Sister Michael Therese, baptized Marie Joann, was born on March 20, 1932, in Centralia, Illinois, to Edward and Leona Anna (Kappel) Bauer. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on Sept. 15, 1950, was received into the novitiate on March 19, 1951, and made her final profession on Aug. 15, 1958. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne College (now University) in 1961.

Sister Michael Therese began her 25 years of teaching at St. Gregory School in St. Ann (1953-61). She served the next 10 years in Hawaii, teaching at St. Joseph School in Oahu (1961-63); Christ the King School in Maui (1963-65); St. Anthony School in Oahu (1967-70); and St. Theresa School in Honolulu (1970-71). She then went on to teach at St. James School in Denver (1971-73), followed by St. Luke the Evangelist School in St. Louis (1973-78).

From 1978-85, Sister Michael Therese’s ministry was in community service to her retired and infirmed sisters at Nazareth Convent (now Nazareth Living Center). Beginning in 1985, Sister Michael Therese served as coordinator of printing and mailing services at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet’s Provincial House in St. Louis for over 20 years. From 1977-2002, she was also the spiritual moderator of The Guild of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, a role she found very rewarding.

Sister Michael Therese retired in 2008 and was involved in volunteer service.

In her spare time, Sister Michael Therese was a clown and a magician. She was a member of the Trinity Clowns of Missouri (formerly Gateway Knights of Columbus Clown Club) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians and their regional affiliate, St. Louis RING ONE, which brought her much fun, enjoyment and new friends. She felt blessed to be able to bring laughs, surprises and smiles to many.

Burial took place in Resurrection Cemetery.