In 1979, Sister Dorothy Ann moved to Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Mississippi where she taught junior high for 10 years. She was in the fifty-seventh year of her religious profession. Following her formation program, she began teaching in parish schools in Wisconsin . In 1979, Sister Pat moved to Tulsa, Oklahomato minister to the elderly. In 1996, Sister Sandra started the process of transferring to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Discover how we live our charism each day. She grew up on the family farm with her two brothers and three sisters, getting into to use her words all the mischief we could imagine.. She also enjoyed sharing her professional expertise through service on numerous boards, including Viterbo Universitys Board of Trustees. Having a sister (SisterMildred Weber, FSPA) and several other relatives in the FSPA community sparked the idea of a vocation in Donna. She grew up on the family farm with her four brothers and two sisters, all younger. For recreation, Scrabble was her passion, along with a good card game now and then. Sister Gertrude made first profession of vows on August 12, 1948 and final vows on August 9, 1954. Later, she returned to her baptismal name. Helen began to pray about it, but the following August she entered St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. Marie never knew two of her brothers: Raymond died of jaundice shortly after birth and Vernon was kicked by a horse when he was seven. She then became Vice-President of Student Development from 1997 to 2005. She loved exploring new opportunities and places. Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Karolyne for her delicious baking and great love of the outdoors. Her love of those from other cultures enriched her and endeared her to many at home and abroad. This was probably the first time that any thought of a religious vocation entered her mind. The sixth died on Oct. 29 and the most recent two died on Nov. 6. She received a BA in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Viterbo College (University) and an MS in chemistry from Notre Dame. In 1999, she was officially incorporated as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. She was in the seventy-fifth year of her religious profession. Sister Clara Mae had asked her parents about going to the convent when she was a freshman, but they suggested she complete high school first. This experience in religious education led her to a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and further theological study. After her retirement, Sister Margaret Ann was active in attending events at the Fine Arts Center at Viterbo University and community events at St. Rose Convent whenever possible. Sister Betty taught high school chemistry and mathematics for 26 years in Wisconsin (Prairie du Chien and Stevens Point), Oregon (Salem), Iowa (Bellevue, Carroll, and West Point) and Texas (El Paso). After the high school in Lansing closed, she remained there as a religious education teacher for two more years. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1950, and final profession on August 9, 1956. At her baptism she was given the name Catherine Cecilia. In 1993, she moved to Jackson, Mississippi where she served as chaplain and hospice worker, providing care for people with HIV/AIDS at Grace House in Ridgeland. During Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14), join the congregations of Catholic Sisters and us throughout Illinois in refusing to use any single-use plastic beverage bottles. Her father served as Spokane City Treasurer until his retirement. Sr Susheela Sequeira, the superior general was the president of the chapter. Jubilarians: Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OSF) Submitted October 4, 2019 | 3:46 PM 50th First Profession Sister Renita Brummer Birth name: Jeanette Birthplace: Effingham, Ill. Even after retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2000, Sister Gertrude assisted in the wellness center, accompanying sisters to doctor appointments and helping as needed. Remembering Sr. Mary Elizabeth Glueckstein Wheaton Franciscans October 3, 2022 Province St. Elizabeth | Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Province St. Elizabeth Our History The American Province began in poverty with many hardships. She was in the seventy-second year of her religious profession. In St. Louis, Father Dunne was looking for Sisters to staff and operate Newsboys Home, an institution for unwanted and neglected boys. Barbara Jane entered St. Rose Convent in the fall of 1951. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Convent Chapel. While in Cedar Rapids, Sister Anita began doing youth ministry in the parish and vocation education in the congregation. Since their grandparents lived near the school, the girls ate lunch with them. The Bernardine Center Times. She ministered at Sacred Heart School in Spencer, Iowa from 1973 to 1997 as music teacher and organist for the parish. She attended Holy Family Grade School and DePadua High School. In 1949, she entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse and was given the name Sister Anysia. During the annual three-day retreat of her senior year, she admitted to herself she was called to religious life. Celebrating the Life of Sr. Gerarda Augustyniak, The Franciscan Sisters join other Women Religious in grieving the shooting in Colorado Springs, LSAP Resource Guide Community Engagement & Participatory Action. She was living a good life, enjoying friends, family, nice clothes and her job, but was feeling an attraction to something else. She ministered there until 2021 when she moved to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse. She once commented that she thought she learned how to rip the same afternoon she learned how to sew. The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio are engaged in such diverse ministries as education, health care, social services, religious education and more. During part of that time, she was also Director of Resident Life at the college. Her gift of music was shared in many ways instrumentally, vocally and even to the point of creating enjoyable parodies for special occasions. After a year in support services in El Paso, Texas, she was called to serve as baker at St. Rose Convent. The children would often ask their mother for a picnic supper on hot summer days. Sister Ellen Mary MacDonell, who served 64 years in the health care field with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, died Dec. 27, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany. She served as principal in both Carroll (St. Lawrence School) and Calmar. At the completion of her term she moved to Sun City, Arizona, where she served as parish administrator of St. John Vianney Parish. Obituaries Bernardine Franciscan Sister Laetitia Okoniewski, a graduate of St. Hedwig School. From1953 to 1954, she served as cashier at Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and from 1954 to 1958 at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH), La Crosse. Sister Mary Klisart, OSF. Sister Lois Lobdell, FSPA, 97, died Thursday, August 27, 2020, of natural causes at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was devoted to little children and prayed daily for the children of the world. She often said that religious life was an extension of a gift that was nurtured in her home. FelicianSisters. Sister Sandra DeMann, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 72, died of cardiac arrest Friday, May 22, 2020 at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona. Jeanette Mary Margaret Kassmeyer was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Frank and Leona (Krittenbrink) Kassmeyer on March 11, 1936, the oldest of eight children. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Clara Mae as always having a smile for everyone. St. Francis and St. Clare saw the good and holy possibility in the culture of everyday life. In the picture above, Sr. Karen (left) and Sr. Loretta (right) "God has constantly been our companion on the journey as we walked with much joy..". The FSPA community is grateful for her leadership, especially in leading the congregation into the world of social security and investment. She then moved back to La Crosse where she was a nursing instructor at Viterbo College (University) School of Nursing from 1981 to 1984. When her mother became ill, Joanne left the Benedictines to care for her until she died; subsequently, Joanne resumed her position at the Salvation Army. On August 15, 1939, after graduating from eighth grade, she fulfilled that desire. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1952. At that time she retired to St. Rose Convent where her ministry was that of prayer and hospitality. She then attended St. Patricks High School, run by the Benedictine sisters. Stay informed on the latest news from the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. Posted June 15, 2022 Sister Anna Louise Aherne, O.S.F. Her love of teaching, sports and cross-cultural experiences were always part of her life. She was privileged to attend Father Solanus beautification ceremony in Detroit. Her family ties grew deep and strong and continued through the years with Hageman family reunions almost every other year. After a one-year stint in the St. Rose Convent cafeteria, Sister Rita Marie moved to Villa St. Joseph where she assisted in many community service roles, such as receptionist, sacristan and organist. They also remember her for her insightful questions and reflections, challenging others to think beyond the obvious and see the presence and action of God in our entire universe. At age six, Sister Lydia went to school with her two older sisters. Even though she experienced permanent injury from a jeep accident while in Africa, she did not let that stop her from being of service to others. During that time, she took additional bookkeeping courses at Indiana University. Community members, family and friends remember Sister Rita as always having a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Helen and her cousin Art were constant companions until he left for Maryhurst in the Philippines to become a Brother of Mary. For four years she was a housekeeper and hospitality person at the FSPA Central Region Home in Hiawatha, Iowa. She never missed an opportunity to share the good things in life with others. She professed first vows on August 12, 1952. Sister Jean Moore, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 67, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her interest in becoming a sister was fostered by relatives in the FSPA congregation and her love of nature. She could be counted on for a great conversation, often on politics, which she followed assiduously. She was the second eldest in her family which included two brothers and four sisters. Sister Margaret worked at the hospital in Little Falls on weekends and during the summer. Thats what I take.. Twelve years later, the small group of sisters established their Motherhouse in Reading, Pennsylvania. How surprised, and disappointed, was Sister Lydia when Louise (Sister Joan Marie) entered FSPA in La Crosse. She kept up on the news of the world and the Church. Donnas grade school years were spent in six different schools, while living in six different homes. She was always exploring the latest spiritual book or philosophy. read more . She later went back to her baptismal name. In 1989, with the close of FSPA regions, Sister Evelyn was called to serve as assistant treasurer for the FSPA congregation in La Crosse. After high school, she helped on the farm, as two of her brothers were in the service. She later returned to her baptismal name. In 2000, another transition occurred in her life when she moved to volunteer in the finance office and kitchen at St. Rose Convent. Villa St. Joseph became her home again, retiring in 2018. At its peak, the motherhouse was home to 700 nuns. She had taken several business subjects in high school, so she did secretarial work for three years before entering St. Rose Convent in La Crosse on July 29, 1941. She had been taught by sisters for two years, but in her earlier years was not attracted to their communities. She professed first vows on Aug. 12, 1955. Founded in 1988 to renew the contemplative dimension of the form of life of the early Franciscan penitents, we are a contemplative-active community of religious women who have given our lives to glorify God and make known His merciful Love through prayer and works of mercy. From 1994 to 1998, Sister Joanne served as co-director of the FSPA Clare Retreat Center in Spokane. Sister Geralyn Misura, 88, died Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sister Jean has been selected to be honored with the Viterbo University Pope St. John XXIII Award, the highest non-academic award bestowed by the university, in May 2020. She was raised north of the George Washington Bridge often referred to as Innwood. After completing licensed practical training at St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa, she served as a LPN for 28 years at Villa St. Joseph, St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH) and St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue. Her gentleness and sense of humor endeared her to her patients, family, sisters and many friends. During her junior year she began to think of entering religious life. She made her first vows on August 12, 1951. Possessing excellent office skills, she was tapped for clerical work at Viterbo College (University) from 1962 to 1966. She was in the 76th year of her religious profession. Most recently, Sister Sandra had been a regular volunteer at Ryan House, an extension of St. Joseph Hospital, and at St. Vincent De Paul in Phoenix. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. Sister Kathleen taught at the high school level for the next 11 years in Cathedral (Superior, Wisconsin), Kuemper (Carroll, Iowa), Aquinas (La Crosse), Marquette (West Point, Iowa) and Marquette (Bellevue, Iowa). Sister was 93 years of age and had been a Sister of St. Francis for 70 years. Bernardine Franciscan Sisters' Jubilee Celebration ~ May 29, 2022 in Reading, Pennsylvania Doorways of Hope ~ Closing Activity for the Year ~ May 25, 2022 Bernardine Bonanza 2022 Renewal of Vows in Northeast Brazil ~ January 9, 2022 Motherhouse Christmas 2021 Doorways of Hope ~ Christmas 2021 Program Bernardine Center ~ Chester, Pennsylvania A second sister, Kathy, was born following the familys return to the States. In Iowa she taught at St. Lawrence School and Kuemper High School, Carroll, as well as in Breda, West Point and Spencer. At another time, the house burned down and the family was split among relatives and friends until they acquired a new farm house a few miles away. She then began working as a home healthcare aid for Olmsted County Public Health Department. They desired to transfer from the congregation and become members of the Franciscan . She didnt let her physical infirmities bring her spirits down. Entrance: August 1966 First profession: August 1969 Final profession: August 1972 Education: Bachelor's in American studies, Marillac College, 1972 As one parishioner said, We have been blessed to have Sister Geralyn in our parish. Sister Geralyn had a great devotion to Capuchin Father Solanus Casey from Prescott, whose cause is in consideration for canonization. A community of Franciscan women religious based in Clinton, Iowa with a mission of active nonviolence and peacemaking. Sr. Mary Alodia Stozek was remembered on her 80th Jubilee. She was in the sixty-third year of her religious profession. From 1997 to 2007, she continued providing support services to elderly in Guttenberg through volunteer work at River Living Center and St. Marys Parish. Joanne Patricia Lancaster was born on February 17, 1928 in Spokane to Emmett and Effie (Turpin) Lancaster. Sister Helen Keating, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 93, died of cancer on May 14, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She professed her first vows as an FSPA on August 12, 1965. As soon as their dad came home from work, the question was put to him. It is grounded in the sacredness of all life . For almost 40 years, Sister Bernadette played background music once a month for televised Masses in the Madison Diocese as part of their Apostolate to the Handicapped. Always interested in finding out what she could do to make life better for others, she was quick to recognize the goodness in others and reinforce it. Being one with all people was not just an idea for Sandy; it was the reality she sought. She also participated in her parish choir. The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, is a Roman Catholic congregation of religious women of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. Sister Evelyn Schlosser, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died on October 7, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. To the surprise of her family, she chose the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, being drawn to the ministry of Perpetual Adoration. Sister Michon was born to John W. and Vera (Duffy) Desmond on August 28, 1933, in Winona, Minnesota, the eldest of six children. She then returned to Tulsa, where she again ministered to the elderly at St. Marys Parish and served as campus minister at Tulsa University. In 1966, Sister Evelyn became a bookkeeper at St. Mary Hospital in Sparta, Wisconsin until 1973, when she became a bookkeeper at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. Gertrude was the youngest player on the basketball team when they won the Archdiocese of Dubuque tournament. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 2006, Sister Margaret also volunteered at Immaculate Conception School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Until 2010, Sister Rita Marie had neither taken a pill, no been hospitalized. Her final days of retirement were at Villa St. Joseph. Her family moved to a farm near West Point, Iowa when she was in the primary grades. From daycare for loved ones who suffer from dementia, to rehabilitation centers for recovery from surgery . When she could no longer travel, she visited with family by phone, even when she was near death, relishing especially visits with her only surviving sibling, her sister Betsy. After a year, she resigned again from the Salvation Army and formally entered the congregation and made first vows in 1986 as an FSPA. She provided pastoral care at Bethany St. Joseph Nursing Home in La Crosse from 1983 to 1987. Mary Jane was born to Raymond and Stella (Bien) Misura on Dec. 16, 1933, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After completing high school, Sister Lois entered the novitiate on August 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Caroleen. In later years, her contributions to liturgy, both work-related and in the FSPA community, served as major contributions to a Vatican II Church. While in La Crosse, she served at St. Rose Convent for two years, Villa St. Joseph for six years and as dietitian at St. Joseph Nursing Home for three years. With her graduate degree in hand, she began teaching Spanish at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois. Her mother was quite musical and made sure Kathleen took piano lessons. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1945 and was given the name Sister Elreda at her 1948 reception into the novitiate. Born on November 26, 1925, in Buckman, Minnesota, Sister Margaret was the seventh of 12 children of John and Pauline (Beka) Schmolke. She was very social and loved visiting with people. She later returned to her baptismal name. She joined FSPA in 1950 and was given the name, Sister Joene, but later went back to her baptismal name. Sister Erlinda was from a large, very close family in Cebolla, New Mexico. In December of that year, she was brutally attacked and burned in an assault that occurred while she was at home in the convent. From 1964 to1967, she served as Marian Hall housekeeper at Viterbo College (University). Sister Helen retired and continued to serve as on-call nurse from 1995 to 2005, before moving to St. Rose Convent. She started taking piano lessons in sixth grade and music became her major interest. She loved her years teaching. Her teaching ministry continued at St. Paul School in Mosinee, Wisconsin (1969-1977) and St. John the Baptist School in Plum City, Wisconsin (1977-1982). A small, but sophisticated museum at the Franciscan Life Center outlines the history of the Franciscan order and its role in central Illinois. Realizing there were only 30 Consolata sisters left in the United States in the early 1990s, Sister Sandra began exploring American-founded Midwestern religious communities open to international missionary service. Her devotion for the missions remained with her long after she left the South. Sisters celebrating their 75th Jubilee were Sr. Mary Carolita Turzinski and Sr. Mary Lucia Skalka. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession. "We apologize, but we were unable to find the obituary based on your search request". She always felt that her best friend was the Blessed Mother who accepted her for the person she was called to be. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Viterbo College (University), La Crosse, she continued her education with a Masters in Music Education from DePaul University, Chicago. Read inspiring reflections from our sisters and keep up-to date . Community members, family and friends remember Sister Agnes as having a heart of gold for the sisters she served as a homemaker and for the children whose lives she touched in Mississippi and Texas. Obituaries We thank God for the lives of our Sisters who have moved on to Eternal Life and their impact throughout their many years of service within the vowed religious life. Born on Oct. 7, 1927 in Sparta, Wisconsin, to William and Alice (Senogles) Sheridan, Sister Patricia grew up in Kendall, Wisconsin where her father worked for the Sheridan Lumber Company. Again she received a negative response, but a week later her father gave his approval. She served as a primary school teacher for eight years in Iowa (Mallard and Dedham) and Wisconsin (St. Joseph Ridge, Eau Galle, Ashland and Edgar). She was a quiet person who had an avid interest in world affairs. She was in the sixty-ninth year of her religious profession. Sister Ladonna made her home at St. Rose Convent in 2016. The former Dorothy. During her time in Canton, Sister Dorothy Ann became a companion to Sister Thea Bowman, an FSPA who gained prominence as a teacher, musician and civil rights activist in the African American community. Upon her retirement, the executive director of David School, Danny Greene, summed up her impact, Sister Mary Myron has truly been a gift from God. Born in Sand Lake, Michigan, Sister Patin entered the by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Jun 4, 2019 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. At St. Michaels School in Buckman, Minnesota, they had Benedictines of St. Joseph, Minnesota, as their teachers. Sister Ladonna moved back into congregational ministry as FSPA Director of Development from 1987 to 2012, when she became Congregational Secretary and Director of Planned Giving. Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Celebrating 70 years of God's Goodness and presence in Papua New Guinea The 16th of September 2019, a special day to remember with gratitude and joyful praise for God's goodness reflected in the lives of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters [ . ] She could often be seen at table long after most people had left the dining room. Sister Jeremiah (Theresa) Collins, OSF January 27, 2022 Sister Jeremiah (Theresa) Collins embraced Sister death on January 27, 2022 at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, NY. Before them was a newly-unveiled 7-foot bronze statue of Sister Mary Virgilius Reidy, one of their own. In 1997, Sister Cecilienne retired to Cedar Rapids where she taught ESL classes and private music lessons until moving to St. Rose Convent in 2009. As a toddler, Marie would follow her mother around the kitchen and in the garden, picking berries, plums, grapes and whatever else was in season. During World War II her parents moved to Seattle. Her counseling skills aided many as she walked with them through difficult transitions. Her early devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary stayed with her all through her life. She was then appointed Congregational Treasurer of the order, a position she held from 1964 to 1983. She was the eldest of six children. She was instrumental in expanding student life programming since, at the time, the college was rapidly growing its enrollment of lay students. She taught in Calmar, Mallard, St. Lucas and Balltown, Iowa and La Crosse from 1945 to 1962. Shethen served as director of religious education at Sacred Heart Religious Education Center in Palos Hills, Illinoisfor four years. She then attended Marycliff High School in Spokane. Our dear Sister (Joan) Charlotte Struckhoff left this world peacefully on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Sep 9, 2020 | Franciscan Sisters News, Obituaries. She was always ready to enter into conversation and had great stories to share. Whenever anyone suggested that she would end up at the convent, she objected. Her low-key personality, sense of humor and ability to go with the flow drew people to her. Sister Cecilienne Goetz, FSPA, 97, died February 4, 2021 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on . Happy are those who endure in peace, By You, Most High, they will be crowned. Her delight was combining two of her passions: teaching and working with international students, as she spent many hours in retirement helping solve a math problem or chemistry equation. I was into trouble almost constantly for skipping school, breaking rules and getting into things that were none of my business. It was not until her senior year that she gave her future a serious thought. The day after her 21st birthday she was in a serious car accident. Please wait a few minutes and try again. Celebrate With Us! Fast. She grew up in Guttenberg with her three brothers and two sisters, helping her father at the Kuempel & Lake Hardware Store. Sister Agnes loved growing up on a farm and being outdoors; her family grew vegetables and raised chickens to sell. Sister Betty Shakal, FSPA, 87, died May 3, 2021 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sister FrancesYanisch, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 90, died on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin after a battle with cancer. Date of Death: August 1, 2022. The Franciscan Sisters of Mary care passionately for God's creation. She later went back to her baptismal name. Her elementary school years were spent at St. Marys School in Guttenberg. Sister Lourdine Bielawski, 90, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died Feb. 3 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, where she had resided since 2012. She continued her education earning a Ph.D. in Second Language and Culture Education from the University of Minnesota in St. Paul and a Masters in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, New York. At the end of her junior year, she informed her parents that she felt called to religious life. Come enjoy the day with a round of golf and support the Sisters' ministries. Sister Rita Jansen, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 94, died on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her family then moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin where she attended St. John Vianney School. During her eight years there, she earned a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans. When she became a novice on August 12, 1953, she was given the name Sister Leocadia. In 2010, due to her deteriorating health, she chose to move to St. Rose Convent and in 2014 made her home at Villa St. Joseph. Read more. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession. Sister Bernadette Milada Prochaska was born on June 15, 1932 in Montfort (Castle Rock), Wisconsin to Frank and Victoria (Roh) Prochaska, where she grew up with her nine brothers and sisters. Two years later she moved to Camden, Mississippi, where she taught for six years. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession. It is one of our missions that provide educational, spiritual and advocacy programs to help the nearby residents build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. Sister Patricia loved school; she excelled in her studies and was active in 4-H. After graduating from the eighth grade, Sister Patricia felt a deep call to become a sister and contacted the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who were the closest religious congregation to her home. After attending the Creation Spirituality Program in Oakland, California, Sister Donna served on the retreat staff at Holy Cross Center in Merrill, Wisconsin.