Local Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Celebrate 60th Jubilees

Sister Stephanie Kondik, OSF

Sr. Angelita Laws, OSF

Born in Monroe, Louisiana to Eulalie and Charles Ford Laws, Jr., Sister Angelita Laws entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1958 and made her final profession of vows in 1964. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Marillac College in 1969 and a master’s degree from Webster University in 1978. Sister Angelita was blessed to serve as an educator in the Diocese of Shreveport for many years. She taught at Little Flower Academy in Monroe from 1983 to 1985 and again in 1994. Sister served at Our Lady of Fatima School from 1985 to 1994. Returning to the south in 2002, Sister Angelita taught at St. Frederick High School, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the Southside Alternative High School, Swanson Correctional Facility, and was also a Ouachita Parish school teacher. Named “Teacher of the Year,” Sister Angelita was recognized for assisting students tackle some of the more challenging elements of math and improving their math scores. Outside of Louisiana, Sister taught in Missouri, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, and Texas. Franciscan at heart, Sister Angelita appreciates the outdoors on warm sunny days and offers “thanks for the opportunities afforded me to praise, glorify and honor our loving God.” Sister is retired, engaged in her community’s ministry of prayer, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sr. Marlene Geppert, OSF

Sister Marlene Geppert, OSF will celebrate her 60th Jubilee on June 25, 2022. Born to Wanda and Ignatius Geppert in St. Louis, and fifth of twelve children, Sister was raised on a farm in Nashville, Illinois. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1958 and professed final vows in 1954. Sister holds a bachelor’s degree from Marillac College, a master’s degree in Religious Education from Creighton University, as well as holding certificates in Franciscan Spirituality, Franciscan Spiritual Direction, and Principal Strategies. Sister Marlene’s dedicated service to the Diocese of Shreveport spanned ten years. She served as principal of St. Paschal Elementary School in West Monroe, LA from 19861990. Her administrative skills were then utilized as principal of St. Frederick High School in Monroe, LA from 1990-1996. Outside the Diocese of Shreveport, Sister taught in Missouri, West Virginia, Illinois, and Nebraska. Sr. Marlene served her community as vocations director and was a member of her community’s Leadership Team from 2000-2010. From 2012 to 2020, Sr. Marlene was the Assistant Director of Il Ritiro Retreat Center in Dittmer, Missouri. Currently, Sister Marlene is retired in Shrewsbury, MO and continues to journey with others through spiritual direction.