite team as evidenced by the green and gold interspersed throughout the convent proved her devotion to the Green Bay Packers especially quarterback Brett Farve from Mississippi.
It was only 3 ½ short weeks ago that she said farewell to her home in Walls and to her many friends who encouraged her through the years. Several years ago, I planted several flowers simply because of their name “Veronica.” As we left the convent that last day she stopped outside and asked “Are my flowers up?” and I told her that they were. Well, they burst into bloom as she burst into heaven with her final touchdown of the season.
Though we will all miss her, I cannot help but smile when I think of her in heaven. I just wonder….. Does God know that from now on all his autumn Sunday afternoons will have to be spent at LAMBEAU Field?