Life Cycles 2022

Cover photograph by Michelle Bley.

Dear Sisters and Associates,

As we enter into Holy Week, a most sacred time of the Church year, we pause to celebrate and reflect. In this booklet we remember the lives of our 11 Sisters and five Associates who blessed us with their love and friendship through the Family of Charity. Each now celebrates eternal peace with God, fully sharing in His light.

The 16 women remembered in this issue of Life Cycles were a gift in our lives; we miss their presence among us. I believe each Sister and Associate is reflected in the above antiphon from John as well as in the antiphons accompanying their individual tributes throughout this booklet. Each lived her call in ways unique to her. We treasure our memories and the examples of light they left us. We remember them as advocates for social justice and care for Earth, creators of poetry, music, art and untold forms of beauty. They were influential and committed teachers, women who ministered to those ill and dying. By their presence, companionship and zest for life, each shared the ‘light of life’ while among us.

I invite you to find a place of stillness as you read and reflect on these remarkable women that continue to bless and touch us through their extraordinary lives of charity. Let us rejoice this Easter on the light they have been to us. For they are our friends, companions, mentors; they are our Family of Charity.

Lovingly,

Patricia Hayden, SC President

“I am the Light of the world, says the Lord; Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Sister Anna Maria Ahl

March 26, 1926-April 26, 2022

Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth: The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.

Awonderfully gifted poet, artist and singer, S. Anna Maria Ahl spent much of her 75 years as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati utilizing her artistic talents. S. Anna Maria was born in Chicago, Illinois. She attended St. Sebastian grade school and graduated from St. Sebastian High School in 1944 where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. After high school she worked at the Whiting Paper Company doing bookkeeping and typing while attending night classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. In September 1946 she entered the Sisters of Charity.

S. Anna Maria’s ministries spanned more than 55 years in education, art creation, social services, housing and retreat work; 40 of those years were spent in Colorado Springs, Colorado. S. Anna Maria began her years of service at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, putting her office skills to use. She ministered in the classroom (elementary then high school) at schools in Ohio and Colorado from 1950 until 1970.

After completing her Master of Arts degree, S. Anna Maria was freed for creative art. She opened her own creative arts area at the Motherhouse. In those eight years she illustrated books for authors, helped with a teen religion series, created works of poetry and wrote an ‘ecology fable,’ with no desire to specialize in any one field.

In 1978 S. Anna Maria was invited to use her creative art and cooking skills in service at El Pomar Retreat House in Colorado Springs. She thrived in the beauty nature provided, both for her spirit and her creative talents. She would form deep and lasting friendships in ministry there. The next seven years she did general office work, wearing many hats, when El Pomar became Julie Penrose Center. For the years prior to her retirement, S. Anna Maria gave quality service to Greccio Housing Unlimited, Inc. in Colorado Springs where the goal was to preserve, develop and maintain quality affordable housing. She served as receptionist and office assistant. Those skills, encouraged by her mother, provided a practical benefit once again.

S. Anna Maria retired in 2001 and moved to Mother Margaret Hall in 2018. There she enjoyed reading books on new theology, sharing time with her Sisters, viewing PBS programs on science and nature and listening to classical music. S. Anna Maria would say of her creative bent, “Any creative process needs a germ to get started. The germ grows and develops until suddenly you have the idea and then the illustration comes naturally.”

Friend S. Jean Miller shared, “Anna Maria was a very reflective religious woman. I knew her best in the West where we got together frequently at her house. Her love of nature was so obvious in her prayers and poetry.”

Sister Marilyn Joseph Czarnecki

September 9, 1935-October 23, 2022

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad.

ASister of Charity for 69 years, S. Marilyn Joseph Czarnecki grew up in Jackson, Michigan, attending St. Mary Grade School and graduating from St. Mary High School. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1953 after working in a business setting for several years. She said she felt called to religious life for its challenge, friendship and love.

S. Marilyn Joseph’s ministries spanned more than 46 years in education. She gave nine years to early learning, 21 as an elementary administrator and 16 as a primary classroom teacher. She began her years of ministry at the Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak, Michigan, in 1956 as a primary teacher and continued at schools in Michigan, Maryland and Ohio until 1972.

The year brought a change in S. Marilyn Joseph’s ministry, moving to the College of Mount St. Joseph and beginning an Early Childhood Learning Center, serving as the director. She remained there for nine years as a professor of education and directing the lab school where college students could gain valuable teaching experience without having to travel great distances; they served students from preschool through eighth grade, housed in Seton Hall on the Motherhouse campus.

S. Mary Fran Davisson ministered with S. Marilyn Joseph at both St. Saviour School in Rossmoyne and then at the Mount Campus School. She recalls, “I found S. Marilyn Joseph to be a gentle woman, who would encourage you, challenge you, and bring the best out of the little ones. She built a safe, comfortable environment in which to learn.”

In 1981 S. Marilyn Joseph accepted a position as school principal at Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson, Michigan. It was like coming home again. She remained there until 1986 when she answered a call to come to St. Joseph School, Howell, Michigan, as principal; she served there until 2004 when she offered her services as a substitute teacher to the Catholic schools in the area, a role she loved.

As an administrator S. Marilyn Joseph offered her creative talents, but was quick to credit her support staff for the school’s accomplishments. She stressed the importance of the arts in education. She put an emphasis on the need for a growing awareness of concern for others and the religious impact children can have on other persons.

For her retirement years, S. Marilyn Joseph continued to serve as a substitute teacher when called upon by the area Catholic schools, and she appreciated the opportunities to enjoy enrichment programs and lectures offered to adult learners through the University of Notre Dame. She also responded to a request to write curriculum for a hospital school in the Detroit area; her gifts continued to be given for the good of others.

Sister Marie Evelyn Dow

June 13, 1926-August 2, 2022

“I live by faith in the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

S.Marie Evelyn Dow’s ministries represent more than 55 years in education, parish ministry and supportive Congregational roles. She began her years of service in 1948 at Loyola in Denver, Colorado, teaching primary age children. She continued at schools in Colorado and New Mexico until 1970 when she was missioned to Pauline Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She remained in the classroom, part-time, but added general office administration as well. She was asked to assist at El Pomar Retreat Center in a pastoral role in 1973 and then returned to office administration at Pauline Memorial (1975-’88).

S. Marie Evelyn found a role well-suited for her warm personality as a receptionist at Julie Penrose Center in Colorado Springs. She was also in charge of the center’s gift shop. In 1992 she served as assistant director of St. Elizabeth Residence, Colorado Springs, a residence built for Sisters from the West who wished to remain in the western U.S. for their retirement years. She remained there until it closed in 1995.

That year S. Marie Evelyn became the property caretaker for the Congregation’s Cascade Cabins outside of Colorado Springs, a ministry she made her own. She learned her handywoman skills from her father at an early age and put them to excellent use at the vacation cabins. Plumbing, painting, minor repairs and fix-it challenges were welcomed and appreciated by all who took time out to rest and relax in the mountain cabins. Her redecorating efforts added comfort and beauty to each person’s time away.

In her retirement years, S. Marie Evelyn moved to be near family members in the Albuquerque area. As her needs increased she gave up driving and chose to come to the Motherhouse in October 2017. She enjoyed spending time getting to know her Sisters who had spent most of their ministry years in the East.

S. Jean Miller remembered, “She was a generous woman, who appreciated her time and space. She was so faithful to care for the cottages in the mountains outside Colorado Springs and had great stories of her experiences there. When she arrived here she missed the sun, the beauty of nature and her friends. … She was happy and comfortable with the daily tasks, the care of staff, a book from the library and a visit to talk about our memories.”

Sister Claire Foken

November 12, 1923-July 11, 2022

“You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.” Psalms 23:5

Born of German immigrant parents, S. Claire Foken grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, attending St. William grade school and Seton High School. S. Claire entered the Sisters of Charity Community in February of her senior year. Her Seton classmates had a farewell party for her. At that time her message to the attendees, “My only hope is that each of you, no matter what you do in life, may someday be as happy as I am today.” S. Claire was one of three family members to enter the Sisters of Charity, including two siblings, and credits Sisters Miriam O’Day and Marie Emmanuel Streit as inspiring her to follow her call to religious life. She celebrated 81 years as a Sister of Charity in 2022.

S. Claire’s ministries spanned more than 55 years, equally spent in education and pastoral ministry. Most of her teaching years were in the high school classroom, sharing her expertise in English and literature at schools in Ohio, New Mexico, Colorado and Michigan over the course of 20 years. The last seven years she served as an assistant high school principal at Holy Angels, Sidney, Ohio (1965’70); Catholic Central High, Springfield (1970-’71); and Marian High, Cincinnati (1971-’72).

In 1973 S. Claire began a new career as a pastoral associate at St. William parish (Cincinnati) where she served for 27 years. Her ministry covered areas of personal care for seniors, housing, employment, transportation, clothing, food and health care. Parish members valued her endless energy, organizational skills and generous spirit. She enlisted parishioners of all ages, activated a Network of Prayer and initiated an annual Giving Tree which included parish shut-ins and needy of the community. It was a ministry that called forth her many person-centered gifts. In 1976 she received Price Hill’s Most Distinguished Citizen Award and was honored with the Citizen of the Year Award for Community Service in 1978.

Father Francis Kennedy, St. William pastor, spoke of S. Claire’s multifaceted contributions to the life of the parish at the time of her retirement in 2000. “Little did I know, or dream in my wildest expectations, how resourceful and invaluable her ministry would be, particularly to the senior members of our parish. Her ever acute and active mind and power of observation far exceeded one’s ability to evaluate them. She always saw and expressed a real need before others could ascertain it; she already had a solution and already had put it into operation.”

S. Claire had a tremendous love of nature and how it speaks of God. In her retirement she enjoyed writing and painting as well as gardening, playing bridge and being with people, especially close friends.

Sister John Michael Geis

August 30, 1936-February 18, 2022

With his own blood Christ obtained eternal redemption for us.

Direct, honest, helpful and giving, S. John Michael Geis was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her family moved to Cincinnati while she was in grade school. She met the Sisters of Charity in high school at St. Mary, Hyde Park. It was in her senior year that she was led to consider religious life; she entered the Community in September 1954.

S. John Michael’s ministries represent more than 45 years; nine as a middle-grade classroom teacher and then 37 years serving the needs of the deaf community at St. Rita School for the Deaf in Evendale, Ohio. It was a phone call from Mother Mary Omer Downing that prompted her to go to St. Rita in 1968. That year turned into 37 years of ministry at the school, serving in a variety of capacities. It became a labor of love. She served as an intermediate/junior high teacher for most of those years, dean of discipline and friend to many. In extracurriculars, S. John Michael co-directed the Hands of Love Choir and headed the school’s D.A.R.E. program.

For a number of years, Sister offered a free 10-week course in the language of signs for the public at St. Rita’s, giving area residents a basic ability to converse with non-hearing persons. In the early 1990s, S. John Michael was asked to provide a sign language course for law enforcement personnel from Hamilton, Montgomery and Ross counties which enabled police officers to communicate when working with persons who are hearing impaired. In 1995 S. John Michael received the Police Appreciation Citizen Award, nominated by the Evendale Police Department.

S. John Michael would say that the role she loved most was to be a presence and support to the kids who needed a listening ear and an understanding heart to walk with them and their families through their joyful, fearful and challenging times.

Former parents, Ed and Cyndy Pfiester, remember, “S. John Mike lived a long and giving-to-others life. She was one of our favorite persons, ever. She was always positive and optimistic about the world and people, especially St. Rita students.”

Her love for education and children spilled into her personal life as well. S. Terry Thorman shared how helpful S. John Michael was to her and the Peaslee Neighborhood Center in the 1990s as director of a ‘sign choir.’ “The choir was a handful of energy, so we called on Sister’s expert help with the signing,” she recalled. “She came from St. Rita’s after her own teaching day to work with our sign singers. She fell in love with the kids. She invited our choir to spend time with the children at St. Rita’s as well. She brought such joy and energy as well as her generous spirit.”

Associate Frances Geronimo

January 6, 1934-May 31, 2022

I will write my covenant on your hearts.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Associate Frances Geronimo (nee Heidig) was the youngest of three children. Fran spent most of her life in New Rochelle, graduating from New Rochelle High School in 1951, where she learned secretarial skills and went to work in that field after graduating.

At the age of 19, Fran met the love of her life, Ernie, and they were married on Sept. 26, 1954. Ernie passed away in 2015. They were married for almost 61 years. Together Fran and Ernie had five children, in the short span of six years. Fran was a stay-at-home mom until the kids were older, and then she went out into the work force, first taking a job as an assistant at a monument company, and then going to work for the New Rochelle Board of Education, first at City Hall, followed by Stephenson School and Albert Leonard Middle School as secretary to the principal, until her retirement in 1994.

In 1998, Fran and Ernie moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where they enjoyed their many years of retirement and would be visited over the years by their children and grandchildren, which always included a trip to Disney World. They loved their life and many friends in Florida.

Fran was taught by the Sisters of Charity in New Rochelle, and was drawn to know them and to follow their example. She fondly remembered her eighth grade teacher, S. Xavier Maria Green, and the lifelong friendship they developed. In Florida, she and Ernie become involved in their parish, St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church. Fran served as a Eucharistic Minister at the church and to the homebound. She was inspired to become an Associate by S. Mary Loyola Mathia, who worked at the parish and led her weekly prayer group.

She made her commitment as an Associate in Mission on May 13, 2011, stating: “Our founders were filled with the Holy Spirit. They had determination to help others and to be true to their faith. They are an inspiration. The Sisters of Charity today continue the legacy of teaching charity. The Associates are so welcoming, and we have become friends. I feel drawn to the group by the love and care they show for each other.”

“I knew Franny my whole life since she was my cousin and my mother’s godmother,” remembers S. Alice Ann O’Neill. “[She] was a very kind and faith-filled woman who was deeply loved by her family and is dearly missed by all of us.”

Fran leaves behind her five children, nine granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren.

Associate Alice Graham

March 2, 1933-November 24, 2022

All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to your name, O Most High.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Associate Alice Graham’s first encounter with the Sisters of Charity was as a student at Holy Name High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She found the Sisters to be down-toearth, truly human and very gifted educators. Alice was a classmate of the late S. Zoe St. James; their friendship and admiration for each other continued throughout the years.

Alice and her husband, Dick, raised their six children near the Bedford, Ohio area. They were active in their parish communities, which both had schools staffed by the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. At St. Rita’s in Solon they took part in the Christ Renews His Parish program. Alice and Dick were the first leaders of the renewal weekends. They helped to establish the Social Concerns Commission and were influential in the Care and Share Christmas Program for the poor. Throughout their years together, the church and its efforts for others kept them connected.

Following Dick’s death in 2001, Alice knew she wanted something more in her life. She reconnected with S. Zoe and the Sisters living in Bedford, and would meet with them every Wednesday for liturgy and supper. She was attracted to the Sisters warm, welcoming spirit and appreciated their loving kindness toward others. Alice said being with the Sisters helped her to be a more prayerful person and a better listener.

These interactions led Alice to make her commitment as an Associate in Mission on June 18, 2005, promising to bring a willing and giving heart. She hoped to deepen her relationship with the Sisters and learn from them. “I don’t know what all God has in store for me in the months ahead. I just know that I am willing to follow Him and I know the Sisters will help me along the way,” she said at the time.

Alice’s special gift was service. She volunteered as a member of the Christ Child Society. She would sew layettes, make quilts and receiving blankets as well as volunteer as a clerk at the Christ Child Retail Store. Alice was also a lector and Eucharistic Minister for the homebound.

A devoted mother of six, grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of one, Alice enjoyed spending time with family members. She would help her son with book work at his store, knit baby sets for her grandchildren and handicapped friends, and made countless sets of mittens for the needy.

Remembers S. Mary Ann Flannery, “Alice was just a sweetheart of a lady! I took her several times to Cincinnati and she was a joy to travel with. She delighted in the friendship with her classmate, S. Zoe St. James. She was the soul of kindness, a devoted mother and grandmother and a very happy Associate of the congregation.”

Associate Margaret (Peg) Hautman

April 9, 1945-July 7, 2022

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Associate Peg Hautman said the Sisters of Charity were instrumental in her formation through high school and young adulthood. She entered the Community in 1963 and left seven years later as a result of the post-Vatican II turmoil. Peg held fond memories of her life as a Sister of Charity and continued to attend reunions and maintain contact with the Sisters through various ministries.

Peg’s call to serve in health care and rural parishes was an outgrowth of her early formation years. In later years she was a laboratory technologist at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center and a lay minister for the Diocese of Colorado. This opportunity allowed her to form deep friendships with several Vincentian priests as she served the rural parishes in southern Colorado. These relationships, and her different experiences with the diocese, rekindled her connection to Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac. “Something was lacking in my life,” she had said. “I wanted to have a deeper sense of spirituality and to renew some sort of prayer group commitment.”

This desire motivated her to inquire if the Sisters of Charity had a program for lay people. She began the formation process of becoming an Associate with the support of Sisters Laetitia Slusser, Emily Anne Phelan and Rose Virginia Brown. She made her commitment as an Associate in Mission on Jan. 4, 2002 in Colorado. “I just feel drawn to the Vincentian lifestyle,” she said at the time. “I have always been around Sisters of Charity and am glad to now be involved as an Associate.”

Remembers S. Laetitia Slusser, “Peg was a helper wherever there was a need. She shared her musical talents in the parishes where she lived in Colorado and she made use of opportunities to grow in faith and to be proficient in helping others do the same.”

Peg became involved in ministry at St. Mary’s and the Veterans Hospital in Walsenburg, Colorado. She was also a member of the diocesan pastoral council and helped with Level II Leadership Formation Ministry.

In September 2008, Peg had the opportunity to travel to Nairobi, Kenya, as a guest of the Daughters of Charity and Vincentian priests ministering there. She visited the St. Vincent de Paul nursery in the Kibera slum, a day care center where children are provided one meal each day while learning basic skills to prepare them for entrance into the government schools. Of the experience she said, “We ended our journey quietly pondering all that we had witnessed and overwhelmed with gratitude to the priests and Sisters who took us in as family and allowed us to live, love and pray with them.”

Peg leaves behind her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Psalms 48:11

“Your praise, O God, like your name, reaches the ends of the earth.”

Photo by S. Marty Dermody.

Associate Mary Ann Hogan

June 17, 1932-August 7, 2022

“The Lamb who is at the center of the throne will lead them to the springs of the waters of life.” Revelation 7:17

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Associate MaryAnn Hogan’s life was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love for others. MaryAnn followed in her mother’s footsteps graduating in 1954 from the College of Mount St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. She fondly remembered and admired the Sisters of Charity she met while attending the college.

MaryAnn began her nursing career at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. After raising her nine children, she returned to work as an RN at Jewish Hospital for 15 years. The relationships she built early on, she maintained as lifelong friendships.

In 1995, MaryAnn and her husband, Russell, relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She became involved with missionary work at The Center for Action and Contemplation. Her passion for helping others extended well beyond her nursing career, and her strong Catholic faith was the anchor of her world. MaryAnn was an active member of her parishes, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the choir.

“I knew MaryAnn to be a very faith-filled and talented woman, who loved her family very much,” recalls S. Donna Steffen. “She kept involved and always seemed to me to be a person who continued to grow.”

MaryAnn became reacquainted with the Sisters of Charity in Albuquerque as a parishioner at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. It was there that she learned of the Associate program, and after considerable thought, prayer and discussion decided that they were women who live the same vision and gospel values as she. She made her commitment as an Associate in Mission on Jan. 9, 2011 with S. Grace Catherine Aufderbeck as her companion. At the time she wrote: “The spirit of the founders encourages me by their ability to draw strength from adversity and their ability to allow the Spirit to work through them.

“For a long time I have felt the need for a supportive community,” she continued. “I see the Sisters as a strong, faith-filled community of women. As a group, and individually, they are warm, welcoming, courageous and faithful to their calling. Their openness, friendship and inclusivity draw me to this Community. The Sisters have been there for me, my mother and daughters, at every turn for many years. I find inspiration, nourishment and strength from the Sisters of Charity spirit.”

MaryAnn returned to Cincinnati to be closer to her children and grandchildren. There she became involved with the choir at St. Anthony parish in Madisonville. Associate Dave Scharfenberger played the drums with the choir. He remembers, “MaryAnn was a woman of faith, very kind and caring about others. When I came to drum, MaryAnn made sure that I had a place to sit with the choir. She will be missed by so many who got to know her.”

Sister Mary Laura Miceli

November 11, 1926-July 25, 2022

S.Mary Laura Miceli was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1950 after first meeting the Community on a visit to Emmitsburg, Maryland, the site of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Being impressed with the life of Elizabeth and her spirit, S. Mary Laura said to herself, “I like these Sisters if only they were in Ohio.” A few months later she met a friend who had graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph, staffed by these same Sisters having Mother Seton as their founder. S. Mary Laura held a firm belief that God had answered the desire first planted by her mother as she sent her off to school each morning, placing her under the protection of St. Joseph. She was a Sister of Charity for 71 years.

S. Mary Laura’s ministries represent more than 50 years in education and parish ministry, 30 in the classroom and curriculum coordination and 22 in parish and religious education. She began her years of service at Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, teaching primary age children. She continued at schools in Colorado and Ohio for the next eight years before moving to the junior high classroom for another 20 years.

In 1980 S. Mary Laura took a break from ministry and participated in the year-long Active Sabbatical Spirituality program at the College of Mount St. Joseph. After completing the program she felt called to put education into action by sharing social justice opportunities with students and adults at Guardian Angels, Cincinnati (1981-’82). She then served four happy years at St. Andrew, Milford, Ohio, as religious education coordinator before administering the religious education program at Our Lady of the Rosary, Greenhills, Ohio (1986-2003). When ministering in a parish S. Mary Laura fully embraced the life of the parish. She served on the parish councils at St. Albert and Our Lady of the Rosary. She was also an active member of the school board at St. Elizabeth and St. Andrew. She particularly valued the contributions of the families in parish life.

S. Mary Laura retired in 2003 and became a reliable Motherhouse volunteer in Arts and Crafts lending her creative skills with many re-use/second-use items. A highlight for her was a pilgrimage to Italy in 2012 with the members of Our Lady of the Rosary parish.

Remembers Associate Vicki Welsh, “I have so many wonderful memories with Mary Laura! She made a trip to Florida with me soon after I bought my convertible. She was a great traveling companion and loved to ride with the top down. We had a lot of laughs on our way to Homosassa.”

“For the sake of your name, O Lord, give me life.” Psalms 143:11

Sister Marie Alice Moran

December 14, 1923-September 12, 2022

“We have come to know and believe in the love that God has for us.”

Gentle and kind, S. Marie Alice Moran grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, attending St. Lawrence grade school and graduating from Cincinnati Commercial High School. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1943 after working in a business setting for several years. She felt a closeness to the Sisters who had taught her at St. Lawrence and she entered the Community with a desire to give her life to God as they did. It was the daily Eucharist, the fun, happy times they shared, and her strong Catholic upbringing in her home that supported her decision. She was a Sister of Charity for 79 years.

S. Marie Alice’s ministries spanned more than 50 years in education, 44 in the elementary classroom and seven more in the Reading Lab at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She began her years of service at Sacred Heart, Denver, Colorado, teaching primary age children in 1945. She went on to teach at the primary, intermediate and junior high levels at schools across the country for the next four decades, including Holy Name, Cleveland, Ohio (1952-’56) and Pauline Memorial, Colorado Springs, Colorado (1972-’80, 1985-’88).

After many adventures across the states and in Catholic school classrooms in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Florida and Colorado, S. Marie Alice decided to slow down and accepted a position at the Reading Lab at the College of Mount St. Joseph where she remained for seven years, a position she enjoyed, working with her Sisters and assisting students one-on-one.

For her retirement years, S. Marie Alice served in the sewing room in Mother Margaret Hall. Liturgy continued to be the center of her spiritual life. A trip to Ireland was a highlight of her retirement years. She enjoyed picnics, concerts and family gatherings. She was a faithful fan of the Cincinnati Reds and looked forward to her favorite watercolor class. Occasionally she would relax by playing her familiar Irish songs on the piano.

S. Mary Dugan shared, “S. Marie Alice was a kind, thoughtful person. I worked with her before COVID restrictions changed things. She knew that I was doing volunteer work with ESOL, English Speakers of Other Languages, and she gave me calendars for the students which she managed to acquire. She was also concerned about the protection of our planet’s biodiversity; she cared about creation and God’s people.”

Added S. Franette Hyc, “In all my contacts with S. Marie Alice I found her to be a very gentle woman. She loved to listen to her music on tape. When she resided in Mother Margaret Hall she spent most of her time in her room looking out her window, enjoying nature along the Motherhouse drive while either praying or listening to music.”

1 John 4:16

Sister Emily Anne Phelan

July 14, 1925-December 16, 2022

The kingdom of God is like a seed that grows without our knowing.

Abeacon of God’s love, S. Emily Anne Phelan was first introduced to the faith while at St. Vincent Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is also where she first met the Sisters of Charity. When she went for sacramental preparation as a child she was inspired by the Sisters as they went to and from the poorest areas of her town working with children not able to attend classes. She believed this was the influence that later attracted her to religious life, a commitment she made 80 years ago.

S. Emily Anne’s ministries spanned more than 50 years, which included classroom teaching and administration in Catholic schools, vocation/formation director and pastoral ministry. She began her years of service at Elizabeth Seton, Norwood, Ohio, teaching primary age children in 1945 and continuing in the role at schools in Ohio, Maryland and Michigan for nearly 20 years.

In 1963, the Catholic world was beginning to find ways to implement the influence of the Vatican Council II on the Church and individuals’ lives. S. Emily Anne, along with four other Sisters of Charity, were called upon to help this happen in the Sisters of Charity Formation program. It proved to be a challenging time as well as a tumultuous period of unrest for those in the Church and religious life. She credits the more than 300 young women that graced the Community during her five years in formation as having a significant influence on her life and continued to be a blessing to her after.

S. Donna Steffen recalls, “Emily was truly a woman of grace, of humility, simplicity and charity, talented, effective, relational, cheerful, trustworthy, discerning, with a deep spirituality. Each of us who were postulants with her as director, and who knew her in various ways in our lives, were very blessed.”

In 1990 S. Emily Anne was asked to organize and establish a Pastoral Care Department at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio. After the program was up and running she went into Clinical Pastoral Education, working in several California hospitals; next she came to St. Mary-Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, to organize and develop a department of Pastoral Care there. As chaplain Sister was also responsible for Mission Effectiveness and Values in Leadership Programs and chairing the Bio-Ethics Forum. She would say that some of the most profoundly spiritual and emotional opportunities occurred when she was in her pastoral care ministries.

In retirement S. Emily Anne had more time for her flower gardens, being outdoors, reading, short trips to the mountains and volunteering. Her retirement ministries included offering her time to SET (Service, Empowerment, Transformation) medical clinics, prison ministry, transitional housing for the homeless and Habitat for Humanity.

Associate Mary Elizabeth Rensing

December 1, 1929-April 17, 2022

Bear your share of heartship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Associate Betty Rensing grew up in a close-knit and loving family. She had fond memories of attending St. Dominic as an elementary student, saying she loved her Sisterteachers and was impressed by their friendliness and “humanness.” She particularly enjoyed Sisters Marie Dolores Heitz and Joseph Miriam Berning and often asked to be S. Joseph Miriam’s “prudent companion” on her bus trips downtown. Her father frequently chauffeured the Sisters back and forth from the Mount on Sunday mornings so they could attend the childrens’ Mass.

Lack of transportation to Seton required that Betty and her sister Mary attend the two-year St. Xavier Commercial School downtown. While she was impressed with the Sisters of Notre Dame, Betty’s heart was always with the Sisters of Charity. Following high school, she worked in the business world until August 1950. After accompanying a friend to the Mount for a Sunday visit, Betty began preparation and entrance into the Sisters of Charity. She entered on Sept. 8, 1950 and left under guidance from her spiritual director on June 1, 1972.

Finding adjustment to the secular life as natural as adjustment to religious life, Betty continued her role as secretary to the medical and dental staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. Shortly after she reconnected with an old friend, Joseph Rensing, they began dating and soon after were married. The couple became parishioners at St. James Church in White Oak.

She once said, “I believe the Lord was (and is) lovingly guiding and protecting me; I see His hand in all stages of my life. He planted in my heart, long ago as a child, that attraction and affection for the Sisters of Charity. I have never lost that desire to share in the life and mission of the Sisters. I believe that joining the Associates program will lead me in that direction.”

On Jan. 2, 1994, Betty made her commitment as an Associate in Mission of the Sisters of Charity stating she most looked forward to nurturing friendships with women who possess goals, interests, and lifestyles like her own.

In her free time Betty enjoyed watercolor art and exhibited at numerous arts and crafts shows in the area. She volunteered in the Archives of the Sisters of Charity and devoted much time to working on projects with the Sisters in the Arts and Crafts Room. She also served as an instructor for the LifeLearn program at Mount St. Joseph University.

Associate Rita Brandewiede remembers Betty as a good friend and caring person. “Betty loved to tell me stories of when she was a Sister of Charity, especially while at St. Gabriel’s and how the mothers would have special tea parties for the Sisters in Glendale.”

Sister Carolyn Ann Siebert

November 11, 1938-March 27, 2022

We are strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us.

“S.Carolyn Ann was a kind and generous person. … We are in the same Band of 1957 and I enjoyed her cute sense of humor that often brightened up a serious moment in those early days together.” -

S. Noreen Ellison

A Sister of Charity for 64 years, S. Carolyn Ann Siebert grew up in Norwood, Ohio, attending St. John the Evangelist grade school in Deer Park and graduating from Regina Catholic High School, Norwood, in 1957. After high school she entered the Sisters of Charity on Sept. 8, 1957. It was the contact and relationships she had formed through visits to St. Joseph Orphanage in her younger years that drew her to religious life and the Sisters of Charity. She had a deep desire to work with children with special needs as a religious Sister, much like those she came to know on visits there.

S. Carolyn Ann’s ministries covered more than 55 years in service in a variety of capacities, but most always they involved children with special needs, their families or their caretakers. She first served as a group mother at St. Joseph Orphanage, Cincinnati (1960-’66); then Margery Reed Nursery, Denver, Colorado (1966-’68) and St. Joseph Infant Home, Cincinnati (1968-’77). This was followed by 12 years of service at the Infant Home as the coordinator of volunteer services. When the home began the program for children with significant developmental disabilities and medical fragilities in 1976, S. Carolyn Ann was most willing to seek additional volunteers to assist. She regarded the time spent thereafter as some of the most rewarding in her life. “My years working with God’s very special children were a blessing for me. They taught me patience, God’s love and what tremendous gifts God has blessed us with. What a gift I received from them,” she once shared.

Added S. Marianne Van Vurst, “When I came to St. Joseph Home in 1986, S. Carolyn Ann was providing direct care services to our residents. She truly loved the babies she took care of and was a wonderful example to our lay staff.”

In 1989 S. Carolyn Ann transitioned to serve as an administrative assistant for the Glenmary Home Missioners in Cincinnati. She went to St. Gertrude School, Cincinnati, to serve as religious studies office assistant in 1995. The remaining years of active ministry Sister served as a teacher aide, first at Sts. Peter and Paul School, Cincinnati (2002-’06) and then at St. Margaret of York, Loveland, Ohio (2006-’16) where she was once again interacting with special needs children. She would say, “I talked and did for the children as I would if there were no limitation or ability taken away. What a gift I received from them!”

Sister Florence Sliva

May 1, 1930-November 29, 2022

I wish that where I am, those you gave me may also be with me, that they may see the glory that you gave me, alleluia.

S.Florence Sliva grew up in the closely knit Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, attending Our Lady of Mercy School and St. Procop High School. She and her twin sister, Therese, spent their spare time at school, helping the Vincentian Sisters of Charity who taught at the parish school. It was that experience that led her to consider religious life; she chose to enter the Community in September 1945. Her twin entered at the same time, each being uniquely called.

A Sister of Charity for 77 years, S. Florence taught primary age children for more than 55 years, beginning at St. Mary, Bedford in 1950. At the time she was 19 years old teaching almost 80 children. She loved working with her ‘little ones’ and continued to do so in Catholic schools in the Greater Cleveland area, including St. Rita (Solon) and Sacred Heart (Wadsworth).

S. Florence returned to St. Mary, Bedford in 1984 where she remained until 1993 when she retired from the full-time teacher role. In retirement she volunteered as a kindergarten teacher assistant for the next 10 years while also serving at Light of Hearts Villa in Bedford, on the adjoining Vincentian Sisters of Charity grounds. She and her sister moved there as well. They answered phones and doors and filled in for staff so that staff members could be home with their families over the holidays. The residents loved their presence and upbeat personalities. They would bring their kindergarten children to entertain the senior residents for major holidays which brought smiles to many faces.

Following the merger of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the Vincentian Sisters of Charity in 2004, S. Florence saw it as a most welcome atmosphere in which to live out her later years; she adjusted well to the new community. The two sisters were warmly accepted at the Cincinnati Motherhouse.

In 2012 Sisters Florence and Therese moved to Mount St. Joseph and became well-known for their walks around the Motherhouse campus, regardless of the weather. They took care of posting elevator notices for the Hospitality Office and answered phones in Mother Margaret Hall on weekends. Both appreciated being closer to their family living in Kentucky.

S. Mary Ann Flannery recalled that Sisters Florence and Therese never wanted to teach beyond second grade because the children would be taller than they were! S. Florence would often attend community gatherings with her clipboard in hand, with her pupils’ papers needing her evaluation. “Florence was totally dedicated to her children and she saw the humor of working with the children,” S. Mary Ann commented. “The Sisters were blessings to us … so humble and so loving.”

Sister Ann David Wojtylka

September 7, 1932-December 25, 2022

You need endurance to do the will of God and receive the promise of life.

ASister of Charity for 67 years, S. Ann David Wojtylka grew up in Cokedale, Colorado, a small mining town, attending Cokedale Elementary School and graduating from Holy Trinity High School, Trinidad, Colorado, in 1950. In 1952, she received an Associate of Arts in Business from Trinidad State Junior College, putting the degree to work at a credit corporation and then as a secretary to the administrator of Las Animas County High School System. S. Ann David chose to enter the Sisters of Charity in September 1955. She was attracted to the Sisters she came to know at Holy Trinity High School and admired the life they had chosen.

S. Ann David’s ministries spanned 50 years in high school business education and hands-on ministry in a variety of business offices spread over the states of Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Illinois between 1955 and 2005. Among the schools she taught at were Cathedral High School, Denver, Colorado (1957-’61); St. Mary High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1964-’66); St. Joseph Commercial High, Dayton, Ohio (1966-’69); and

Machebeuf High, Denver, Colorado (1975-’82)

In 1983 S. Ann David took a break from the teaching classroom and earned her Certificate of Theological Studies from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California, a welcome refresher for all that was happening in the Church. She then served as a receptionist/secretary at Guardian Angels parish, Denver, Colorado, while she helped care for her aging parents. With her father’s death it became necessary for her to move to the Pueblo area and supplement her mother’s care while working as a secretary in the Women’s Resource Center at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, Pueblo, Colorado. She also served as a member of the Geriatric Assessment Team. When moving to part-time ministry, S. Ann David managed the St. Mary-Corwin Hospital volunteers and worked in the Finance Services area.

For her retirement years, S. Ann David lived in Pueblo offering her services in the marriage tribunal office at the Diocese of Pueblo and volunteered for S.E.T., a community-based health and human services agency. S. Noreen Ellison remembers S. Ann David’s loving presence. “She volunteered with us at S.E.T. of Pueblo helping at our free clinics. S. Ann David had a generous spirit of service and a bright smile while doing it!”

In 2015 she moved East to be nearer to her Sisters of Charity Community and appreciated the opportunity to slow down and give more time to reflection and reconnecting with her Sisters.

Friend S. Victoria Marie Forde shared, “We taught together in Albuquerque and she was wellliked; I had the privilege of doing her oral history recently which revealed to me a loving daughter, a caregiver for her mother who needed special attention.”

You have shown me the path to life, abundant joy in your presence.

Photo by S. Marty Dermody.

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