Sister Marie Elizabeth Pink, also known as Sister Felixine, was the oldest of four daughters born to Leo and Gertrude Pink on a farm in southwestern Wisconsin. With no brothers to help with the many chores on a large farm, Marie learned early on the nature of work, driving tractors and teams of horses in the fields, as well as the multiple jobs in the barn. She loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature.
Education, music, and a deep faith were values treasured in the family. The family rosary was a must each evening as was careful attention to homework expectations. It was understood that each daughter would attend college and pursue a career. My mother’s long middle school mathematics teaching career, helped focus my life goal as an educator.
During those years when we were not able to attend the Catholic school, my parents made sure we kept contact with the sisters by taking weekly music lessons. After graduation from Lancaster Public High School, I entered St. Joseph Convent with the hope of following in my music teacher’s footsteps.
This was not to be, since Mother Corona informed me that they had enough music teachers, but I could be a teacher-organist. After an explanation of what a teacher-organist was, I replied that this was not a good idea, and consequently, I became a classroom teacher for the next 50-plus years.
After completing my undergraduate education at Alverno, I had the exciting experience of beginning my teaching experience in a new elementary school at St. Patrick in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Beaver Dam was the site of our St. Joseph Hospital, and this provided me with the opportunity of getting to know many School Sisters. As young sisters, we had many fun experiences in the St. Pat’s gym with the sisters from the hospital, as well as the Notre Dame Sisters from St. Peter’s School and the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Michael’s School. These were very rewarding years in my formation.
Another “first” was my assignment to the new St. Joseph High School in Kenosha for a summer teaching experience, and then to Archbishop Ryan High Schol in Omaha to teach mathematics. After five year in Nebraska, and with the formation of provinces, I returned to Milwaukee and Pius XI High School. I interrupted my teaching experience with five years as director of finance for the Wisconsin Province and returned to education as professor of mathematics and department coordinator for 25 years at Alverno College.
In retirement, I continued my love of teaching by volunteering with Milwaukee Achiever as a GED mathematics tutor and as an assessor at Alverno College. The high value that education had in our home played a significant role in my professional life as a School Sister.
The mighty Mississippi and Sunday fishing experiences in my youth have played a significant role in my time for reflection and leisure throughout my life. My annual retreat and days for reflection were frequently scheduled near a lake or river. Gardening, and time with nature, have provided the quiet peace needed in my daily prayer life. I thank God daily for these many gifts, and the persons who have assisted me in this appreciation.
Prepared by Sister Marie Elizabeth in 2014