Life cycles 2016

Life Cycles 2016

Dear Sisters and Associates,

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t is springtime, and signs of new life are everywhere. Delicate buds bloom and fill the air with their perfume, green leaves appear on the trees, days grow longer and temperatures warmer. I am reminded of Nikos Kazantzakis’ poem:

I said to the almond tree Sister, speak to me of God And the almond tree blossomed.

How lovely to reflect on that moment when God loves the tree into bloom, and it in turn praises the Creator with its very being. And how affirming to reflect on the lives of each one of us whom God loves into being, and we in turn live lives of praise.

As I remember our Sisters and Associates who went home to God during 2016, I am grateful that our Creator loved each of them into being, so that their lives could speak of God. The photos on the following pages capture fond moments when each one loved generously and compassionately in a variety of ways. They honored the Earth, and touched people of various ages, in various different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They celebrated different moments in life, some quiet occasions and some major milestones. Each one served according to her or his unique gifts and spoke of God through loving service to everyone who was touched by their love. Just as the almond tree’s blossoming is a manifestation of God’s life-giving action in its life, likewise each Sister’s and Associate’s life is a showing of God’s life-giving action in her or his life, and in the lives of all the people who were blessed to be touched by their lives.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for these Sisters and Associates, and for the ways they blossomed and loved others into life. Let us ask them, as they enjoy their new life with God in heaven, to pray for us here on earth. Let us ask them to support us as we speak of God in the blossoming of our own lives of love and service.

S. Joan Elizabeth Cook President

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Table of Contents S. Rose Patrice Beck ....................................................................................... Page 3 Associate Marian Boutet.................................................................................. Page 4 Associate Kathryn Chantry ............................................................................. Page 5 S. Catherine Mary Cohara............................................................................... Page 6 S. Martha Ann Conley.................................................................................... Page 7 Associate Gloria Cordova................................................................................ Page 8 S. Mary Andrea Friedman............................................................................... Page 9 S. Paula Gonzalez ......................................................................................... Page 10 S. Rosemary Gornick.................................................................................... Page 11 S. Mary Grafe................................................................................................ Page 12 S. Ruth Hunt................................................................................................ Page 13 S. Teresa Margaret Hurr................................................................................ Page 14 S. Ann Martin Klee....................................................................................... Page 15 S. Kateri Maureen Koverman........................................................................ Page 16 S. Marie Virginia Lovato............................................................................... Page 17 Associate Robert Maxwell.............................................................................. Page 18 S. Margaret O’Connor.................................................................................. Page 19 S. Edward Rielage......................................................................................... Page 20 S. Lucia Anne Roney..................................................................................... Page 21 S. Jeannine Selzer.......................................................................................... Page 22 S. Teresa Stadtmiller...................................................................................... Page 23 S. Elizabeth Kay Willenborg.......................................................................... Page 24

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S. Rose Patrice Beck June 6, 1934-December 22, 2016

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Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 64 years, S. Rose Patrice Beck felt called to join the Sisters of Charity from an early age. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Sister attended schools staffed by the Sisters of Charity; she entered the Community in September 1952.

S. Rose Patrice began her 41-year ministry in elementary education in the classroom at Holy Cross, Cincinnati, in 1955. She served at schools throughout the country in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois and Maryland. It was in 1970, while serving at St. Brigid in Xenia, Ohio, that she moved from the classroom to serve as principal until 1975 and then at St. Bernadette, Westlake, Ohio (1975-’80).

In 1980 S. Rose Patrice went to St. Joseph/St. John, Cleveland, Ohio, followed by serving as principal at St. Mary of the Falls, Olmstead Falls, Ohio (1981-’86). She came to her beloved Holy Name in Cleveland in 1986, remaining there for 10 years. The familiarity of the city and its people seemed the perfect setting for her retirement in 1996 where she volunteered at Marymount Hospital, Garfield Heights, Ohio, and visited senior citizens at Jennings Manor where she also resided. In 2012 she moved to Mother Margaret Hall.

“My friendship with S. Rose Patrice began when I was a student at St. Mary Grade School,” said Associate Cathy Colque. “My relationship with her and her example were part of the reasons I entered the Sisters of Charity in 1968.”

“She was always gracious and kind and willing to share her wisdom,” added S. Barbara Davis.

“I always appreciated her sense of humor and common sense.”

S. Rose Patrice was principal at St. Brigid, Xenia, when the tornado of 1974 completely destroyed their church, school and convent. She found that experience to be her greatest life challenge. She reflected on this in 2012 when she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee as a Sister of Charity. “We had 496 children with no place to go. I was able to find a closed school in Dayton, Ohio, and for four years we transported students via church buses to Dayton; finally we could move back to Xenia when the new school was built,” Sister said.

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Marian Boutet, Associate November 11, 1926-February 9, 2016

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ssociate Marian (Heidkamp) Boutet was a devoted mother, loving grandmother of six and great-grandmother of 12.

Born on Nov. 11, 1926, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Marian had one sibling, Edward, who was killed in World War II. She married in 1945 and had four children: Carl, Mary Lee, Greg and Carol. After her husband left them, Marian worked at McDonald’s for over 20 years to help raise her children and one of her grandchildren. Her employer wrote in a reference, “Marian is a very special person. She is always cheerful and puts a bright spot in my day.

She helps me cope at times by just being a good listener.”

Marian met the Sisters of Charity through S. Mary Robers. S. Marge McCullough was her contact Sister and Marian made her Associate commitment on Sept. 22, 1985. Marian was a lector and Eucharistic Minister at her parish, St. Saviour in Rossmoyne. She wrote about how being an Associate changed her life. “My life has taken a change and I try to help those I can by being compassionate, kind and understanding. I find it helps me.”

Through her prayer and association with the Sisters of Charity, Marian found a familiarity with God and enjoyed a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Associate Bonnie McLaughlin said that Marian is responsible for her becoming an Associate.

“One day in church I told Marian that I wanted more than just to sit in church. She made an appointment and took me to meet the Sisters at the Motherhouse.”

She touched many lives. On the occasion of her 25th jubilee, about 20 Sisters and Associates traveled to her home in the Cottingham Retirement Community with a cake, flowers, cards and good wishes to celebrate with her.

“Marian was a gentle soul and loved being associated with the Sisters of Charity. Her picture really captures who she was – very kind and caring, always quick to ask about you,” said Associate Rita Brandewiede.

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Marian died Feb. 9, 2016, at the Cottingham Retirement Community in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kathryn Chantry, Associate February 2, 1930-November 22, 2016

“Kate Chantry was a wonderful, generous, prayerful woman and very devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren.” - S. Mary Kay Bush

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ssociate Kathryn (Kate) Chantry was born in Delancey, New York, to Veyrill and Kathryn (Flynn) Laidlaw. A graduate of Traphagen School of Fashion Design in New York City, New York, Kate briefly worked in a dress shop before working in radio (WKOP) in Binghamton, New York. In 1952, she married David “Dave” Chantry. They had 10 children: David, Stephen, Mark, Mary Ellen, Kathryn, Agatha, Jeanette, Peter, Sarah and Priscilla, who kept Kate and Dave very busy over the following years.

When they moved to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Kate and Dave met the Sisters of Charity, Sisters Margaret Marie Anthony and Mary Kay Bush. Kate became an Associate in Mission on Jan. 4, 2002, and joined the wonderful group of Associates in this area. She was active as a lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

“She was very helpful in planning and working to make our Holy Redeemer Parish children’s programs successful,” said S. Mary Kay Bush. “One time, in preparation for the summer Bible school, she helped make 100 backpacks for our children and planned and served creative snacks during break time. When help was needed, she was there. It was always refreshing and fun to work on a project with her.” “[Kate] was a gentle welcoming presence in my life,” added Associate Pat Bowers. “We shared our faith journey with Sisters Mary Kay Bush and Margaret Marie Anthony and the other Associates who lived in the Outer Banks at the time. My faith was deeply enriched by these women and the time we were blessed to spend together.”

Kate was an avid golfer, storyteller, seamstress and baker. She also enjoyed watercolor, oil painting and calligraphy. But her family and her faith were the most important parts of her life.

She was a very active parishioner wherever she lived, organizing Christmas fairs, teaching CCD and making significant contributions in many other ways.

Kate had 26 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

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S. Catherine Mary Cohara August 21, 1935-July 8, 2016

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Catherine Mary Cohara “was a loving, enthusiastic woman who loved the Lord,” remembered S. Katrinka Gunn. S. Catherine Mary attended Holy Name grade and high schools in Cleveland, Ohio, and attributed her vocation to her mother’s prayers and the Sisters of Charity she enjoyed being around; she entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1957.

S. Catherine Mary began her ministry in the classroom at Holy Redeemer, Kensington, Maryland, in 1962 where she remained for seven years. She continued in education – teaching junior high students – for the next 16 years at schools in Ohio, Colorado and Maryland.

“I remember that she was gracious, kind and caring to everyone in the house,” said S. Barbara Davis, who lived with Sister in Kensington. “I know that her care and concern for the students helped them to be and to do their very best. She was an amazing teacher.”

In 1985, S. Catherine Mary transitioned from the formal classroom to a new career as director of religious education (DRE) at St. Joan of Arc parish, Arvada, Colorado. She enjoyed the opportunity to plan and implement a parish-based program for grades one through twelve as well as adults, bringing her enthusiasm to the parents helping with sacramental preparation. She continued in this direction at St. William parish, Fort Lupton, Colorado (1987-’94), which offered Sister her first experience in a rural setting with a large Hispanic population. Besides the DRE and pastoral duties she started an adult and children’s choir, bringing her own love of singing to the praying community.

Following a third world experience in St. Lucia, West Indies, and moving in and out of pastoral responsibilities, DRE and classroom teacher roles, Sister served at St. Francis of Assisi, Ranchos De Taos, New Mexico, where she became involved in jail ministry for the first time.

She said of these years: “I loved the sacred time of ‘mudding’ the adobe church by the parish community, ministering to the sick and dying, conducting Communion services, giving reflections; all helped me to feel one with the people. It was truly a beautiful, alive, praying community.”

S. Catherine Mary retired in 1999 to serve as a hospice volunteer.

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S. Martha Ann Conley July 2, 1917-September 16, 2016

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escribed as sweet and kind, S. Martha Ann Conley was taught by the Sisters of Charity at Holy Trinity grade and high schools in Middletown, Ohio, and again at the College of Mount St. Joseph while earning her bachelor’s degree in English. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1943, having had her sister, S. Regina Mary Conley, enter the Congregation two years ahead of her.

In her ministry of secondary education, S. Martha Ann taught at schools in Michigan and Ohio from 1945 until 1966. It was in 1966 that Sister was invited to begin a new direction in her ministry of education. She went to the College of Mount St. Joseph as director of admissions, 1966-’71, and then as director of financial aid, 1971-’87. While she missed teaching she came to realize how important it was to help the students fulfill their dreams, by using wisely the grants and other aid funds available; she learned to research and seek out all forms of aid for which the student could qualify. While in this ministry S. Martha Ann broadened the scope by studying endowments, further developing the planned giving/donation pool and alerting students to apply for a variety of grants.

“It was a joy to offer the completed financial aid package to the family; it helped them see there really was a way for their dreams to be realized,” Sister once said.

After 44 years of living and working at the College, S. Martha Ann moved from the College of Mount St. Joseph convent to the Motherhouse in 2000, but continued to volunteer in the financial aid office part-time until 2003. As she moved into retirement Sister was happy to have extra time to pray and to visit Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall.

A former student of S. Martha Ann’s in Chillicothe, Ohio, S. Mary Kathryn McFerrin recalls how interested she would be when she shared any news that she received from home. “I think Martha Ann loved Chillicothe as much as I do. I was happy to get to know her as an adult,” S. Mary Kathryn remarked.

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Gloria Cordova, Associate July 31, 1938-April 18, 2016

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ssociate Gloria Louise Cordova was born in Trinidad, Colorado, to Louis Barron and Cora Cordova. She had one sister, Teresa. After high school Gloria joined the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She taught math and chemistry in high schools in Denver and Trinidad.

After leaving the SC Community Gloria moved to Los Alamos, Colorado, where she taught high school chemistry for 10 years.

In 1979 she joined the Los Alamos National Laboratory and was there for the next 20 years. After retirement in 1999, she completed a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development at the Fielding Graduate University and married Dan Winske in 2005.

Gloria made her commitment as an Associate on June 27, 2013, with her companion, Associate Mary Ellen Williams, by her side. In her discernment paper she wrote, “…to make my commitment as an Associate of the Sisters of Charity brings me home to the Community of my formative years.

The values I learned then in my SC family of choice, built on those I was taught in my family of origin, have guided me personally and professionally over the years of my life in the work force and in the years beyond.”

Throughout her long career as an educator, an administrator and a scholar, Gloria worked tirelessly to address the concerns and improve the status of working women as well as create positive change and promote education and equity for women everywhere. She was quoted in an SC publication several years ago, “I describe my ministry as being in the world. I feel called by the Vision Statement to choose to act justly and to build loving relationships. The impact of this way of being in the world is manifested in my relationships with the many people of the different communities to which I belong.”

Gloria was active in many women’s organizations over the years, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), MANA del Norte and P.E.O. She was also a genealogist, tracing the roots of many of the Hispanic families of New Mexico.

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S. Mary Andrea Friedman May 2, 1923-April 18, 2016

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t an early age S. Mary Andrea Friedman held a fascination with a Sister of Charity who visited her parents every summer. Sister later said, “It was the warmth of her smile, the quiet calm of her eyes and the soft tone of her words that drew me to consider [religious] life.

S. Ann Hermine modeled for me what it means to be a Sister of Charity and she played a significant role in my decision to enter the Congregation. Youngster curiosity gave way to traversing the pilgrim paths that marked my journey to the SCs.” A Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 72 years, the Cincinnati native’s ministries brought her to the classroom and principalships in Ohio and Colorado over a 30-year period. In 1973, while ministering at Cathedral High in Denver, Colorado, S. Mary Andrea felt a call and change of direction in how she wished to serve God’s people. She saw the needs of elderly and marginalized going unmet, and enrolled in gerontology and social services classes and became certified as a Catholic chaplain. This became her joy and passion.

In 1974 she went to Divine Redeemer Parish, Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a fulltime pastoral minister, a place where she remained until 1988. While there she initiated and trained parishioners and Eucharistic ministers to visit the sick and homebound, developing a hospital program as well as assistance for families grieving the loss of a loved one.

S. Terry Thorman ministered at Divine Redeemer in Colorado Springs with S. Mary Andrea.

She recalls the energy and creativity she experienced there: “Andrea had tons of friends, Western SCs as well as parishioners. Her friends became my friends as we were invited for meals in their homes and other fun outings. Colorado, for me, was first seen through the eyes of Andrea, a lovely experience,” she said.

In 1998 S. Mary Andrea went to Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado, ministering in the Spiritual Care Department, reaching out, bringing comfort and a smile to raise the hearts and spirits of the sick; she continued this as her retirement ministry until moving to the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse in 2003.

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S. Paula Gonzalez October 25, 1932-July 31, 2016

“She was a gift to us and to the Church for her vision and her prophetic stand on the environment.”

- S. Mary Ann Flannery

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orn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, S. Paula Gonzalez was known as a futurist, educator, environmentalist, and global citizen. A Sister of Charity for 62 years, S. Paula entered the Community in February 1954. She began her ministry in the high school classroom at Seton High School in 1955, after which she went to full-time study at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. From 1965-’80 S. Paula taught biology at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

In 1980 S. Paula found herself moving in new directions, offering talks and reflections on futuring and alternative energy; it was at this time she also began to build La Casa del Sol, an old chicken barn converted into a solar, super-insulated apartment. She presented papers and workshops at the Center of Concern as well as the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, on such topics as ‘Faith and the Cosmos’ and ‘Sacramental Universe’ during those years.

Workshops, retreats, lectures became full time for her in the late 1980s along with energy consulting. She spent time at the Mondragon Cooperatives in Mondragon, Spain, learning alternative economic systems and participated in the Environmental Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as Johannesburg, South Africa. She also designed and built EarthConnection, a center for learning and reflection about ‘living lightly’ on Earth.

Over the past 15 years S. Paula gave more than 1,800 talks throughout the world to women and men religious, and parish and Earth-conscious groups desiring to live more simply. She was honored as a 2014 Woman of the Year by the Cincinnati Enquirer. As a religious response to global warming S. Paula co-founded the Ohio chapter of Ohio Interfaith Power and Light. She pushed for $1.4 million energy-efficient projects in our city parishes and Catholic schools as a volunteer for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Climate Change Task Force.

“Paula surely left our world a better place for having been here!” said S. Julia Mary Deiters.

“What a blessing her passion in caring for the earth and urging all of us to have the same passion.”

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S. Rosemary Gornick November 19, 1926-October 14, 2016

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native of Cleveland, Ohio, S. Rosemary Gornick was taught by the Sisters of Charity, and took piano lessons from S. Frances Miriam Kirchner. It was Sister’s influence, her caring and sharing ways, “her compassion and love for everyone,” S. Rosemary said, that brought her to enter the Sisters of Charity the following fall in 1945. She was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 71 years.

S. Rosemary’s ministries brought her to the classroom and principalships over a 30-year period at schools in Colorado, Maryland and Ohio. In Aurora, Colorado, in a new parish, St. Pius X, S. Rosemary opened an elementary school of 700 and became its first principal (1960-’65).

S. Barbara Muth, who ministered with S. Rosemary at Holy Cross parish, recalled, “My memory of Rosemary is that of a gentle, loving Sister who went about her ministry as director of religious education at Holy Cross, Mesa, Arizona, efficiently and calmly. Her volunteer teachers loved and respected her. Her office was across the hall from mine, so I observed her at work. Never once was she ever impatient or upset. Always she greeted everyone with the sweetest smile.”

In 1976 S. Rosemary saw the needs of the elderly, in her own family and in the parish, as needs that women religious could address. She went to a rapidly growing area, All Saints parish, Mesa, Arizona, in 1976 and became the director of religious education. Eight Sisters from five different congregations ministered there, offering the care and attention needed; the young parishioners were viewed as a singular blessing for the elderly, and the young families appreciated the ‘wisdom figures’ in their midst. It was a ministry S. Rosemary loved, especially bringing Holy Communion to those in nursing facilities and visiting the sick; she remained there until 1990 when she went to a neighboring parish, Holy Cross, serving first as a pastoral minister, 1990-’92, and then as their director of religious education, 1992-’96.

S. Rosemary retired from active ministry in 1996 to care for her sister Mary Russell. In her retirement years she enjoyed playing the piano and organ, found extra time for prayer, and especially liked watching baseball and college basketball on television.

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S. Mary Grafe May 1, 1932-January 1, 2016

“[S. Mary Grafe] seemed to be able to walk in solidarity (with passion) across culture, class, traditions, economics, faiths, age and gender in ways that show us how to make our present statement more than words.

Thanks, Mary, for showing us the way.” - S. Jean Miller

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Sister of Charity for 65 years, S. Mary (formerly S. Mary Eileen) Grafe was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, attending grade and high schools staffed by the Sisters of Charity. She entered the Community in September 1950.

S. Mary began her 24-year ministry in the classroom at Guardian Angels, Detroit, Michigan, in 1952. She taught at schools in Michigan and Ohio, but it was her 10 years at the urban St. Luke School, Detroit (1954-’64) that was the beginning of her love of the poor.

In 1976, S. Mary began a new career in pastoral ministry as an outreach worker for Resurrection parish, Dayton, Ohio, where she remained until 1982. These years set a new tone for her and her passion to walk with the people in their struggles. She made it her primary goal to build support systems with parents and families to develop a sense of parish family where each responds to the needs of others and shares their gifts with other neighborhood families.

In 1983 S. Mary helped to co-found Bethany House Services for homeless families, primarily women and children in Cincinnati. She became a bridge for those who moved into Over-theRhine (Cincinnati), working as a jail chaplain at the Juvenile Detention Center and as an outreach coordinator. This connected her with the Hamilton County Youth Center, Church Women United and Peaslee Neighborhood Center as well as the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, relationships she continued for more than 30 years.

In her retirement years S. Mary continued her work among the poor. In her own words she stated: “My solidarity with the poor is etched on my heart … I see the ‘face of God’ in oppressed people, people of color, Appalachians, women, youth at the detention center and my homeless sisters and brothers … I will always be in the struggle for justice and peace.”

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S. Ruth Hunt May 23, 1927-November 28, 2016

“I enjoyed S. Ruth Hunt’s wit, her interest in what was going on in the world, and her willingness to state her opinion about almost anything!” - S. Kathleen Hebbeler, OP

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Ruth (formerly S. William Marie) Hunt grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. The last two years of high school and the year following she worked for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. She was taught by the Sisters of Charity, who made a great impression on her. In September 1946, she, and five other Holy Name graduates, entered the SC Community.

S. Ruth taught elementary school students in Ohio, Maryland, and Michigan for more than 27 years (1948-’75) as teacher, principal and assistant principal. It was in 1979, however, that she once said her life actually began. Following a sabbatical program called An Active Spirituality for a Global Community, “a highlight of my religious life and ministry,” she became aware of the talents she had and what she could offer to ministry.

In 1980 S. Ruth went to Washington, D.C. and served on the administrative team of NETWORK, a social justice lobby, for three years; the next five years she spent as the executive secretary and team member for An Active Spirituality for a Global Community program at the College of Mount St. Joseph. When the program closed S. Ruth was invited to work for LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious) as the assistant to the executive director, a ministry she truly enjoyed. After the death of her mother in 1997 she found a new position, as team member at The Women’s Connection in Price Hill, Cincinnati; using her managerial skills, she was able to help women and their children find solutions for many of their difficulties.

In 2002, as her health began to decline, S. Ruth moved to Assisted Living at Mother Margaret Hall, but still found many areas in which to volunteer; she appreciated daily Mass and enjoyed discussions with friends.

She continued to be counted on as a writer for Sisters of Charity publications, focus groups, and social justice issues, especially on topics of immigration, women and the death penalty.

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S. Teresa Margaret Hurr September 18, 1923-September 21, 2016

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Sister of Charity for 74 years, S. Teresa Margaret Hurr believed faith was an integral part of her family life and responded to God’s call by entering the Sisters of Charity in September 1942.

S. Teresa Margaret’s first mission was as group mother at St. Aloysius Military Academy in Fayetteville, Ohio, 1944-’53. In 1953 she enrolled in nurse’s training at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, and three years later began serving as nursing supervisor at Good Samaritan, Cincinnati. She served in similar roles at hospitals in New Mexico and Colorado.

From 1977-’84, S. Teresa Margaret became the assistant administrator at St. Joseph Hospital, Mount Clemens, Michigan, also ministering in in-service education. There she directed the ambulatory care services and helped establish new concepts in medical care; four Family Care Centers were established in the Mount Clemens area to alleviate non-emergency cases in the ER. They also began planning shopping mall “hospitals” finding that a physician, a registered nurse and two medical receptionists could serve 40 people a day with costs comparable to other physician’s offices in the area. In 1982 the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Mount Clemens named her “Woman of the Year”.

S. Teresa Margaret brought her nursing skills to Cincinnati in 1984 and Eldermount Adult Day Care, a ministry for elderly in the immediate Delhi area at the Motherhouse. In 1989 she moved to night duty nursing in Mother Margaret Hall, gradually doing it on a part-time basis. In 1995 she retired and began devoting her services to the wellness program at the Motherhouse, a program she continued until 2001. She offered exercise sessions with a treadmill, chair routines and walking throughout the day, several times a week. “After being in hospital ministry all my life, this added a new dimension and I’m enjoying it,” Sister stated in 2002.

A friend, S. Dorothy William Englert, remembered how S. Teresa Margaret loved the outdoors: “In her early days [at the Motherhouse] she conducted water aerobics at the pool several evenings a week. They were always well attended. She was a strong woman, who loved the earth.”

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S. Ann Martin Klee November 9, 1926-October 13, 2016

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Ann Martin Klee “was a loving, warm and kind woman. She enjoyed life and had a hearty, contagious laugh,” remembered S. Katrinka Gunn.

A Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 72 years, S. Ann Martin grew up in Denver, Colorado, and attended Cathedral grade and high schools; she graduated from Notre Dame High School in San Francisco, California, in 1944. It was through the influence of the Sisters of Charity who taught her at Cathedral that she entered the congregation in September 1944.

In her ministry as a classroom teacher S. Ann Martin taught junior high and intermediate grades, serving in Ohio, Colorado and New Mexico, a ministry spanning more than 20 years.

In 1970 S. Ann Martin was able to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse; she began her studies at the University of Albuquerque and completed a degree in 1972. For the next 15 years she ministered in health care at St. Joseph Hospital, Albuquerque, and at various health care facilities in the Greater Denver area including public health and nursing homes. From 1988-’94 S. Ann Martin served as a receptionist at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth, Denver, Colorado; she was fond of this ministry which brought her in contact with the elderly. She retired from full-time work in 1994 and moved to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in 1998.

S. Ann Martin was known for her untiring care and compassion for those in need throughout her life. In her retirement years she enjoyed meeting the Sisters in the East since she spent most all of her ministry years in the West; she liked to paint, pray and practice yoga. In 1992 she fulfilled another one of her dreams, that of visiting the famous shrines of Europe; she went on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, and visited both Lourdes and Fatima.

“I knew Ann for over 60 years,” said S. Lynn Heper, “she had a great smile and a twinkle in her eyes.”

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S. Kateri Maureen Koverman January 13, 1943-October 5, 2016

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Sister of Charity for 55 years, S. Kateri Maureen Koverman’s desire to be a missionary in a foreign land attracted her to religious life; in September 1961 she entered the Sisters of Charity.

S. Kateri began her adventuresome ministries as a junior high teacher at Holy Family, Cincinnati, 1965-’66, but then took a two-year break to earn her master’s in social work. It was in 1970 that she learned of the crisis situation in Vietnam and felt called to Southeast Asia.

Her five-year ministry in Vietnam, 1970-’75, included working with orphaned and abandoned children, helping to evacuate them from Saigon and secure homes in the U.S. through Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services. A novel has been written about her heroic work, bringing more than 350 Amerasian children from their war-torn conditions.

In 1976 S. Kateri answered the call to go to Sierra Leone, West Africa, and then in 1977 to Ethiopia with Catholic Relief Services. She brought those experiences to the college classroom as a teacher of theology at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, 1977-’86. The foreign missions called again when civil war in El Salvador caused agencies to respond, 1986-’88.

After seeing the devastation of war and poverty, S. Kateri saw the need for therapists in the Cincinnati area for returning veterans who had seen hate and fear, war and poverty. She co-founded Joseph House in 1993 in Cincinnati; serving as its clinical director, the organization provided group therapy and one-on-one counseling.

In 2000 S. Kateri saw a new kind of pain among those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; she founded and directed Them Bones, an organization providing help to veterans suffering from PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More recently, she regularly ministered in the Justice Center, offering encouragement, as well as acknowledging the vets’ suffering.

S. Kateri was honored multiple times throughout her lifetime, receiving the Community Caretaker Award, a national award from the Shaklee Corporation as an advocate for veterans; the Scholar of Life Award for establishing Joseph House as a way of helping others and for previously living through war, famine and homelessness; and the Gold Medal of Merit from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for her work in battling PTSD among returning veterans.

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S. Marie Virginia Lovato September 25, 1934-October 9, 2016

“S. Marie Virginia Lovato was a very wise woman facing whatever came her way with courage and faith. She was so practical and down-to-earth. She enjoyed life and had a ready laugh.”

- S. Katrinka Gunn

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rowing up in Colorado, S. Marie Virginia Lovato wanted to be a missionary and work with the poor. Meeting the Sisters of Charity in high school helped her to see that she could fulfill both desires by becoming one of them. In February 1955 she came to Cincinnati and entered the congregation.

For 28 years S. Marie Virginia ministered as teacher or administrator, all in the West. While at Sacred Heart in Denver, Colorado, she offered her presence to young inmates at the Gilliam Youth Correctional facility which was located in the parish. She responded to unmet needs as she advocated for the poor, taking on landlords who were unfair in the housing offered to single parents.

It was in 1985 that she completed a bilingual master’s degree in religious studies and sought to do pastoral work at St. John the Baptist parish, Roswell, New Mexico, where she remained until 1992. She formed and trained an evangelization lay core group that developed the Baptismal preparation program. S. Marie Virginia was given permission by the bishop to conduct the baptisms at St. John’s which she did in Spanish as well as English. From there she ministered at a homeless shelter for women and children before moving into fulltime retreat ministry at Madonna Retreat Center, Albuquerque, serving as its director until 1998; it was a ministry she loved.

As her health caused her to be less vibrant S. Marie Virginia became semi-retired and chose to offer volunteer hours at St. Anthony Hospital, Westminster, Colorado, where she remained until 2015; her smile and welcoming personality was a very familiar presence to visitors and patients alike. She frequently served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking patients and their families.

“I was always warmed by her presence,” remembered S. Mary Ann Flannery. “We are in the same Band and she would send me an occasional note or card. When I visited her in Mother Margaret Hall, she inspired me with her attitude and spirituality.”

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Robert Maxwell, Associate October 21, 1929-December 29, 2016

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ssociate Robert (Bob) Stephens Maxwell was born on Oct. 21, 1929, in Lexington, Kentucky.

He had one brother, John, and a sister, Nancy. In 1956 he was ordained a Maryknoll priest and for the first several years did fundraising for the Maryknoll Community in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico.

For five years Bob served as a missionary in Guatemala.

There he met Mary E. “Liz” Bruening, a Maryknoll Missionary. Both left religious life independently and met again in the United States. They married and lived the next 45 years led by the Spirit. They had a brief stint with Cesar Chavez in California. Bob was put in charge of the print shop, printing flyers and signs for all of the boycotts that were happening and shipping them across the country.

Bob earned a master’s in social work and was a licensed clinical social worker. In his 50s he worked full-time as a woodworker. He joyfully designed and made fine church and home furniture, prayer benches and pine coffins.

Bob firmly believed that God led him and Liz to spend their final years happily at Bayley, the Sisters of Charity retirement village in Cincinnati, in 2002. They became active with the Western Wildlife Corridor.

Bob and Liz served as leaders in a couples’ spirituality movement. They began a daily practice of Centering Prayer and were active in forming Centering Prayer groups that met weekly for about 30 years. Several of those groups were at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse.

In his preparation for Associate commitment, which he made on June 8, 2003, Bob wrote, “I am in awe of Elizabeth Seton and Margaret George, astonished at their vision and their courageous pursuit of it. They were very Christ-like in their refusal to be diverted by their personal pain, or intimidated by the boldness of their tasks. Having changed states of life myself and experienced the deep grief entailed, I feel somewhat akin to them. I admire their ongoing warmth and wisdom in the midst of their pain, something I never managed. I also reverberate with their following their own star even when it put them at odds with ecclesiastical authority.”

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S. Margaret O’Connor March 12, 1929-August 4, 2016

“My life as a Sister of Charity has been tremendously happy. It has been filled with graces and many blessings from God.” - S. Margaret O’Connor

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orn in Middletown, Ohio, S. Margaret O’Connor (formerly S. Jean Vianney) was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 68 years. With her early education provided by the Sisters of Charity, S. Margaret came to appreciate the gift of the fine education and concern exhibited by the Sisters, and entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1947.

S. Margaret’s ministry began in the classroom at St. Leo, Detroit, Michigan, in 1949, where she remained for seven years. The next 20 years she taught at schools in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland.

S. Noreen Ellison remembers living with S. Margaret at St. Lawrence in Cincinnati the summer following Vatican II: “We were teaching at St. Joseph’s in North Bend in the mornings and then we hosted children from the Lower Price Hill area with lunch, summer enrichment classes and fun. Maggie was one of the positive and happy group of us who began efforts to end the ‘war on poverty,’” she said.

On the encouragement of her brother, Richard, S. Margaret began full-time study at the University of Cincinnati in business administration. After two years and 36 credits in accounting she went to the nation’s capital as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Taxation for the next 12 years.

When working with the federal government she appreciated the opportunity to live with Sisters from 20 different congregations of women religious at the Notre Dame Residence of St. Julie Billiart while in the Washington, D.C. area.

In 1989 S. Margaret returned to the Cincinnati area, serving as the bookkeeper for the Franciscan Friars Province of St. John the Baptist. She continued to use her skills of business and accounting in this position, a rewarding ministry she enjoyed for nine years. When she retired to the Motherhouse she remained active as a front desk volunteer and assisted many with their computer problems.

Reading, walking and college football were favorite retirement activities.

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S. Edward Rielage July 31, 1930-February 12, 2016

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Sister of Charity for 67 years, S. Edward Rielage was a Cincinnati native, attending Holy Family School and Seton High School, graduating in 1948. All her formal education was by the Sisters of Charity, and by the seventh grade, she knew that she wanted to join them.

S. Edward’s ministry of elementary education took her to Michigan, Maryland, and Ohio and spanned more than 50 years. She began her ministry in the classroom at St. Luke, Detroit, Michigan, in 1950, where she remained for five years. In 1955 she moved to teaching junior high students at schools in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and St. John Baptist, Chillum, Maryland. She assumed a principal’s role at St. James, Saginaw, Michigan, 1961-’63, and then filled the same position at St. Charles, Lima, Ohio, 1963-’69, in the Toledo Diocese. Seeing this principalship as her greatest ministry challenge with a fast-growing school population, S. Edward returned to the junior high classroom for the next 19 years at schools in the Cincinnati Archdiocese.

In 1988 S. Edward transitioned to the library, serving as librarian and audio visual coordinator at St. Lawrence, Cincinnati, a most rewarding ministry which enabled her to be supportive of the teachers and the staff while still being able to interact with the children. In 2000, while staying in Mother Margaret Hall, she was invited to consider working in the Motherhouse Resource Center; she accepted and remained there for 12 years. In 2003 she moved to the Motherhouse. In her autobiography S. Edward refers to this move as a marvelous experience. She stated: “The beauty of the surroundings, the peace and quiet of the larger areas, meeting old friends and joining again with the Band of 1948 makes it a tremendous time of life.”

“I knew S. Edward when I was working at St. Lawrence School [in Price Hill, Cincinnati],” said Don Wurzelbacher. “We were good friends and companions. What I remember most about her was that whenever anything bad happened or things just weren’t going well she’d always tell me, ‘Offer it up! Offer it up!’ That is how I truly learned the importance of offering up our sufferings to the Lord as he sacrificed himself for us.”

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S. Lucia Anne Roney February 15, 1931-January 9, 2016

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native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, S. Lucia Anne Roney (formerly S. Pauline) entered the Sisters of Charity in the fall of 1949 in Old Town, New Mexico. She saw her life woven into the tapestry of multicultural Albuquerque, the Jesuits and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

She was a Sister of Charity for 66 years.

S. LuAnne devoted 17 years to primary education in Michigan and Colorado. It was while ministering at St. Robert in Flushing, Michigan (1962-’68) that her strong interest in religious education brought her to serve as an elementary religious education consultant for rural counties in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, with particular emphasis on establishing parish programs, until 1973. Following on this experience S. LuAnne created parish programs for the sick and aged in Michigan and Texas.

S. LuAnne contributed to the religious education materials for youth after Vatican II by serving on the editorial team for the Paulist Press series “Come to the Father” and served as a teacher trainer for the series in 1972. Catholic Social Services and Council on Aging were other organizations close to her heart and areas where she could bring joy to those with whom she came in contact.

In 1983 S. LuAnne returned to her beloved Albuquerque to minister to the senior population at Annunciation parish where she remained for 13 years. Sister cherished that period of her life since it provided her with the opportunity to show off the city and state she loved. “[I remember] her delight in taking senior citizens from Annunciation parish for outings,” remembered S. Victoria Marie Forde. “She was dedicated to keeping them a lively group.”

S. LuAnne retired in 1996 and remained in Albuquerque among family and friends until 2005 when she moved to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse, volunteering where needed.

S. Barbara Muth remembered her friend: “LuAnne was always kind and gentle, happily serving the people she met anywhere and everywhere. Visiting her in Albuquerque was a joy as she was most hospitable sharing her little apartment and her special cooking. I will always remember her smile when I would greet her.”

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S. Jeannine Selzer June 28, 1929-December 26, 2016

“S. Jeannine Selzer was always such a warm, welcoming presence - and full of fun!”

- Associate Mary Ellen Williams

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Sister of Charity for 69 years, S. Jeannine Selzer felt drawn to the Sisters of Charity at an early age, attracted by their dedication, loving concern and cheerful spirit. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1947.

S. Jeannine earned degrees in music, administration and theology which contributed to her varied gifts and skills in the ministries to which she was assigned or drawn in her 50-plus years of service. She began her ministry in the classroom as a music teacher at St. Teresa, Springfield, Ohio, in 1949, followed by three years at St. Boniface, Cincinnati. It was in 1954 that she assumed regular classroom duties before moving to elementary administration at St. Louis, Mount Clemens, Michigan (1963-’64); St. Brigid, Xenia, Ohio (1964-’70) and St. Mary, Cincinnati (1970-’73), serving as the last Sister of Charity principal there. Wherever she ministered S. Jeannine was often called on to play the piano or the organ, a gift she was grateful for, one received from her parents.

Her ministries became more varied as S. Jeannine completed her program at Trinity College with a concentration in pastoral ministry; she served as novice director for the congregation from 1975 until 1978. She was director of services at the SC Motherhouse, served in Network leadership, and directed a renewal program for priests and parishes in the Steubenville (Ohio) Diocese from 1986-’90. In 1990 she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award from Pope John Paul II for distinguished service in the Church of Steubenville, an honor which humbled her. She worked with parish retreat directors locally and gave four years to the pastoral associate ministry at Good Shepherd parish, Cincinnati.

“Jeannine was my novice director - always very supportive and understanding. I learned a great deal from her and will always be grateful,” remembered S. Caroljean Willie.

In her retirement years S. Jeannine continued to offer her musical gifts, playing the organ in Mother Margaret Hall for daily Mass, visiting the Sister residents, listening to music and reading; card playing was a frequent way to gather for an evening of enjoyment.

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S. Teresa Stadtmiller October 31, 1920-February 21, 2016

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Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 75 years, S. Teresa Stadtmiller was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended St. Vincent De Paul School and Seton High School, graduating in 1938. While at Seton S. Teresa became acquainted with the Sisters of Charity. Following graduation she worked as a bookkeeper for the Good Samaritan Hospital pharmacy in Cincinnati. She entered the Sisters of Charity in February 1941, having had two sisters enter the Congregation ahead of her.

In her ministry of elementary education S. Teresa taught primary and intermediate grades, serving in Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado and New Mexico, a ministry spanning more than 40 years.

In her autobiography S. Teresa remarked how the other Sisters on mission helped her when she was first sent out to teach. “Thanks to them I became a successful teacher,” she said. In the late 1950s she referred to the 65-70 students in each classroom as another adjustment. She especially loved teaching the Hispanic children in the West and Southwest. “Here I was among the poorest, but the years I taught there were among my happiest years in the classroom,” S. Teresa recalled.

In 1984, after 42 years in education, S. Teresa became a secretary to the Central Region, located at the Motherhouse. As she moved into retirement she was happy to lend a hand where needed and valued the extra time she had to pray. She continued to enjoy visiting her family in the area, paint watercolor and play the piano. She received a blue ribbon for her watercolor entry in the 2008 Advocate of Not-for-Profit Services of Older Ohioans (AOPHA) Art and Writing Show.

S. Teresa’s nephew, David Knueven, was quite fond of his ‘Aunt Ag’. David and his sister, Sue, were tutored by S. Teresa. He remembers, “She was patient with both of us.”

S. Teresa shared her call to religious life with two blood sisters, Sisters Mary Rosaire and Regina.

In an interview for a Sisters of Charity article on Sister siblings, S. Teresa was quoted saying, “Sharing religious life with blood sisters, having the same parents and family, is a joy words cannot describe.”

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S. Elizabeth Kay Willenborg November 17, 1940-January 13, 2016

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escribed as gentle, brilliant, humble, kind and loving, S. Elizabeth Kay (formerly S. Rose Angela) Willenborg first felt drawn to the Sisters of Charity as a student in the Regina School of Nursing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She admired the Sisters spirit of prayer and their humanness, and entered the Community in the fall of 1959 before her second year of nursing. She was a Sister of Charity for 56 years.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, S. Kay began her nursing ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1964, followed by eight years at Good Samaritan, Dayton, Ohio, as head nurse (1965-’73). She remained at Good Samaritan, Dayton for three additional years, serving in the pastoral care area, an interest that would be followed in future ministries. Following an internship in chaplaincy, S. Kay served as chaplain at Kettering Hospital in Dayton, followed by a similar position at St. Joseph Hospital, Mount Clemens, Michigan. S. Kay served there an additional 10 years, 1985-’95, directing the chaplaincy and mission effectiveness programs.

It was in 1995, with the strong pull to be among the poor, that S. Kay looked to the public health needs of the Macomb County, Michigan, women and children. She provided home and school nursing services to high-risk pregnant mothers and their infants, working from the Public Health Department in Warren, Michigan. She also helped to coordinate Early On services, a statewide program to detect infant developmental delays and impairments in children.

As her health affected her energy level S. Kay became semi-retired in 2007; she worked as a nurse in “Neighbors Caring for Neighbors,” a voluntary clinic for the poor and uninsured. In her autobiography she wrote: “The Jesus I meet today lives under the Mount Clemens bridges in cardboard shelters and has nothing. Many have been released from prison or destroyed by drugs.”

“S. Kay accepted her many infirmities just like the people she nursed and understood for so many years,” S. Karen Hawver said. “I enjoyed being her Liaison Sister because she shared her personal self with me. I was privileged to know her and to learn from her.”

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5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, Ohio 45051 513-347-5300 www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/sistersofcharityofcincinnati

“A life well-lived doesn’t end any more than music ends … it echoes through time with whispers of beaut y and grace. If we listen we can hear the encore with our hearts for the song plays on just as love lives on.”

Author unknown

Photo by S. Marty Dermody, SC