Life Cycles 2021 by Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

Life Cycles 2021

Cover photograph by S. Jeannette Cochran, SC.

“We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives – that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication to Him.” Elizabeth Ann Seton

Dear Sisters and Associates,

eflecting back over the past year of 2021, the world experienced an answer to prayers in living with a worldwide pandemic. The beginning of the year brought us a vaccine that would bring hope and change our lives in the fight of COVID-19. As Elizabeth Ann Seton so well put it, “We must pray without ceasing.” As we read about the 22 Sisters and four Associates we lost in 2021, we see in their lives how they prayed without ceasing. They gifted us with their love, friendship, ministry and unceasing prayer and service to others. During this Holy Week, Life Cycles is a gift to us all. As we reflect on Christ’s life, we also see Christ’s life reflected in all those we hold dear in our hearts and remember this past year. Our Sisters and Associates have blessed us with their lives. They have been light to the world, reflecting God’s love in their daily lives through their dedication and commitment to a call of service to others. We are grateful for the hundreds of thousands of lives each of them has touched in their lifetime. I invite you in your journey this Holy Week to take some time and read their stories. We have attributed a quote on Eternity by Elizabeth Ann Seton to each individual Sister and Associate. These women are a witness to us all, on courage, faithfulness, endurance and strength as they have lived out the call of ministry. They continue to be gift through their lives. Let us rejoice this Easter on the light they have been to us. For they are our friends, companions and mentors. They are our Family of Charity. Lovingly,

Patricia Hayden, SC President

Table of Contents S. Margaret Marie Anthony............................................................................. Page 3 S. Carol Bauer................................................................................................. Page 4 Jeanette Bockhold, Associate........................................................................... Page 5 S. Mary Frances Boyle..................................................................................... Page 6 S. Rose Cheng................................................................................................. Page 7 S. Jeannette Cochran....................................................................................... Page 8 S. Florence Cremering..................................................................................... Page 9 S. Lucien Marie Davis................................................................................... Page 10 S. Maria Dolorata Felix................................................................................. Page 11 S. Katrinka Gunn ......................................................................................... Page 12 S. Kathleen Houck........................................................................................ Page 13 S. Marie Patrice Joyce.................................................................................... Page 14 Florence Kraemer, Associate.......................................................................... Page 15 S. Irene Luther.............................................................................................. Page 16 S. Barbara Jean Maniaci................................................................................. Page 17 S. Elizabeth Jane Mann................................................................................. Page 18 S. Theresa Ann Moran................................................................................... Page 19 Barbara Raymond, Associate......................................................................... Page 20 S. Jacqueline Riggio....................................................................................... Page 21 S. Rita Schmutte........................................................................................... Page 22 S. Kathleen Stang ......................................................................................... Page 23 S. Regina Tevis.............................................................................................. Page 24 S. Frances Maureen Trampiets....................................................................... Page 25 Mary Wall, Associate..................................................................................... Page 26 S. Janet Marie Wehmhoff.............................................................................. Page 27 S. Jean Welling.............................................................................................. Page 28

Sister Margaret Marie Anthony April 18, 1927-December 30, 2021

“Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side. Hope supports it on the other. Experience says it must be, and love says let it be.”

orn in Bay City, Michigan, S. Margaret Marie Anthony attended St. James grade school and graduated from St. James High School in 1946. She was taught by the Sisters of Charity throughout her school days and often said that many of her happiest memories involve the Sisters. “I found their goodness inspirational and because of their example I felt called to follow in their footsteps and give my life to God,” she once wrote. She was a Sister of Charity for 75 years. S. Margaret Marie’s ministries spanned more than 55 years, 46 in the primary Catholic school classroom. Her service in education began at Sacred Heart in Denver, Colorado, in 1948 and continued at schools in Ohio for the next 27 years (1953-’80). In 1980 S. Margaret Marie chose to work with the Glenmary priests in the rural south in Georgia, teaching in the public schools and helping the poor in a variety of ways. She was known for her cheerful personality and ability to make people laugh. She found many opportunities to share the faith with others. S. Margaret Marie participated in a renewal program in 1985 before choosing to work with primary grade students at St. Mark, Cincinnati, for the next 10 years. She rounded out her ministry experience as a parish minister at Holy Redeemer, Kill Devil Hills, in the diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, from 1996 until 2002 where she became a friend to the ocean and the wonders of nature. “Years ago, I visited S. Mary Kay Bush when she was living at the Outer Banks, where I originally met S. Margaret Marie,” remembered Associate Mary Ellen Williams. “What a warm welcome I received from this delightful new acquaintance. She and Mary Kay took me to their parish church. I met many of their friends; their love and admiration for both of these Sisters was palpable. What an influence they had on that small parish.” S. Margaret Marie remained active as a volunteer while living at the Motherhouse and became known for her candy making, humor and greeting card creations. Letter writing helped her stay connected with those families she had ministered with and those for whom she prayed. She would name several highlights of her blessed years as a Sister of Charity; she traveled to Rome in 1975 to sing with the choir at the canonization of St. Elizabeth Seton and accompanied her brother Joe in 2000 to Lebanon to visit the land of their ancestors. She shared, “This has been a life of great love – love for God, but then love for all the children I ever taught, all the people I’ve met in parishes I served, my great family and for my wonderful Sisters in this community.” 3

Sister Carol Bauer October 18, 1942-March 13, 2021

“The restless soul longs to enjoy its liberty and rest beyond its present bounds. When God calls how readily will God be obeyed.”

orn in Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Carol Bauer attended St. Teresa grade school and graduated from Seton High School in 1960. She chose to enter the Sisters of Charity on Sept. 8, 1960. Reflecting on her religious life decision years later, she said it was a combination of the strong faith of her parents growing up and the example of the Sisters who touched her life that first planted the seed. The spirit of the Sisters of Charity exhibited a very real sense of life, filled with a sense of humor and genuine interest in those with whom they worked. She was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 60 years. Ministry for S. Carol included nine years in the high school classroom at schools in New Mexico and Ohio before transitioning to parish pastoral ministry at St. Francis parish, Centerville, Ohio (1974-’88). Her last three years were spent serving in parish administration. She worked in adult faith development, experienced the richness of team work and learned to call parishioners to join in visioning and leadership. In 1989 S. Carol’s work with community leaders in not-for-profit and service groups proved to be instrumental in leading her to Dayton’s Good Samaritan Hospital as vice president of mission effectiveness, a position she held for the next 30 years until retirement in 2019. Numerous Good Samaritan CEOs came to refer to S. Carol and her role as the ‘conscience of the organization,’ keeping the hospital focused on its mission. She saw her task as one of collaborator, stressing the patient-centered aspect of the care given. The Greater Dayton area looked to her for her leadership and experience, ever focusing on a healthier community for the entire person – body, mind and spirit. S. Carol witnessed many changes in the health care ministry over her three decades at Good Samaritan. She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Founders Project, bringing together eight religious congregations to share a vision, addressing a growing need for a particular segment of the community. The Founders’ Family Center has provided social services to families since 1997. She helped establish the AIDS Foundation, Miami Valley Task Force, bringing the hospital to provide collaborative support services to those living with AIDS and their families. S. Sally Duffy shared, “Carol was a backbone in Dayton and the surrounding area. To borrow a term from Pope Francis, Carol ‘smelled like the sheep’ because she was on the ground, present and accompanying others. Carol embodied the mission and was focused and intentional on continuing the healing ministry of Jesus, especially for those oppressed and most in need. She gave compelling witness to the Gospel in deeds and in words. Her influence will be missed.” 4

Associate Jeanette Bockhold June 8, 1923- January 19, 2021

“Keep up your courage, and look to Eternity.”

espite losing her mother at a young age, Associate Jeanette Bockhold said she enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in the Cincinnati area. She and her father went to stay with his parents and brother on a farm and Jeanette associated many good memories to living there. Jeanette raised 11 children while working full-time at Lazarus Department Store in downtown Cincinnati. After her children were grown and in her retirement years, Jeanette enjoyed the ability to be free to go where and when she wanted. She took the opportunity to become more involved at her parish, St. William. She was a member of the parish’s Marthas and Matthews, distributed Communion to shut-ins and attended a regular prayer group. In addition, for more than 50 years Jeanette belonged to a monthly card group. She treasured time with friends and family. After attending a Christ Renews His Parish retreat at St. William, and through meeting many Sisters of Charity ministering at the parish, including Sisters Claire Foken and Gemma Glutz, Jeanette felt the desire to become an Associate in Mission. She looked forward to finding her true self – one outside from being a mother and caretaker. Jeanette made her commitment on May 31, 1998 with S. Claire as her companion. In later years Jeanette became involved with the Western Wildlife Corridor. She joined the Membership Committee along with other SC Associates and S. Delia Sizler. Their goal was to grow membership and spread the word about the organization through educational sessions and fun activities. Associate Marianne Brater met Jeanette through the Associate program and together they volunteered for the Wester Wildlife Corridor. She remembers Jeanette as kind, a team player and a lover of nature. Added S. Dee Sizler, “Knowing Jeanette was a privilege and a joy. When I heard she had passed on to her eternal reward I was saddened but so happy for her. Jeanette and I were both involved with the early days of the rebuilding of the Western Wildlife Corridor organization that protects a long stretch of land here on the west side of Cincinnati. I remember there being potluck and spaghetti dinners at EarthConnection for WWC activities. Jeanette would be working behind the scenes in the kitchen seeing things were set up and served, and washing mounds of dishes. She was hospitable to all, interested in doing all she could to support the WWC mission. When it was time to get out a mailing, Jeanette would be on hand to help with that. “It is women like Jeanette Bockhold that promote wellbeing for people and nature. I know she is in heaven enjoying the woods and its creatures, all in the sunshine of God’s love. Thanks Jeanette for your good example of hospitality and simplicity.” 5

Sister Mary Frances Boyle March 14, 1934-November 5, 2021

“Eternity … how long will be the duration of the beautiful day in which there is no night. Oh, that we may be able to spend it in praising, blessing and adoring forever!”

Mary Frances Boyle was born in Denver, Colorado. She was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, “tremendously inspiring women” she called them. At the age of 9, S. Mary Frances said God called her and she responded. Following graduation from Cathedral High School in 1951, she entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She was a Sister of Charity for 70 years. Reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity in 2011, S. Mary Frances said, “God has blessed me abundantly, providing me with a better-than-average education, and the example of many inspiring women with whom I was privileged to work.” For nearly 60 years, S. Mary Frances ministered in education, retreat work, foreign missions, pastoral ministry and music. She began her 24 years in education teaching junior high students at schools in Ohio, New Mexico, Colorado and Michigan. In 1966, S. Mary Frances began teaching high school students English and Spanish, and continued to do so for the next five years. Sister transitioned into retreat and pastoral work in 1971, serving the Trinidad, Denver and Pueblo areas in Colorado in the following roles and parishes: director of religious education, St. Joseph, Fort Collins; pastoral minister, St. Joseph, Denver; and pastoral associate, Blessed Sacrament, Denver. In addition she was a teacher for the diaconate program at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver (1974-’77) and program director at El Pomar retreat center in Colorado Springs (1977-’80). From 1983 until 1989, S. Mary Frances served as a pastoral agent in parishes lacking priests in Manzano, Peru, and Ichuna, Peru. She called her time in Peru “the apogee of my life.” She and S. Ann Dorenbusch assisted with baptisms, burials, communion services and training ‘animators of the faith,’ people who went into the villages to train others. Returning to the United States in 1990, S. Mary Frances served the Hispanic population in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. She worked tirelessly to help families find shelter, employment and education opportunities. In addition she ministered through the Archdiocese of Denver to provide opportunities for all cultures to worship and celebrate their faith. She taught priests to offer Mass in Spanish and instructed many in the sacraments. S. Mary Frances continued to be active in her retirement volunteering with many charitable groups in the Colorado area. She had a passion for music and was able to play the piano, violin and flute. While still living in Colorado Springs she joined the New Horizons Concert Band and shared poetry with the Cheyenne Mountain Poetry Group. When she moved to the Motherhouse in Cincinnati in 2012, she joined the New Horizons Concert Band in the Cincinnati area. 6

Sister Rose Cheng August 14, 1923-October 1, 2021

“I am satisfied to sow in tears if I may reap in joy.”

Sister of Charity for 75 years, S. Rose Cheng became acquainted with the Sisters of Charity in Wuchang, China in 1945 where the Sisters of Charity were operating a hospital. The Holy Spirit inspired her to become a Sister of Charity. She entered the SC Community in China, making her first vows in 1946. Two years later she arrived at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse where she served in the food service ministry; her excellent seamstress skills were welcomed as well. In 1964 S. Rose accompanied other Sisters of Charity to Peru, South America, where she was a great help to the Chinese living in the colonies while she taught sewing classes at St. John XXIII Chinese School in Lima. She was asked to offer her nurse-aide skills in Mother Margaret Hall and in 1972 she completed her certification in nursing from Trinidad State Junior College and put it to excellent use at St. Joseph Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico. S. Rose embodied the missionary spirit, bringing her gifts and her deep compassion for God’s poor. In 1974 she went to Vietnam, working with war infants as part of the Saigon Baby Lift. S. Rose personally delivered babies to families in Chicago and New York. She worked with Catholic Relief Services caring for abandoned children. In 1976 she went to Macau, China, assisting poor elderly paralytics and Vietnamese and Chinese refugees. Here she met a doctor skilled in the practice of acupuncture and from whom she learned the art, becoming a licensed practitioner through additional study in Hong Kong. Offering it to the very poorest of those in her care was most rewarding. In 1979 she brought her skills to the Motherhouse clinic as an assistant in the rehabilitation area. Through further study, foot care for the Sisters became her specialty. The relief she was able to provide the residents in the 1980s and early 1990s was much appreciated. She also frequently drew on her training in the traditional Chinese medical arts of deep massage and acupressure. S. Rose introduced S. Montiel Rosenthal, M.D., to the practice of acupuncture. “S. Rose has always been a self-less and empathic soul, and seemingly ageless,” remembered S. Montiel. “She loved sharing gifts of herself with others. My first experience of acupuncture was from her healing hands. … She continued to encourage me in learning and practicing acupuncture over the last 18 years.” In 1993 S. Rose was able to return to China to reconnect with family and friends. A year later she returned to the Motherhouse to retire, but shortly after found herself serving on the U.S.-Mexico border, assisting in the Sisters’ clinic and putting her invaluable, international life experiences to work once again. 7

Sister Jeannette Cochran March 11, 1938-November 8, 2021

“How long will that day be without a night as that night without a day. May we praise and bless and adore forever.”

he oldest of six children, S. Jeannette Cochran grew up in Marion, Ohio, as a member of an Irish Catholic family. She attended St. Mary grade school and graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1956 where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. After high school she entered the Sisters of Charity the following Sept. 8, 1956. It was the diversity and outreach of the Community as well as the intrigue of religious life that drew her to say ‘yes,’ a decision that matured in her with time and experience. S. Jeannette’s ministries spanned more than 45 years in health care. While still in high school she worked in a hospital setting which gave her a way of offering compassionate care at a young age. S. Jeannette began her SC nursing ministry in 1962 at St. Joseph Hospital, Mount Clemens, Michigan, first as a nurse, then as nurse supervisor (1963-’65) and in 1965 as the director of nursing. In 1968 she was asked to serve in the same capacity at St. Joseph Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This began a lifelong relationship with the culture and spirituality of the Southwest and a natural tie to the ancestry of the Native Americans she came to value. Seeking to experience more ‘hands-on care,’ S. Jeannette looked to nurse education and supervision of nursing students. This happened for her in Albuquerque and led her to the University of New Mexico where the dean offered her the opportunity to teach in the graduate nursing program; here she was able to educate and direct a diverse body of students for 21 years (1977-’98). Bioethics became a special interest and offered her opportunities to challenge nurses toward developing an ethical decision-making process. In 1997 S. Jeannette’s hands-on dream came true when she helped start a family practice clinic. She ministered in the Rio Grande Family Medicine Center in Albuquerque as a certified family nurse practitioner until 2007 when she retired. She came east to live with her Sisters in the Cincinnati Motherhouse in 2010. S. Jeannette would say of her life, “In addition to enabling a solid and fulfilling personal and professional life, being a Sister of Charity enhances a spiritual foundation, grounded in openness and adaptation to our world as I have discovered through the eyes of faith, hope and love.” Sister friends Grace Catherine Aufderbeck and Annette Frey knew S. Jeannette as a most faithful friend. “She was always ready to help when called upon; she was most generous with her time and talents,” S. Annette shared. S. Grace Catherine added, “Jeannette shared her wisdom with doctors, nurses and clinics all over New Mexico. I was blessed with her friendship and hospitality; she embodied the motto, ‘Hazard Yet Forward.’” 8

Sister Florence Cremering December 2, 1923-April 22, 2021

“Eternity, oh how near it often seems to me. Think of it when you are hard pushed.”

ne of six children, S. Florence Cremering grew up in Cincinnati, attending St. Mary, Hyde Park grade school and graduating from St. Mary High School. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Sept. 8, 1944. Her older sister, S. Mary Jerome, had entered the Congregation six years earlier. She would say that she was very happy to respond to her own call, one she had heard so many years before. She was inspired by her fifth grade teacher, S. Mary Leander Steen, who shared a homemade book of special prayers with her interested students. S. Florence held multiple degrees in education and business. Her 50 years of active ministry included 23 in the classroom, 13 in parish ministry and 14 in foreign/multi-language settings. In the classroom S. Florence taught at schools in Ohio, Michigan and Colorado, including Marion Catholic, Marion, Ohio (1958-’64) and Trinidad Catholic, Trinidad, Colorado (1964-’70). In 1970 she moved to a variety of parish ministry settings, beginning at St. Joseph, Trinidad, Colorado, and then Trinidad Parish Center. While there she took a crash course in Spanish. S. Florence would say that this move gave direction to the rest of her life: being with the poor in rural and Hispanic communities. She volunteered to work in rural Georgia in 1978 as a pastoral assistant at Sacred Heart parish for four years before giving four years to a similar setting in rural Kentucky at Mother of Good Counsel, Hazard, Kentucky. In 1988 S. Florence answered the call of the Sisters of Charity Community to serve in the foreign missions, specifically at San Ignacio in Ichuna, Peru; the time in the high Andes was a special gift. This experience led her to continue serving the needs of the Hispanic community with S. Ann Dorenbusch at San Juan Bautista parish, which later became Sagrada Familia, in Cleveland, Ohio (1990-’99). For the next three years S. Florence had the joy of being part of the Clinica Guadalupana community in El Paso, Texas, as a volunteer. In her retirement S. Florence came to call Mount St. Joseph ‘home’ again. She enjoyed the blessings of volunteering, appreciating nature, loving the daily liturgies and being among her Sisters. She took up art, painting in watercolor, swimming and reading. S. Tracy Kemme shared, “Before my first vows, S. Florence, then 91, gifted me with her Sisters of Charity ring. Now, at age 97, she goes off to be with God. I keep touching the ring on my finger, filled with unspeakable gratitude for Flo’s long life of service, her gentle witness to Christ’s love, and her tender, steadfast support for the newest SCs. I will miss her, but my heart rejoices to know she is with the God she loves so deeply.” 9

Sister Lucien Marie Davis May 27, 1935-February 22, 2021

“In the course of the day, sometimes think: ‘Oh, how happy I am! Jesus is coming for me. O dearest Lord, prepare me for Yourself!’”

ne of 10 children, S. Lucien Marie Davis grew up in Cincinnati, attending Holy Family Grade School and graduating from Immaculata Commercial School in 1951. S. Lucien Marie found her Sisters of Charity teachers to be a source of joy and peace; her participation in the school’s mission activities was a strong influence for her to want to follow in the footsteps of her much loved teachers. She joined the postulancy program of the Sisters of Charity in September 1951 and celebrated 69 years with her Community. S. Lucien Marie held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Her elementary education ministry spanned 55 years and included 29 years in the classroom, three in pastoral ministry and 23 years as an elementary school principal. Throughout the years Sister taught primary, intermediate and junior high students at schools in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. In 1968 S. Lucien Marie was asked to serve as the elementary principal at Holy Name in Cleveland, Ohio, where she remained until 1991. Over those many years S. Lucien Marie and the pastor, Father John Dalton, became a working team, offering continued services to both the parish and school community. They witnessed many changes in the neighborhood, especially dwindling enrollment, declining economic conditions and an increase in single-parent homes. Both appreciated the ways in which the parishioners looked out for the general interests of the parish and its changing population, rather than their own. S. Lucien Marie continued on at Holy Name as a pastoral associate from 1991-’94 before going to St. Adalbert, Cleveland, teaching fourth grade. In 1995 she chose to come to Resurrection, Price Hill (Cincinnati), to teach fifth grade students while helping to care for her mother who was experiencing failing health. While at Resurrection S. Lucien Marie and fellow teacher, S. Juliette Sabo, would bring their students to visit the Motherhouse each spring. The students looked forward to the field trip to tour the Motherhouse chapel, Sisters’ cemetery, enjoy a picnic lunch and take photos from the Seton Hall rooftop. Teaching and helping children was her true passion. When moving to Mother Margaret Hall in 2013, S. Lucien Marie stayed in touch with former students and their prayer requests. She continued to be one of the Cincinnati Reds most enthusiastic fans. Her room became ‘Cincinnati Reds Country’ with baseball memorabilia all around. She remained in close touch with her family members, being grateful for her large, closely knit family who lived nearby. 10

Sister Maria Dolorata Felix December 13, 1930-September 5, 2021

“We must pray literally without ceasing – without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives.”

orn in Denver, Colorado, S. Maria Dolorata Felix was the oldest of four daughters. She grew up in Denver, attending St. Joseph grade school and graduating from Manual High School in 1949. She met the Community while working at Margery Reed Mayo Day Nursery in Denver, which was run by the Sisters of Charity. S. Dolorata enjoyed working with the Sisters and lay staff and was attracted to the religious life of the Sisters; she entered the Community a year later on Sept. 15, 1950. She was the only staff member who worked at the nursery to enter the SC Community. S. Dolorata’s ministries spanned more than 65 years, all in health care. She was a consistent study in competency and provider of high-quality nursing care. Her first mission was at Glockner-Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1955, supervising the cancer surgical unit, orthopedics and pediatric departments. In 1961 she became the nursing supervisor at Penrose Hospital with her greatest challenge setting up heart surgery and teaching nursing professionals to read heart monitors; she directed the departments of coronary care, intensive care and dialysis. In 1965 she went to St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, Pueblo, Colorado, serving as nursing supervisor and then head nurse. S. Dolorata then began dedicating her ministry years to her Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall which would span more than 50 years. She would say that these special years with her Sisters gave her the greatest satisfaction. Initially her duty was as director of nursing services. She shared, “I worked with eight different administrators and with a wonderful, caring nursing staff of Sisters and lay persons. I look upon staff as the most important component of quality care.” In 1988, after 18 years in this role, S. Dolorata became Sister Resident Coordinator, providing non-medical services, acting as a sounding board and councilor for Sister residents, and serving as a liaison between administration and other nursing departments. In 2008 she moved to a part-time ministry as resident advocate for MMH Sisters which allowed her to continue ongoing contact with the Sisters residing there. She was able to attest to the ongoing wholistic atmosphere that contributes to each one’s sense of well-being. Throughout the years S. Dolorata remained in touch with friendships fostered with past Mother Margaret Hall staff members. She enjoyed cooking, needle work and learning to play the organ. “‘Dolie’ has a special place in my heart,” remembers S. Tricia Cruise. “Shortly after my first vows, I had back surgery. Dolorata checked on me every day and I surely appreciated that. Two and a half years ago, this time I had major back surgery and she visited every day. She had a wonderful giggle and a prayer life that was amazing.” 11

Sister Katrinka Gunn November 3, 1937-July 31, 2021

“Never be hurried by anything whatsoever – nothing can be more pressing than the necessity for your peace before God.”

orn and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Katrinka Gunn grew up in Cincinnati and was taught by the Sisters of Charity at both St. William grade school and Seton High School. She was drawn to religious life at a young age, having S. Joan Crocker as her fifth grade teacher. She would say, “I think she first sparked a vocation in me and I am forever grateful.” S. Katrinka entered the Sisters of Charity during her senior year of high school on Feb. 2, 1955. S. Katrinka’s ministries spanned more than 50 years; 14 in education and 36 in a variety of healing ministries. She mostly served in Ohio with the exception of teaching in Chicago, Illinois (St. Sebastian, 1958-’65) and Denver, Colorado (Sacred Heart, 1970; Margery Reed, 1971). S. Katrinka was principal at St. Anthony, Cincinnati (1966-’69). It was in this time of renewal in the Church and Vatican II that she felt called to share in the healing ministries of Jesus; she transitioned to nursing, earned a degree, and at the same time pursued training in spiritual direction and directed retreats. S. Katrinka’s participation in the healing ministries included psychiatric nursing and mental health with clients at the Christian Family Center in Price Hill (1980-’86), pastoral counseling with her senior Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall (1984-’86) and serving as director of retirement for the Sisters (1986-’92). The next 10 years she ministered as assistant coordinator of Mother Margaret Hall residents; she especially enjoyed supporting her Sisters in retirement decisions, focusing primarily on the residents of the newly opened Assisted Living area. It was an opportunity to continue relationships she had established in her retirement ministry. From 1976 until 1992 spiritual direction offered S. Katrinka another source of energy. A directed retreat ministry took her to Jesuit Retreat Houses in Milford and Cleveland, Ohio as well as Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the SC Motherhouse and the Sisters of Divine Providence Motherhouse in Melbourne, Kentucky. She would say of these experiences, “I encountered many wonderful persons as directees. My faith was deepened and my relationship with a loving, forgiving, compassionate God blossomed.” S. Katrinka chose to retire from formal ministry in 2002. She then began pet therapy with her dog Sunshine. For eight years together, they visited nursing homes, looking in on several hundred people per month at nursing and day care facilities in the Cincinnati area. S. Winnie Brubach remembers, “Katrinka was a woman of God. From the day we brought Sunshine home, she was attentive to Katrinka’s word of instruction. At about a year or so Sunshine passed her final test. From then on the two of them brought sunshine and a peaceful presence to many folks confined and missing their own dogs and cats.” 12

Sister Kathleen Houck April 17, 1933-April 12, 2021

“Our cross will soon be taken off, look only forward to our long, long Eternity.”

orn in Cleveland, Ohio, S. Kathleen Houck attended Our Lady of Peace grade school and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1951. She began considering religious life through a very caring teacher in second grade, S. Mary Josetta, OSU, and in high school she was attracted by the Sisters availability to the students, their kindness and understanding. Daily Mass, discussions and her reading about religious life led her to apply for entrance to the Sisters of Charity in September 1951. She was a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 69 years. S. Kathleen’s ministries of more than 50 years included 18 in the elementary classroom, two in religious education and 30 in pastoral ministry. She began teaching at Corpus Christi in Dayton, Ohio in 1954 and went on to teach at the primary and intermediate levels at schools in Ohio, Michigan and Maryland. In 1974 S. Kathleen moved into the area of pastoral ministry which brought her to service roles in parishes, addiction counseling and hospital chaplaincy. She served at parishes and hospitals in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. She became a program aide at Eldermount, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio (1994-’95) before working part-time as parish minister at St. Christopher parish, Columbus, Ohio (1995-2005). S. Kathleen would fill in for the pastor on his day off, leading the parish community in a morning prayer service. She retired from active ministry in 2006. S. Kathleen would say of her years of ministry, “Truly my life has been rich and fulfilling, for even the valleys have brought me new insights, learnings and opportunities. I have gleaned much from the lessons learned both from my parents and the Sisters who have been my teachers, companions and mentors.” When moving to the Motherhouse she helped where she could and volunteered as a vigil minister in Mother Margaret Hall. She found joy in baking for others, experimenting with new recipes, needlepoint, growing plants, listening to music and reading. S. Alice Ann O’Neill is grateful to S. Kathleen for welcoming her into the Sisters of Charity Community. She shared, “We both lived in Columbus, Ohio, 20 years ago. She was so kind to me and often invited me over to her apartment for prayer and supper. She would end the evening playing her dulcimer for me. S. Janice Ernst was her really good friend and visited Kathleen very often after she moved away from Columbus. The three of us went to concerts and parish events together and had a good time at the Columbus Irish Festival each year. Kathleen would go above and beyond for everyone in her parish who needed help. As St. Vincent says, she ‘tired herself out for God every day’ and was so loved by anyone who met her.” 13

Sister Marie Patrice Joyce February 19, 1931-February 10, 2021

“Eternity always at hand! ... I look to the far, so distant shore, the heaven of heavens – a few days more and Eternity…”

nown for her humor and infectious smile, S. Marie Patrice Joyce was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1948. By December she chose to apply to the Sisters of Charity for entrance and came to Cincinnati on Feb. 2, 1949. It was the obvious happiness of those Sisters of Charity who taught her in high school that attracted S. Marie Patrice to religious life. She once commented, “Sisters Loretta Marie Auer and Mary Patrice Mahoney were easy to talk to and ‘down to earth’ women.” S. Marie Patrice held a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s in administration. Her years of ministry were centered on education, including 25 years in the elementary classroom and 25 years in administration as principal. In the classroom S. Marie Patrice worked with primary grades and junior high students, beginning in 1950. S. Marie Patrice had the distinct advantage of her mother being a teacher. For her first teaching assignment, she was assigned to teach the third grade with her mother sending her the lesson plans each week. The same textbook series was being used at both schools and both were teaching third graders. Later, when she had to develop her own lesson plans, she came to appreciate her mother’s generous gift! In 1968 S. Marie Patrice began her service as principal at St. Andrew, Milford, Ohio. This began 25 years of service as principal at schools in Ohio, including Annunciation School, Cleveland, (1985’91). The parish was surrounded by a super highway, railroad tracks, factories and dead-end streets. She saw it as true ‘mission territory,’ with much to be done, yet offering a beacon of hope to the area. She remained in Cleveland moving to Holy Name elementary school as principal from 1991 until her retirement in 2000. She was the last Sister of Charity to minister in the school building that began the wonderful heritage of the Sisters of Charity in Cleveland. In her retirement S. Marie Patrice served many years as a volunteer librarian at Parmadale, a resident ‘village’ treatment home for extremely traumatized teens, ages 13-18, in Cleveland. She found this ministry most rewarding and she was able, with the help of SC Ministry Foundation, to build up their library and purchase high-interest materials as motivators for reading. She also served on the Board for Light of Hearts Villa in Bedford. When moving to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse, S. Marie Patrice volunteered at the Front Desk, in the Gift Shop and as a lector for Masses in Mother Margaret Hall. She enjoyed the time, being at home with many of her Sister friends. She moved to Mother Margaret Hall in 2018. 14

Associate Florence Kraemer December 26, 1920-April 23, 2021

“If we must be separated here, at least let us enjoy the reunion of Eternity.”

orn in Detroit, Michigan, Associate Florence Kraemer was taught by the Sisters of Charity at Guardian Angels in Detroit. She lost her father in the ninth grade, and always remembered the kindness of the Sisters who gave her and her siblings odd jobs every day so that they could earn merits for tuition Florence and her husband, Milton, were married in July 1941 and raised their five children on the east side of Detroit. The couple were active volunteers for St. Jude parish for 40 years. In addition they volunteered for five years with the Detroit Police Department and hosted fundraisers for the Glenmary Sisters when the Sisters served the Detroit area. After Milton retired at age 55, the couple bought a 32-foot travel trailer and traveled the country for seven months of the year for a total of nine years. “We were in 42 states and two provinces of Canada – many happy memories,” she once recalled. In later years, Milton and Florence moved to an apartment near St. Louis parish in Mount Clemens, Michigan. It was there that Florence became acquainted with S. Rose Arnold. When Milton became ill, S. Rose would visit him for prayer and to comfort him. When he passed away in 1993, S. Rose encouraged Florence to volunteer her time and talents. Florence joined the Christian Service Group and dedicated countless volunteer hours to St. Louis parish. Her unstoppable spirit and generous heart earned her many grateful friends and honorary family members as well as several awards. Florence counted her recognition as Zehnder’s Mother of the Year, as a national finalist in the Energizer “Keep on Going” Hall of Fame, and President Emeritus of the St. Louis Seniors among her most treasured accomplishments. In 1995 Florence made her commitment as an Associate in Mission with S. Rose as her companion. She and a small group of Mount Clemens Associates would meet for prayer, discussion, to learn more about the Sisters of Charity mission and history and to enrich their spiritual lives. Other Sisters of Charity in the area would join them as well. In addition to being a devoted mother of five, Florence was a proud grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of 15. Her children described her as a loving, caring, giving and faith-filled woman.

Sister Irene Luther July 22, 1928-February 2, 2021

“Think! When God comes in glory how we shall triumph for having spent our few and fleeing years in God’s service. Eternity! Remember Eternity.”

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati for 74 years, S. Irene Luther was born in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest of seven children. She grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan, attending Northwood public school and graduating from Little Flower High School for girls. It was the friendships formed with her teachers, Sisters Virginia Hughes and Barbara Geoghegan, that led S. Irene to request acceptance into the Sisters of Charity after her graduation. S. Irene held both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Her 57 years of active ministry included 23 years in the elementary classroom and 34 years in high school as librarian. In the classroom S. Irene worked mainly with intermediate and junior high students, serving at schools in Colorado, Ohio, and Michigan. In 1975 S. Irene completed her master’s degree in library science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. A few years earlier she had answered an appeal for certified high school librarians, working over the summers to earn her library science degree. She had always desired to become a librarian, knowing she enjoyed leading students to resources to broaden themselves and their knowledge. S. Irene came to Erieview High School, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1971 serving in their library, assisting them to move to their newly renovated space while there. In 1976 she was hired as the full-time librarian at Holy Name High School, Cleveland; this time of service included incorporating the challenges of automation and technology. S. Irene remained at Holy Name for 28 years, until her initial retirement in 2004. Said S. Mary Ann Flannery, “S. Irene loved being a librarian, I think especially at Holy Name. I’m guessing she was an exacting librarian based on the stories she told me about her work in school libraries. To us, she was a sweet, gentle soul.” S. Irene chose to serve as sacristan at Villa San Bernardo, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in Bedford, Ohio, in 2005 and assisted there with library needs. When moving to the Cincinnati Motherhouse she helped organize the residents’ library at Bayley Senior Care and served as a vigil minister in Mother Margaret Hall. In retirement she enjoyed listening to classical music, reading a good mystery and special trips to visit family members in warmer climates. She felt a special bond with St. Elizabeth Seton. Peter Luther paid tribute to his sister saying, “Renie bolstered our spirits as she praised everything that we offered her. She was always so grateful and a good sport. Everything was an adventure for her.” Added S. Patmarie Bernard, “She reminded me of a busy disciple, always giving of her gifts and talents – especially in keeping the Resource Library in tiptop shape – and in caring and interest in others.” 16

Sister Barbara Jean Maniaci June 27, 1941-November 7, 2021

“The wintry storms of time shall be over, and the unclouded spring enjoyed forever. So, with God as our portion, there is no sorrow in the soul that waits on God, though beset with present cares ...”

Barbara Jean Maniaci grew up in Marion, Ohio, in a close-knit Italian family. She attended St. Mary grade school and graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1959 where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. After high school she worked as a clerk typist for one year. She continued to be in touch with S. Myra Drain, her high school principal, and came to realize that a call to religious life was being nurtured through this time. Because of the wonderful women who had been part of her life throughout her education, S. Barbara Jean entered the Sisters of Charity on Sept. 8, 1960. S. Barbara Jean’s ministries spanned more than 40 years in education, all in the primary classroom. For nearly 20 years, she taught children in grades kindergarten through third in Detroit and Birmingham in Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio as well as Chillum, Maryland (1964-’85). While ministering at Holy Cross School in Lansing, Michigan (1986-’89), S. Barbara Jean would spend her summers working with Spanish migrants in Ohio and Michigan. These experiences led her to consider teaching where there was an economic need among the children and their families. After a four-year search she applied at Holy Family School, Price Hill (Cincinnati), being hired in 1989 and remaining there until her retirement in 2006. During those 17 years, she saw how parents looked to dedicated teachers for religious values and stability. S. Barbara Jean particularly appreciated the faculty and staff relationships among the Sisters who ministered there. She would say, “I feel certain I was led by the Spirit to Holy Family parish.” S. Barbara Jean loved teaching the children; particularly preparing them for First Communion. “If anything gets you down, there’s something about kids that picks you up. They do that for me many times within the course of a day,” S. Barbara Jean shared at the time of her Jubilee. S. Barbara Davis shared, “As I reflect on the 61-plus years I have known Barbara Jean, I am reminded of her generous spirit, caring heart, and deep love for our Community. I always appreciated Barb’s genuine interest and concern about what was happening in my life. I believe many of us have had that same experience and have been enriched by her caring. Even through Barb’s illness and suffering in these past years, her faith in God remained strong. What a powerful witness she has been!” When looking back on her own life, S. Barbara Jean once said, “I am grateful to Jesus for His visible presence throughout my life: in my entire family and relationships, my Sisters of Charity family, my friends as well as the many people who are part of who I am.” 17

Sister Elizabeth Jane Mann January 29, 1936-July 27, 2021

“To God be glory forever who has called you to so glorious a combat and who so tenderly supports you through it. You will triumph, for it is Jesus who fights, not you, my dear one.”

Sister of Charity for 66 years, S. Elizabeth Jane Mann was born in Mason, Ohio, the youngest of four children. She grew up in Oakley (Cincinnati, Ohio), attending St. Cecilia grade school and graduating from St. Mary High School, Hyde Park in 1954. She was taught by the Sisters of Charity at St. Mary’s and it was their loving, caring attitude that impressed her and led her to consider religious life. She entered the Community on Sept. 8, 1954. S. Elizabeth Jane held a bachelor’s degree in education, a degree she put to excellent use in the first grade classroom for 31 years. She remained in Ohio throughout her ministry years, serving at St. Teresa, Springfield (1958-’64); Holy Name Elementary, Cleveland (1964-’71); St. Mel, Cleveland (1971-’80); and St. Dominic, Cincinnati (1980-’87). “After seven years at St. Dominic and 30 happy years in first grade, my vocation took a different turn,” Sister reflected at the time of her Golden Jubilee celebration. “An opportunity was presented to me, and after much prayer and discernment I answered this call.” S. Elizabeth Jane began her new ministry in 1987, serving as the coordinator of St. Joseph Center, a retirement facility for Sisters on West Carver Road, Cincinnati, an area formerly used as St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home. She would say that no two days were the same in this ministry. A typical day might include taking Sisters to appointments, short group trips, visitors, celebrations, activities, a birthday lunch out, but always included essential prayer and Mass options as well. She grew to love this calling, offering her opportunities to get to know and appreciate her Sisters in new ways in their later years. After 16 years serving in this retirement ministry, she reluctantly retired due to her own health concerns. Sister moved to the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility in 2017. A Sister friend, S. Kathryn Ann Connelly, shared, “Elizabeth Jane was steady and a wonderfully faith-filled person. Her dry sense of humor made those around her feel comfortable in her presence. She was a magnificent teacher and a wonderful first grade educator. Children never left Elizabeth’s classroom without learning to read. I will miss you, my friend.” S. Katie Hoelscher’s friendship with S. Elizabeth Jane developed when they became neighbors living in Mother Margaret Hall. She remembers, “I didn’t know her well when I moved to MMH, but she helped me to adjust to being here. I was always comfortable with her. Elizabeth Jane had a dry sense of humor; whenever we were together we laughed a lot. She had a peaceful demeanor and never wanted attention. She was seen as a quiet person who seldom talked, but when she did it was profound.” 18

Sister Theresa Ann Moran October 27, 1926-March 8, 2021

“Blessed are they who wear themselves out for Charity. Keep up your courage, and look to Eternity.”

native of Detroit, Michigan, S. Theresa Ann Moran attended Shrine of the Little Flower grade school and Shrine High School, and graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy in 1944. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September 1944, devoting herself to God and others for 77 years. S. Theresa Ann held a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in religious education. She pursued a variety of enriching ministries over 55 years including elementary teacher, high school educator, pastoral minister, senior care activity director and senior housing manager. In her 25 years in the classroom she taught middle grade students and teens in Colorado, Ohio and Michigan. In 1965 S. Theresa Ann was asked to move to high school, teaching for five additional years at a variety of schools. It was a time of much change and new opportunities for Sisters, and she chose to work with Mexican American workers and their children, teaching religious education in the Saginaw, Michigan diocese. In 1971 S. Theresa Ann went to St. Mary, Alma, Michigan, followed by St. Gregory, Detroit (1973-’77) as a pastoral minister. She moved from parish ministry to activity director at nursing facilities in the Detroit and Wayne, Michigan area. Sister provided three years of pastoral ministry service at St. Ignatius of Antioch, Detroit (1986-’89). In 1989, and for the next nine years, S. Theresa Ann was the Senior Housing Building Manager in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, which found her joining the parish life of St. Lucy. This resulted in 15 years of volunteering in the parish following her retirement from active ministry. She loved the people and the varied opportunities it provided. Greeting friends each morning at Mass, keeping the sacristy in order and ironing the linens were tasks she appreciated being able to do while forming lasting friendships. S. Theresa Ann came to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in 2015 and treasured the opportunities to connect with her Sisters and meet others that she had not crossed paths with previously. She enjoyed keeping up with her friends in Michigan and praying for all the concerns that were expressed to her. S. Jean Miller met S. Theresa Ann when they ate lunch together in the Mother Margaret Hall dining room and discovered they shared the same birthday. From that time on they began celebrating together in various ways. S. Karen Hawver developed a friendship with S. Theresa Ann while living in Michigan. She would drive S. Theresa Ann and her sister, Cleophil, to lunch occasionally through the years. She remembers, “I loved her subtle humor and her brilliant mind. She definitely was a woman of prayer and she taught me much about making time to pray.” 19

Associate Barbara Raymond February 15, 1941- September 11, 2021

“When all is over, when the silver cord is loosened and the spirit has returned to God who gave it, then God who has witnessed its struggles will give it rest.”

ssociate Barbara Raymond grew up in St. Michael’s parish in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Seton High School in 1959. During her formative years her family was a shining example of the corporal works of mercy. She met the Sisters of Charity during those years and even envisioned herself as a woman religious, a nurse or teacher. However, life stepped in the way of those plans. Barb’s father died and her mother required care. She attended to those needs, while doing office work to provide for them. During this time Barb said she was becoming more and more aware of the limited opportunity for her spiritual growth. “The Sunday sermon was not enough input,” she once reflected. “I took advantage of many spiritual offerings at St. Lawrence Church, especially the yearly retreats at Mount St. Joseph led by S. Annina Morgan.” At S. Annina’s personal invitation, Barb came to visit her and says what she didn’t realize at the time was that was the beginning of her beautiful, honest, caring and loving relationship with the entire SC Community. Barb and S. Annina began to meet regularly, and S. Annina would introduce her to new ways to pray and to recognize God’s hand in her everyday life. This also became her introduction to the Associate program. She made her commitment as an Associate in Mission in 1989. In reflection Barb said, “It takes a village to raise a child. Well, it took S. Annina’s persistence and patience, plus the whole SC Community to increase my spiritual life. It is mind boggling when I see the daily blessings and miracles God sends my way.” Following her commitment Barb was led to an apartment in the Senior Chateau on the Hill in East Price Hill (Cincinnati). During her years there she was able to help many residents. She became an activist, helping to get transportation for the 180 residents of the complex. If something needed doing, or someone needed help, Barb’s phone would ring for a solution to the problem. Barb treasured her relationship with the Sisters of Charity Community and made her lifetime commitment in June 2016. She was actively involved in the lives of both Sisters and Associates. S. Mary Bookser remembered, “Barb was a generous and loving soul. She also loved and at one point trained dogs. Once I was dog sitting during one of our rare blizzards and the dog (Kana) and I got stuck trying to get Kana out of her house to mine. I called Barb and she came out in the snow to pick us up and get us back to safety.” Added Associate Rita Brandewiede, “Barb was a courageous and brave woman who always had a warm smile and greeting.” 20

Sister Jacqueline Riggio January 21, 1933-January 20, 2021

“Oh! That my soul might ascend with my blessed Lord – that it might be where God is also. Your will be done. My time is in your hands.”

ompassionate, kind and a dedicated Sister of Charity for 69 years, S. Jacqueline Riggio was born in Pueblo, Colorado. S. Jackie attended St. Francis Xavier grade school and graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School in 1951. The happy and dedicated nature of the Sisters who taught her throughout grade and high school served as a great influence on her decision to become a Sister of Charity. She entered the Community in September 1951. S. Jackie earned a reputation as an excellent, attentive teacher. Her active ministry years were equally divided between classroom education and serving the needs of the poor and marginalized in rural settings. Throughout her varied experiences of ministry, S. Jackie would say that she knew the value of giving of her time to others: “It is so important to do what I love, working toward achieving the very best for others, while fulfilling my own purpose in life.” After 23 years of teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels and involvement in parish ministry, S. Jackie spent a year of renewal in the Active Spirituality for Global Community program. She said, “This was a special time to experience other cultures and be connected with Sisters from various countries.” She had the opportunity to travel to Cuernavaca, Mexico, and was exposed to the poverty and hardships of the indigenous people. In the fall of 1979, Sisters Jackie and Noreen Ellison chose to begin a new ministry, working with the Glenmary Home Missioners in seven southern states. Working out of Nashville, Tennessee, they trained catechists and offered other parish-based programs for rural parishes seeking direction and growth in development. She saw it as a most rewarding experience, “seeing the laity develop skills enabling them to take responsible roles in parish life.” Following 12 years in the southern missions, S. Jackie responded to a request from S.E.T. (Service, Empowerment, Transformation), providing ‘wellbeing clinics’ for low-income elderly in Pueblo. By 1993 S. Jackie was the organization’s executive director, working to improve health and education, providing more than 8,000 services annually to the citizens. She remained in that position until 2004 at which time she continued giving volunteer hours to Board membership at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, Pueblo and serving in Communion ministry in local parishes as well as in the hospital. In May 2014 S. Jackie came to the Motherhouse and enjoyed her retirement years among her Sisters. S. Jackie’s close friend S. Noreen Ellison recalls, “Three times during the nearly 60 years of our friendship, in three totally different ministries, we lived in community and ministry together. … She had some special creative traits, quick to smile and to make us smile. She was brave.” 21

Sister Rita Schmutte March 2, 1924-December 21, 2021

“God is with me and what can I fear? I look neither behind nor before, only up.”

Sister of Charity for 80 years, S. Rita Schmutte (formerly Dolorita Marie) was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up in a large family, she once wrote that the numerous family members made life enjoyable; activities centered on church and school. She attended St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grade School in Bridgetown and then Seton High School, where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. After high school she entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Sept. 8, 1941. S. Rita’s first assignment as a Sister of Charity was to teach fifth grade at St. Anthony’s in Madisonville (Cincinnati). She remained at the school for three years (1943-’46) before transitioning to teaching business subjects to high school students in Colorado and Ohio. In 1956 S. Rita transitioned into the role of principal serving 15 years at schools in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio as well as Mount Clemens and Bay City, Michigan. Sister is best known in her hometown for her service as registrar at the College of Mount St. Joseph for 17 years. Following injuries sustained from an automobile accident, she was left with limited mobility. This happened to be at the same time as when the college was advertising for the registrar position and she applied. Looking back years later, S. Rita considered her years at the Mount as being her best professional experience. At the time of her retirement in 1989 she was responsible for more than half the degrees conferred by the Mount since its founding in 1920. S. Joanne Burrows is grateful to S. Rita for her professional guidance and example. “Rita was at the College of Mount St Joseph when I began my career in higher education,” S. Joanne recalls. “I came to know her as a great registrar who listened and learned as the field changed. She cared deeply for students, so much so that she held them to the rules that protected the integrity of their degrees and those of their classmates. Rita generously took time to teach me not just the rules but the reasons. What Rita taught me about the integrity of a college degree turned out to be foundational to both my teaching and my administration work over 40 years.” Following her retirement from the Mount, S. Rita volunteered in the Community’s Finance Office for 20 more years; her organizational skills were put to good use, giving particular attention to all financial details related to Mother Margaret Hall. S. Rita appreciated the people in her life and was generous with her gifts, sharing them in her quiet, unassuming manner. She enjoyed sewing, upholstery, tending plants and cooking. Her faith, her SC Community and her large local family were central to the person she was. 22

Sister Kathleen Stang March 26, 1924-October 16, 2021

“God’s will be done during the few remaining days of my tiresome journey, which, being made with so many tears and sown so thick with crosses, will certainly be concluded with joy and crowned with Eternal rest.”

ne of 13 children, S. Kathleen Stang grew up in rural Northern Ohio, the second youngest in her large family. She attended Fort Loramie Elementary School and graduated from Fort Loramie High School in 1942. She would say that she experienced plenty of ‘community’ while growing up. The responsibilities of farm chores and pitching in were always an expectation; it offered her many opportunities for learning. Early on she was attracted to religious life, having an aunt and two cousins in the Precious Blood Community. She met the Sisters of Charity when visiting her sister at the College of Mount St. Joseph and chose to enter after graduation from high school. She was a Sister of Charity for 79 years. S. Kathleen held multiple degrees in education. For 60 years she offered her services in ministry, which included 36 years in a variety of educational settings in Ohio, Michigan and Colorado. S. Kathleen began in the elementary classroom in 1945 and moved to teaching high school students 11 years later. She served as counselor at a variety of schools in Ohio and Michigan from 1962 until 1971. In 1971 S. Kathleen was asked to serve as principal of St. Joseph Commercial High School, Dayton, Ohio, and in 1973 she agreed to be administrator at Marian High School, Cincinnati. It was in 1979 that S. Kathleen changed the focus of her ministry to serving her senior Sisters as director of services for the SC Motherhouse (1979-’82). She then participated in the renewal program, Ministry to Ministers, San Antonio, Texas, in 1983. The draw to remain with senior citizens took S. Kathleen to Maryel Manor, Broomfield, Colorado, as administrator of low-income housing and then she served as senior services coordinator at Cathedral Plaza, Denver (1985-’92). In 1992 she looked to Bayley Senior Care, assisting residents living there and then directed Bayley Pastoral Care (1993-’96) and provided staffing assistance until retiring in 1998. She remained as an active senior care volunteer in Mother Margaret Hall and Bayley through 2005. S. Kathleen enjoyed travel, the mountains and camping, gardening, cooking and baking. She felt blessed and privileged to be part of her living community at Santa Maria House. She once shared, “I hope that religious life will always be a life-giving force in the Church and the world as we adapt to changing needs and walk with God’s poor.” As a newly vowed Sister of Charity, S. Kathryn Ann Connelly got to know S. Kathleen while living together for a year. “She was well organized, had a great sense of humor, and always saw the lighter side to life. She could see delight in anything,” Sister recalls. 23

Sister Regina Tevis May 23, 1927-January 24, 2021

“Eternity! That voice to be everywhere understood. Eternity! To love and serve God only who is to be love and eternally served and praised in heaven.”

orn in Ralph, Pennsylvania, S. Regina Tevis was the seventh of nine children. S. Regina grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, attending Saints Cyril & Methodius grade school and graduating from Marymount Academy in Garfield Heights, Ohio. It was after she attended a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lovocha, located on the property of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity, that she felt her call to religious life. She entered the Vincentian Community in September 1941 and was a Sister of Charity for 79 years. S. Regina held a bachelor’s degree in education and was a licensed social worker. Her varied ministries included those of elementary teacher, social worker, case manager, pastoral minister and companion to the elderly, spanning more than 60 years. In her 33 years in the classroom, S. Regina worked mainly with primary and intermediate age children in schools in northeast Ohio, including six years at St. Mary in Bedford (1973-’79). As a licensed social worker, S. Regina ministered for more than seven years at Villa Sancta Anna Home for the Aged, Beachwood, Ohio. In 1990 S. Regina began working as a case manager with Catholic Social Services of Cuyahoga County at the De Paul Center, Cleveland, in the Migration and Refugee Department. In her nine years ministering there she resettled more than 1,000 refugees of 16 different ethnic origins. Her first year she received 33 families from Eastern Asia, particularly Vietnam, one family at a time. She would say of this time, “You don’t know how much I prayed to the Holy Spirit as new groups were welcomed, coming from varied cultures.” “She loved this ministry the most of all,” recalled S. Mary Ann Flannery. “She never thought she did anything exceptional. She just went about it all with a joyful serenity; a true daughter of charity.” In 1999 S. Regina chose to become a home companion for the elderly, followed by service as an aide at the Vincentian Motherhouse and then pastoral minister at St. Mary in Painesville, Ohio. Looking back over her active years of ministry, S. Regina found great wisdom: “If you leave everything in the hands of providence, it greatly contributes to peace of mind and heart.” After moving to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in 2014, she became a volunteer in the Motherhouse Gift Shop while continuing to enjoy games on the computer, reading, embroidering, and card playing. She especially found renewed life in coming to know her ‘new’ Sisters. S. Regina Kusnir remembered her friend as always “up for fun and had an easy laugh. Under her pleasant demeanor was a deep spirituality that sustained her through the challenges and the joys of life.” 24

Sister Frances Maureen Trampiets December 19, 1934-August 11, 2021

“Look up! Think of our dear future blessed home where there will be no more separation.”

orn and raised in Chicago, Illinois, S. Frances Maureen Trampiets (born Shirley Ann Trampiets) was the second of two daughters. She attended St. Sebastian grade school and graduated from Immaculata High School in 1953. S. Fran was taught by the Sisters of Charity at St. Sebastian and appreciated the warmth and friendliness of the Sisters when she would visit them. Their convent was a place of laughter and joy. It was that spirit that drew her to consider religious life. She was a Sister of Charity for 68 years. Throughout her active ministry years, S. Fran frequently helped to create opportunities while addressing a new need. While teaching at Marian High School, Cincinnati, in the early 1970s she helped to establish the East End Alternative School along with four Vista Volunteers. Persons in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois benefitted from her educational and pastoral services, of which totaled 19 years. In 1974 the SC Leadership Council invited S. Fran to establish a Communications Office for the Community. She went to Boston University to receive professional training and earn a degree in Mass Communications. She found it to be one of the most satisfying and gratifying things she had ever done – establishing a 12-page monthly newspaper. S. Fran shared, “It became a wonderful vehicle for telling us what was happening throughout the Community, the important contributions Sisters were making to the Church and the world.” The second half of her life revealed a blending of media and pastoral ministry, working at the University of Dayton’s Center for Religious Telecommunications (1985-’01) assisting dioceses in adapting to modern communications technology to accomplish their mission and ministry more effectively. The media literacy movement was making people aware of their media environment and its impact. She wrote many articles, book chapters and the book, Faith in the Media? (Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, 1997). In 2001 she retired from the University of Dayton and gave her time ministering as communications director for St. Mary’s Development using her public relations’ gifts to help create affordable housing in depressed areas of Dayton for the urban poor and elderly. In her retirement S. Fran became involved in social justice and faith development at St. Charles, Kettering, Ohio, and served on the SC Communications Office advisory committee. She would say of the SC Community, “I think we are comfortable with who we are, we are truly dedicated, faithfilled women, many of whom are courageous.” A friend and co-member of a Marianist discussion group, Kathy Wittberg shared, “[Fran] was such a scholar and had that great way of really listening and processing what folks said that made her an absolutely invaluable participant. She was very caring and compassionate, often asking folks how they were doing and always told wonderful stories.”

Associate Mary Louise Wall January 19, 1944-December 18, 2021

“But for the desire for our dear Eternity every thing is like flying clouds.”

orn in Mineola, New York, Associate Mary Louise Wall attended Wasson High School and graduated in 1962. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Colorado Women’s College. Mary worked as a nurse for Penrose Hospital for 30 years. It was while at the hospital that she met the Sisters of Charity. In an interview for Intercom magazine Mary recalled, “The Sisters were mentors to me and encouraged me to pursue my career in nursing administration. I fondly remember those Sisters who loved me, scolded me, mentored me, and generally strengthened my God-given gifts to create the nurse I was to become.” She named many Sisters who left impressions on her life, including administrator S. Myra James Bradley as well as Sisters Ruth Anne Panning, Pat Dempsey, Sally Duffy and Louise Lears. She admired their individuality, strong will, motivation to make a difference, unconditional caring, and determination to do what is right. “I was privileged to work with Mary at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in the early 1990s,” remembered. S. Louise Lears. “She embodied the skill and compassion you would dream of for a nursing administrator. She lived the mission of Penrose with passion and integrity. Mary was an invaluable member of the Ethics Committee there, always holding the good of patients and their families at the center of any decisions. Mary embraced the Charity mission well before she became an Associate in Mission.” Mary received numerous nursing awards through the years, including the Colorado State Nightingale Award in 1997. After retiring from Penrose in 1996, Mary and two nurse friends started the first nurse owned and operated company in Colorado Springs that grew from eight patients per day to 130. Consulting 15 hours per week for the company, her main focus was to see that quality hospice care was offered to all in need. It was in 2004 that Mary made her commitment as an Associate in Mission. At the time she said, “[Making this commitment] offers me an opportunity to openly commit with a group of women I admire and respect and affirm my unspoken feelings to my family. … I hope to bring warmth, kindness and heartfelt sharing to this group of women.” Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband, Dr. Richard Wall, M.D., and involving herself in many nursing organizations. She was an exceptional nursing leader, women’s advocate, wife and mother. She was loved by all who knew her. “Mary was one of the most delightful human beings I’ve ever met,” remembered Associate Lee Hemminger. “Her sunny disposition could cheer anybody up. She knew she was dying and continued to live her life joyfully. I never picked up on any complaint. Both being nurses gave us a connection from the beginning.” 26

Sister Janet Marie Wehmhoff June 18, 1934-January 4, 2021

“To be assured of that love is enough to tie us faithfully to God, and while we have fidelity to God all surrounding cares and contradictions of this life are but cords of mercy to bind us faster to God…”

orn and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Janet Marie Wehmhoff was the second of four children. She attended St. Mark grade school in Evanston and graduated from St. Xavier Commercial High School in 1951. It was while she was working at Colonial Finance Company in Cincinnati that S. Janet Marie felt the call to religious life. She entered the Sisters of Charity on Feb. 2, 1952. With a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in learning disabilities, S. Janet’s ministries included more than 55 years in the classroom, either with primary grades or after-school programs working with the learning disabled. She was missioned West and began serving at Margery Reed Nursery/Day Care in Denver, Colorado in 1953. In 1956 she was sent to teach at St. Francis, Pueblo, Colorado, followed by Holy Trinity, Trinidad, Colorado; St. Therese, Pueblo; and Holy Cross, Thornton, Colorado. It was at this time that S. Janet began a 40-year ministry to the poor and marginalized families of Loyola School in Denver, Colorado (1972-2011). As their primary grade religion teacher, special reading and special education/after-school program educator, she viewed teaching the children ‘as a privilege and a great gift.’ At the heart of her ministry S. Janet saw giving children knowledge and the love of Jesus in their lives as central to her call to teach. Parents saw what a comforting presence she conveyed to their children with her ready smile. Former student and parent, Bridgie Tru He Yo, said, “S. Janet worked at Loyola Elementary when I was in grade school and was still working there when my son went there. We got to have dinners with her and Sisters Sue Verbiscus and Mary Ellen Roach. I have the best memories because of them. My son called the Sisters ‘my girls’ or his ‘other grandmas.’” Since all of S. Janet’s dedicated years of ministry were lived out in Colorado, she had cultivated a true affinity for the gift of the mountains, seeing them as a source of reflection, meditation and recreation. She found joy in hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. The friendships formed among the Sisters of Charity ministering in Colorado over the years were a source of growth and genuine support for S. Janet in living out her call to religious life. She was known for her welcoming spirit and smile. Associate Lee Hemminger recalled, “I will miss her sweet voice, making calls to let Sisters and Associates know of gathering plans, the lovely conversations we had during those calls, and her kindness and hospitality during the Seton House BBQs.” 27

Sister Jean Welling March 17, 1936-June 19, 2021

“The bright and glorious cross which we now drag along, how beautiful and lovely it will appear when we shall find it opens the doors of our eternal happiness for us. Follow on with courage.”

orn and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Jean Welling attended Holy Family grade school and graduated from Mother of Mercy High School. She had a clear sense of God’s personal invitation to religious life when she received her First Communion as a second grader and student of the Sisters of Charity; she remained true to her call. S. Jean entered the Sisters of Charity on Sept. 8, 1954. S. Jean’s ministries spanned more than 55 years. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and taught for 18 years in the primary classroom at schools in Ohio and Michigan from 1956 until 1974. In 1974 S. Jean transitioned to pastoral ministry at St. Leo parish in Detroit, Michigan for two years before serving as religious education coordinator at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Wooster, Ohio (1976-’81). In June 1982 she found herself at St. Vincent de Paul in Mount Vernon, Ohio. She first served as director of religious education, but upon completing her master’s in pastoral ministry she began her parish pastoral responsibilities for funeral preparations, grief counseling, direction of the RCIA program, retreats, training and coordination of lectors, spiritual direction, nursing and homebound visitation, and coordination of lay visitors, a labor of love she continued until her retirement in 2014. S. Jean’s enthusiasm for an active spiritual life encouraged many to become participants in programs offered. She had a gift for bringing unity to many different people that she drew into her ministry with her. She offered them a sense of empowerment to get involved in the faith life of the church. She would say of her call, “My pastoral ministry at St. Vincent de Paul gives me a happy heart.” Chris Morris came to know S. Jean well. “She was our leader in RCIA and she was wonderful,” he said. “The sincere love for our Lord was unmistakable. … She was gifted. She had so much love for all and I will never forget her or her devotion!” S. Jean was proud to serve as a member of the Council of Religious for the Diocese of Columbus. Her special interests included faith sharing, spiritual development, dream work, travel and cooking. A highlight for her was the opportunity to attend a reconciliation celebration in Northern Ireland in the early 1970s where she was able to return on several occasions. S. Mary Ann Flannery shared, “I got to know Jean through our Band. She offered to do a retreat at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma on the importance of dreams in our spiritual lives. She was wonderful and the participants loved the retreat. She included Celtic spirituality, along with her own experiences in having her dreams analyzed. She had a deep appreciation for the mystical.” 28

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