60th First Profession
Sister Nancy Marie Becker
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, 1961
Master’s in elementary administration, University of Missouri Columbia, 1974
Master’s in religious education, Incarnate Word College, 1990
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, All Souls, St. Louis, 1961-65
Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1965-67
Teacher, St. Barbara, St. Louis, 1967-72
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary, St. Louis, 1975-78
Campus minister, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1981-90
Campus minister, Rosary High School, St. Louis, 1990-98
Director of vocations, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1993-98
Coordinator of religious education, Christ Light of the Nations, St. Louis, 2006-08
Congregational services coordinator, Maria Center at Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2008-present
Service out of the archdiocese: Elementary administration and teacher, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1972-74
Elementary administration and teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Mo., 1974-75
Elementary administration and teacher, Holy Angles, East St. Louis, Ill., 1978-79
Pastoral ministry, Immaculate Conception, Mattoon, Ill., 1980-81
About Sister Nancy Marie Becker: As director of Maria Center, I have the opportunity to interact with different groups. Through this ministry I continue to share the charism of SSNDs with many people who were taught by us and who share fond memories of their former teachers.
Sister Rose Marie Daily
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in theology, University of Stubenville, Ohio, 1984
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1962-68
Administration of Villa Gesu, 1976-81
Clerical staff, Notre Dame Hall, 1992
Ministry to Hispanics, Southside Catholic Community Services, 1997-2000
Pastoral care residency, Christian Hospital Northeast, 2001-02
Chaplaincy, Mercy Hospital, 2002-15
Volunteer, St. Patrick Center, 2016
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Alphonsus, McComb, Mich., 1961-62
Teacher, Holy Family, Freeburg, Mo., 1968-69
Elementary administration, Immaculate Conception, Jackson, Mo. 1969-72
Pastoral ministry, St. Boniface, Quincy, Ill., 1972-76
Pastoral ministry, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Mo., 1981-83
Pastoral ministry, St. Francis Xavier, Sikeston, Mo., 1984-87
Teacher, Port Loko Catholic Secondary School, Port Loko, Sierra Leone, 1989-91
Pastoral ministry, Our Lady of Guadalupe of Provide, Oaxaca, Mexico, 1994-96
About Sister Rose Marie Daily: My most treasured memories have been the delight of laughing and chatting together with my sisters in community and striving together to be of one mind and one heart.
Sister Michaelina Dunne
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Nurse-licensed, O’Fallon Technical Institute, Mo., 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Food service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1959-60
Nursing aide, Villa Gesu, 1963-79
Nurse, Incarnate Word Hospital, 1979-82
Nurse, Villa Gesu, 1982-87
Nurse, Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration, 1988-94
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1995-2011
Prayer and presence and volunteer services, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Homemaker, Madonna Manor, Marrero, La., 1960-62
Teacher, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Mo., 1962-63
Nurse, SSND Health Care Center, Chatawa, Miss., 1987-88
About Sister Michaelina Dunne: I fondly remember ministering to our older sisters in health care. I accompanied them on their daily journeys, and their final journey to eternal life. All this has taught me that many of life’s issues fade when a sister is waiting for God.
Sister Eleanor Ewertz
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in speech, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in elementary administration, University of Central Arkansas, 1973
Master’s in education reading, University of Central Arkansas, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary administration, St. Andrew, 1976-79
Volunteer, Immigrant/Refugee Women, 2006-08
Patient ambassador, Saint Louis University Hospital, 2006-08
Volunteer, The Sarah Community, 2017-present
Prayer and presence, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Mo., 1961-67
Teacher, St. George, Linn, Mo., 1967-70
Teacher and elementary administration, Immaculate Conception, Loose Creek, Mo., 1970-76
Superintendent, Diocese of Jefferson City, Jefferson City, Mo., 1979-86
Teacher, Women’s Teacher College, Port Loko, Sierra Leone, 1986-89 and 1996-97
Teacher, Yengema Secondary School, Yengema, Sierra Leone, 1989-90
Parish administration, Our Lady of the Rosary, Mange Bureh, Sierra Leone, 1990-95
Teacher, Notre Dame Secondary School, Sunyani, Ghana, 1997-2003
Postulant director, SSND Formation House, Sunyani, Ghana, 2003-05
Teacher, Fatima Institute, Makeni, Sierra Leone, 2008-15
Prayer and presence, spiritual direction and retreat ministry, Diocese of Jefferson City, 2016
About Sister Eleanor Ewertz: Spending 25 years in West Africa taught me that people are more important than things. The people helped me see we are all one family and we are all responsible for one another. It was a privilege to live in Sierra Leone and Ghana.
Sister Joan Frey
Birthplace: Highland, Ill.
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in business education, Notre Dame College, 1926
Master’s in business education, University of Central Arkansas, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia High School, Washington, 1961-67
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1967-73
Teacher, Rosary High School, 1985-87
Secretary to the provincial of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 1987-98
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher and assistant principal, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Springs, Calif., 1973-79
Principal, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Ill., 1979-85
Secretary to general superior, SSND Generalate, Rome, Italy, 1998-2003
Administrative assistant, North American Major Area Coordinating Center, first in Chicago, 2004-06, then in Elm Grove, Wis., 2006-13
Office manager and secretarial, SSND Collaborative staff, Elm Grove, Wis., 2013-present
About Sister Joan Frey: When I entered, I never dreamed of the adventures ahead. Calls to ministry were very satisfying in carrying out our SSND charism, in bringing forth lasting relationships, and in provided greater appreciation and awareness of our international congregation.
Sister Mary Impellizzeri
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 29, 1957
First profession: Aug. 30, 1959
Final profession: July 29, 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in theology, Notre Dame College, 1691
Master’s in administration-elementary, University of San Francisco, 1983
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Andrew, 1960-62
Teacher, Our Lady of Loretto, 1970-71
Teacher, St Peter, St. Charles, 1972-77
Community service, Villa Gesu, 1978
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, DuQuoin, Ill., 1962-68
Teacher, St. Dominic, Breese, Ill., 1968-70
Teacher, St. Francis Salanus, Quincy, Ill., 1971-77
Elementary administration, St. Paul, Highland, Ill., 1977-78
Teacher, Cathedral School, Belleville, Ill., 1978-83
Teacher, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, Calif., 1983-84
Elementary administration, Anton M. Slomsek Elementary, Etiwanda, Calif., 1984-86
Computer specialist, Our Lady of Mercy, 1988-91
Teacher, St. Mary, Delano, Calif., 1991-97
Associate administration alternative, St. Mary, Delano, Calif., 1991-97
Computer specialist, Earlimart School District, Earlimart, Calif., 1997-99
Technology teacher, St. Francis School, Bakersfield, Calif., 1999-2002
Coordinator of worship and liturgy/communications, St. Francis Parish, Bakersfield, Calif., 2002-present
About Sister Mary Impellizzeri: My most valuable experience has been in St. Francis Parish in Bakersfield, Calif. For 20 years I’ve been a teacher, technology coordinator and all-around creative artist. Here, I’ve used my talents wherever my creative spirit takes me.
Sister Miriam Jansen
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in education, Ball State University, 1974
Master of education, Harvard University, 1989
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher and principal, Immaculate Conception, West Alton, 1969-71
Education consultant, St. Bernadette, St. Louis, 1971-72
Province leader, St. Louis, 1979-87
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Holy Rosary, Houma, La., 1961-62
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Mo., 1962-63
Teacher, St. Martin, Jefferson City, Mo., 1963-65
Teacher, St. Augustine, Breese, Ill., 1965-69
Associate superintendent, Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., 1972-73
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., 1973-79
Staff member, Global Education Associates, New York, N.Y., 1988-89
Curriculum coordinator, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, East St. Louis, Ill., 1989-92
Director of international programs, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Baltimore, Md., 1992-2011
SSND Education Services, residence, Baltimore, Md., 2013-present
About Sister Miriam Jansen: It’s been a remarkable journey. There were the everyday miracles that occurred and the strangers that became friends. My faith anchored me, the community was there to support me, and God’s faithful love accompanied me. I’m so grateful.
Sister Patricia Lange
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 29, 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in education, Southeast Missouri State University, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Anthony, Sullivan, 1961-62
Teacher, St. Barbara, St. Louis, 1962-64
Teacher, Sacred Heart, Valley Park, 1964-70
Teacher, St. Barbara, St. Louis, 1970-71
Teacher, St. Francis De Sales, St. Louis, 1971-72
Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Louis, 1973-75
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1975-86
Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1986-2009
Substitute teacher and tutor, various schools, St. Louis, 2009-present
Catechist, St. Gerard Majella Parish, St. Louis, 2009-18
Volunteer services, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, East St. Louis, Ill., 1972-73
About Sister Patricia Lange: Here’s a memory that always brings the sunshine of laughter to my day! A few years ago I was assisting in a kindergarten classroom. As I was sitting on a little stool helping a student, another little angel came over to me, standing there, looking at me at eye level, and said, “Sister Pat, I thought you were too old to teach!”
Sister Lois Martens
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: Aug. 29, 1957
First profession: July 30, 1959
Final profession: July 30, 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in secondary education, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, 1970
Master’s in adult Christian community, Regis College, Denver, 1994
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, All Souls, St. Louis, 1970-76
Coordinator of spiritual renewal, St. Louis Province, 1976-83
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1976-81
Nursing aide, Infirmary at Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1991-94
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Sacred Heart, DuQuoin, Ill., 1961-62
Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Ill., 1962-70
Pastoral ministry, Sacred Heart, Rich Fountain, Mo., 1983-85
Parish administrator, St. Michael, Russellville, Mo., 1985-91
Shelter manager and program director, Casa Guadalupe Family Growth Center, Ellington, Mo., 1994-2000
Crime victim/witness advocate, Robinson, Ill., 2002-13
GED instructor and substitute teacher, Newton, Ill., 2002-10
Volunteer services, Newton, Ill., 2013- present.
About Sister Lois Martens: A wonderful memory was supporting and assisting one of our guests at Casa Guadalupe through the labor and birth of her son. How profound it was to hold the newborn, Micah, in my arms!
Sister Carole Frances Miller
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in Latin, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in catechetical and pastoral formation, Divine Word, London, Ontario, Canada, 1967
Master’s in theology, Marquette University, 1969
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis De Sales High, St. Louis, 1961-63
Research, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1968-69
Provincial resource for elementary religious education, St. Louis Province, St. Louis, 1969-72
Instructor, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1968-72
Coordinator of religious education, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1972-73
Director of religious education and pastoral associate, St. Cronan, St. Louis, 1983-86
Pastoral associate, Immaculate Conception Parish, Dardenne Prairie, 1996-99
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Philip, East St. Louis, Ill., 1963-66
Regional program of religious education for five parishes and three missions in northeast Missouri, 1973-75
Pastoral ministry and director of religious education at parishes in DuQuoin, Ava, Willisville, and Raddle, Ill., 1975-83
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, Sacred Heart, Dexter, Mo., 1986-96
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, Boulder, Colo., 2000-04
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, Holy Spirit, Tempe, Ariz., 2004-11
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, All Saints, Mesa, Ariz., 2011-19
About Sister Carole Frances Miller: In my early days of teaching, I asked my parents for a subscription to Arizona Highways. The pictures were for creative writing assignments and geography. Now I have ministered in Arizona for 15 years and am taking my own photos of God’s creation.
Sister Josephine Niemann
Birth name: Patricia Ellen
Birthplace: Effingham, Ill.
Entrance: August 1957
First profession: July 1959
Final profession: July 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in art, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1962
Master’s in art, Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1978-79
Liturgical fabric arts, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1983-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 1961-68
Teacher, St. Anthony High School, Effingham, Ill., 1968-76
Teacher, Yengema Secondary School, Yengema, Sierra Leone, 1976-78, 1979-80
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Iowa, 1980-82
Teacher, Port Loko Catholic Secondary School, Port Loko, Sierra Leone, 1982-83
About Sister Josephine Niemann: After 15 years of teaching art, English and religion, I felt called to the same in Sierra Leone. That was truly a broadening experience! But God opened another door when I came home, inviting me to use my artistic talents in liturgical fabric arts.
Sister Phyllis Ann Price
Birthplace: Fort Madison, Iowa
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in elementary education, Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1978-80
Principal, Notre Dame Preschool, St. Louis, 1980-96
In-home family child care service, family home, St. Louis, 1996-2000
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 2000-05
Alumnae relations development office, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 2005-06
Pastoral associate, Mercy Hospital, 2006-11
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Mary, Keokuk, Iowa, 1961-67
Teacher, St. Anthony, Knoxville, Iowa, 1967-71
Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1971-73
Superintendent associate, Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, 1973-78
About Sister Phyllis Ann Price: I consider every year, informal education in various locales, a wonderful part of my ministry. Keeping in touch with former staff, parents and students continues to give me great joy. My time in pastoral care at Mercy Hospital was also a great blessing.
Sister Josetta Marie Spencer
Birth name: Mary Ann Spencer
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: January 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in speech, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1961
Master’s in special education, Saint Louis University, 1968
Master’s in theology, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minn., 1989
Doctorate of ministry, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn., 1998
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Mary’s Special School, 1961-71
Administrator for elementary education, All Souls, 1975-85
Program director, Our Lady of Loretto, 1986-89
Director of ongoing formation, Growth and Integration Forum, 1989-93
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, San Jose Parish Center, Albuquerque, N.M., 1960-61
Teacher and administrator in elementary education, St. John the Baptist, Burlington, Iowa, 1971-72
Administrator in special education, Tierra de Sol Center for people with developmental disabilities, Sunland, Calif., 1972-75
Diocesan program director, Catholic Education Center, St. Paul, Minn., 1993-99
Pastoral associate, St. Thomas More Parish, St. Paul, Minn., 1999-2009
Adjunct faculty, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn., 2000-01
Adjunct faculty and coordinator pastoral ministry certificate, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minn., 2001-09
Professional tutor, East Side Learning Center, St. Paul, Minn., 2010-13
About Sister Josetta Marie Spencer: My early years of teaching were intense because of needing to be “on deck” almost all hours, day and night as I not only taught during the day at St. Mary’s Special School, but also was in charge of a dormitory of primary children every night, yet those were some of the happiest years of my life. This includes other sisters with whom I lived, and working with the priest who was in charge.
Sister Frances Wessel
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Saint Louis University, 1957
Master’s in history, Saint Louis University, 1971
Master’s in pastoral studies, Loyola University of Chicago, 1982
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis De Sales High School, St. Louis, 1961-66
Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock High School, St. Louis, 1966-67
Administrator for secondary education, St. Francis De Sales High School, St. Louis, 1970-74
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1974-75
Pastoral ministry, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Louis, 1975-77
Residence director, Queen of Peace Center, St. Louis, 1985-88
Spiritual direction, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2008-09
Bible Belt Studies, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2008-09
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Mo., 1959-60
Teacher, St. Joseph, Ponchatoula, La., and Teutopolis, Ill., 1960-61 and 1967-70
Pastoral ministry in Linn, Ozark and Monroe City Mo., 1977-85
Teacher of adult education, Franciscan Communications, Los Angeles, 1988-90
Program director assistant, Archdiocese of Los Angles, 1989-90
Teacher, Franciscan Communications, Los Angeles, 1990-91
Clerical staff, Inter-Community Consultants, Los Angeles, 1991-92
Coordinator of television\radio\media, Center for Media and Values, Los Angeles, 1992-93
Administrative assistant, The Kitchen, Inc., Springfield, Mo., 1993-96
Religious education in Kimberling City, Mo. and Ozark, Mo., 1996-04
Staff, Little Portion Retreat Center, Springfield, Mo., 2003-05
Pastoral associate, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Nixa, Mo., 2004-05
About Sister Frances Wessel: Life offers opportunities to grow, integration of spirituality and grace. My current ministry was launched 20 years ago. Bible Belt Studies, an online course for adults, continues to be a source of grace and growth for laity.
Sister Georgiann Wildhaber
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1957
First profession: 1959
Final profession: 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, 1962
Master’s in elementary administration, Saint Louis University, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Clare, 1961-69
Teacher and principal, St. Bernadette, 1971-73
Principal, St. Joseph, 1973-80
Associate and administrator, adult education, Maria Center, 1980-90
President, Notre Dame High School, 1991-2004
Service outside the archdiocese: Principal, Sacred Heart, Lawrence, Neb., 1969-71
Administrative operations director, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Miss., 2005-13
Education resource to elementary school principals, Dioceses of Dallas, 2014-16
Driver, SSND office, Dallas, 2014-2016
Education resource, Holy Family of Nazareth School, Dallas, 2014-2016
Education resource, St. Philip and St. Augustine Academy, Dallas, 2016-2018
Volunteer, Notre Dame School of Dallas, 2018-present
About Sister Georgiann Wildhaber: God’s faithfulness is reflected in every moment of my life among His people. All my ministry experiences reflect the goodness and giftedness of all those to whom and with whom I ministered.
Sister Richelle Williams
Birth name: Mary Williams
Birthplace: Alton, Ill.
Entrance: Jan. 5, 1957
First profession: July 30, 1959
Final profession: July 30, 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in Latin, Notre Dame College, 1961
Master’s in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1965
Doctorate in Latin, Saint Louis University, 1969
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Duchesne High School, 1960-63
Teacher, Notre Dame College, 1968-72
Ministry of refugees, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 1982-84
Ministry to poor, Catholic Charities, 1984-86
Leadership, Villa Gesu, 1986-92
Director of pre-retirement and director of retirement, St. Louis Province, 1993-99
Coordinator of spiritual life services, The Sarah Community, 2002-06
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, 2006-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Leadership, Generalate, Rome, Italy, 1972-82
Leadership, Instituto Nostra Signora, Gorizia, Italy, 1999-2001
About Sister Richelle Williams: I have been immeasurably enriched by my experiences with refugees, with the elderly, and by the opportunity to share life and community with sisters and guests in our Italian province and Rome Generalate.
70th First Profession
Sister Maureen Brinker
Birth name: Shirley M. Brinker
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1946
First profession: 1949
Final profession: 1965
Education: Bachelor’s in language arts, Notre Dame College, 1957
Master’s in education/English, Saint Louis University, 1966
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, All Souls School, 1949-56
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1956-57
Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock High School, 1959-65
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, 1965-66
Teacher, Notre Dame College, 1973-77
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1977-78
Associate administrator, Notre Dame High School, 1977-78
Receptionist, Catholic Family Counseling, 2000
Office manager, Catholic Family Counseling, 2000-04
Office manager, National Catholic Ministry, 2004-05
Bookkeeper, Finance Office at Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2005-January 2019
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Spring, Calif., 1956-57
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Iowa, 1966-70
Teacher, Teutopolis High School, Teutopolis, Ill., 1970-71
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Highland, Ill., 1971-73
Teacher, Notre Dame Women’s College, Kyoto, Japan, 1978-81, 1982-92, 1993-99
About Sister Maureen Brinker: I am delighted to celebrate my 70th Jubilee during the Japan province’s 70th Anniversary. In 1999, I returned from Japan with a beautifully framed “ISSHIN” (ONE HEART) calligraphy. Displayed on my bedroom wall, it is a central place for prayer.
Sister Eleanor Francis Frankenberg
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in sociology, Notre Dame College, 1961
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1982-83
Maintenance director, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1983-85
Community service, Notre Dame Hall, St. Louis, 1997-88
Pastoral care, Fairfield Manor, St. Louis, 1998
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2007-11
Prayer and presence, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2007-11
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Solanus, Quincy, Ill., 1949-63
Teacher, St. Francis, Aviston, Ill., 1963-71
Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis, Ill., 1971-73
Teacher, Santa Isabel, Los Angeles, 1973-75
Teacher, St. Rita, San Diego, 1975-82
Community service, Tierra del Sol Center for people with developmental disabilities, Sunland, Calif., 1985-86
Teacher, St. Joseph, Cairo, Ill., 1986-90
Teacher, Epiphany, Venice, Fla., 1990-91
Pastoral ministry, St. Raphael, Englewood, Fla., 1991-97
Volunteer ministry, Migrant Education Program, Immokalee, Fla., 1998-99
Teacher, Migrant Education Program, Immokalee, Fla., 1999-2003
Volunteer, Migrant Education Program, Immokalee, Fla., 2003-07
About Sister Eleanor Francis Frankenberg: Sister Eleanor Francis died at Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, on March 16, 2019. She was 90 and a former teacher, pastoral minister and involved in community service. She was greatly loved by her family as evidenced by their presence at her memorial service. After her journey of 90-plus years, may she receive the fullness of eternal life in the loving embrace of her God.
Sister William Ann Heidenfelder
Birth name: Dolores Theresa
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in art, Notre Dame College, 1960
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Farmington, 1952-67
Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, 1967-68
Teacher, St. Barbara, 1970-72
Teacher, St. Engelbert, 1972-76
Teacher, Compton Heights Catholic School, 1976-79
Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, 1979-86
Ministry of elderly, All Souls, 1986-2006
Prayer and presence and volunteer, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2006-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Michael, Radom, Ill., 1949-52
Teacher, Blessed Sacrament, Hannibal, Mo., 1968-70
About Sister William Ann Heidenfelder: My heart and mind are filled with love and gratitude for God’s presence working in me and for me. Teaching was delightful to watch the children learn and their thrill in understanding the lesson.
Sister Anthony Marie Kasper
Birth name: Dolores Ann Kasper
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1946
First profession: 1949
Final profession: 1955
Education: Bachelor’s in education, Notre Dame College, 1957
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1963
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, 1947-48
Teacher, St. Peter, St. Charles, 1953-61
Principal and teacher, St. Anthony, Sullivan, 1967-73
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1973-82
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, 1984-87 and 1989-2004
Care of others, Our Lady of the Sorrows, 1987-89
Parish visitor, Our Lady of Sorrows, 2005-present
Prayer and Presence, Sancta Maria in Ripa, 2012-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, East St. Louis, Ill., 1949-50
Teacher, Sacred Heart, DuQuoin, Ill., 1950-53
Teacher, St. Luke, Belleville, Ill., 1961-67
Teacher, St. Stephen, Caseyville, Ill., 1982-84
About Sister Anthony Marie Kasper: After teaching for 56 years, I was asked by the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows to visit parishioners in nursing homes. This is far different from teaching, but I do enjoy it and I feel blessed for the opportunity to help others be happy
Sister Marie Vianney Pottebaum
Birth name: Dolores Marie Cecili Pottebaum
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in music theory, Notre Dame College, 1959
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1952-53
Teacher, St. Wenceslaus, St. Louis, 1959-62
Teacher, Our Lady Queen of Peace, House Springs, 1969-71
Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1978-79
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1983-85
Community service, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1985-95
Prayer and presence and serice to community institute, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1995-99
Organist, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 1999-2000
Music ministry, Our Lady of Loretto, St. Louis, 1999-2000
Volunteer ministry, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1999-2001
Community service, Santa Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2002
Organist, St. Roch, St. Louis, 2002-14
Prayer and presence and community service, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2014-17
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2017-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in Brookhaven, Miss.; Burlington, Iowa; St. Thomas, Mo.; Breese, Ill.; Fort Madison, Iowa; East. St. Louis, Ill.; and Hannibal, Mo.
Pastoral ministry, Sacred Heart, Dexter, Mo., 1980-81
About Sister Marie Vianney Pottebaum: Sister Marie Vianney Pottebaum served in Missouri and Iowa throughout her SSND life. She was a teacher, pastoral minister and retirement home staff member. Now, she volunteers and offers up prayers for those in need.
Sister Rita Reisch
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, 1958
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1967
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph, Manchester, 1953-54
Teacher and principal, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Louis, 1966-72
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1972-83
Teacher, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 1983-92
Administrative assistant, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1989-92
Volunteer services and prayer and presence, Theresa Center, 2016-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in DuQuoin, Ill.; Cuba, Mo.; Jefferson City, Mo.; and Fort Madison, Iowa
Volunteer ministry in Belleville, Ill.; and Sun City, Ariz.
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, Sun City, Ariz., 2003-16
About Sister Rita Reisch: While ministering to the elderly in Sun City, Ariz., I was touched by the loving care of a husband to his wife with advanced dementia. I am grateful that by my prayer and presence we were a blessing to each other.
Sister Herman Marie Siebenmorgen
Birth name: Crescentia
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, 1956
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1962
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1955-57
Principal, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1957-64
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher in Keokuk, Iowa; Baton Rouge, La.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Longview, Texas; Jackson and Chatawa, Miss.; Ponchatoula, La.; New Orleans; Dallas; Natchitoches, La.; Jeanerette, La.; and Gainesville, Texas
Principal in Laurel, Miss.; Bogalusa, La.; Gainesville, Texas
Teacher’s aide in Dallas
Community Service, St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Miss., 2001-15
About Sister Herman Marie Siebenmorgen: After two years teaching in a school of 800, I became the new principal and remained the eighth-grade teacher. On top of that, I was the superior of 16 sisters living in the convent. I didn’t think I could do it all, but holy obedience prevailed.
75th First Profession
Sister Margaret Berghold
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1941
First profession: 1944
Final profession: 1950
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Le Clerc College, Belleville, Ill., 1949
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, 1956
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis, 1949-50
Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock High School, St. Louis, 1952-60
Teacher, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967-78
Spiritual direction, Notre Dame Hall, St. Louis, 1978-85
Staff secretarial, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis, 1985-87
Staff secretarial, Provincialate, St. Louis, 1987-95
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1996-99
Clerical, St. Louis office for MR/DD Residence, St. Louis, 1996
Receptionist, Our Lady of the Life Apartments, St. Louis, 1996-99
Province staff, Provincialate, 1999-07
Community service and prayer and service, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2011-17
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Peter, Belleville, Ill. 1944-49
Teacher, St. Joseph Cairo, Ill., 1950-52
Teacher, Sacred Heart High School, New Orleans, 1960-66
Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Ill. 1966-67
About Sister Margaret Berghold: Without the help of God and friends I would not be able to enjoy life today. My favorite prayer continues to be St. Teresa of Avila, “Let nothing disturb thee.”
Sister Madeleine Sophie Witt
Birth name: Mary Carlene
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Bachelor’s in biology, Le Clerc College, Belleville, Ill., 1949
Master’s in theology, University of Notre Dame, Ind., 1963
Master’s in spirituality, University of San Francisco, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1944-46
Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock Grade School, St. Louis, 1946
Teacher, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1946-47
Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1947-49
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1952-60
Director of aspirants, aspiranture, St. Louis, 1955-64
Director of formation, juniorate, St. Louis, 1964-68
Community service, Notre Dame Hall, St. Louis, 1991-92
Prayer and presence, Mary Queen of the Universe and Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis 2002-06
Volunteer ministries, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2003-06
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2006-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Joseph High School, Conway, Ark., 1950-52
Teacher, St. Paul High School, Santa Fe Spring, Calif., 1968-79
Teacher, Helias High School, Jefferson City, Mo., 1979-91
Pastoral ministry, St. George, Linn, Mo., 1992-2001
Pastoral ministry, St. Thomas, Mo., 2001-02
About Sister Madeleine Sophie Witt: I’ve been happy wherever I’ve been asked to go and am very grateful to God for all His blessings. Being faithful to our vows has been very important to me. Words of wisdom to share: Take life a day at a time and make it good.
80th First Profession
Sister Mary Frederick Keller
Birth name: Mathilda
Birthplace: Belleville, Ill.
Entrance: 1935
First profession: 1939
Final profession: 1939
Education: Bachelor’s in chemistry, Saint Louis University, 1941
Master’s in secondary education, Saint Louis University, 1955
Master’s in physics, Saint Louis University, 1964
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis, 1941-42
Teacher, St. Peter High School, St. Charles, 1943-51
Teacher, Notre Dame High School, 1960-71
Administrator, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1971-74
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1974-75
Finance office, Notre Dame College, 1975-78
Finance office, Notre Dame High School, 1978-83
Librarian, Notre Dame Tutorial Center, St. Louis, 1995-2006
Senior resources coordinator, SSND Office of Pre-Retirement, St. Louis, 1995-2006
Prayer and presence, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2006-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Academy of Notre Dame, Belleville, Ill., 1942-43
Teacher, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Ill., 1951-52
Teacher, St. Mary High School, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 1952-60
Part-time teacher, Quincy Notre Dame High School Quincy, Ill., 1983-87
Secretary, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Ill., 1983-87
Clerical, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy, Ill., 1987-95
About Sister Mary Frederick Keller: Sister Mary Frederick served in Catholic grade schools, high schools and retirement homes throughout her SSND life. Now, she offers up prayers for those in need.