Lynmary Ehrgott was welcomed into the world on June 16, 1938. In 1948, her family moved to Lombard, Illinois, where Lynmary attended Sacred Heart School and where she first met the School Sisters of St. Francis. Upon graduating from grade school in 1952, she felt called to religious like and made the decision to join the community.
She attended St. Joseph High School at the motherhouse convent, where she studied music during the summers and played the organ for various parishes throughout the school year. Because of these commitments, she was unable to complete her high school courses on the typical timeline. She received an unsigned diploma in 1954 but officially completed her graduation requirements in 1956.
From 1957 until 1977, Sister Lynmary taught music in various schools staffed by the School Sisters. She had assignments in Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. During these years, Sister Lynmary also returned to work toward her college degree each summer. Sister Theophane Hytrek of Alverno College’s music department once joked that Sister Lynmary would never finish college if she kept playing the organ all summer, but she did eventually complete her degree in 1971.
After graduation, her parish ministry continued at St. Mark in Kenosha, Wisconsin (1971-1974), and in Chicago at St. Philomena Parish (1974-1976) and Transfiguration Parish (1976-1977). In 1977, Sister Lynmary pursued her longtime dream of teaching piano lessons in people’s homes, and in 1982 she also started playing in musical performances and theatrical shows. In addition to piano and organ, her musical talents included playing guitar and violin.
Lynmary’s sister, Chris Ehrgott, is an associate of the School Sisters and a professional truck driver. The two are close, often talking on the phone and occasionally meeting in different parts of the country. This gives Lynmary a unique glimpse into the world of cross-country trucking. When she’s not traveling or playing music, Lynmary enjoys watching informative and entertaining television programs. Her favorite is the PBS drama Call the Midwife.
Congratulations, Sister Lynmary, on your 70th jubilee! Ad multos annos!