Our 2010 Jubilarians
The Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate will celebrate the Jubilees of 28 Sisters on June 19, 2010 in a 10:30AM Eucharistic Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, Illinois. Our Jubilarians will celebrate their 75th, 60th, 50th and 25th Jubilees on this day together with their sisters in the congregation, as well as with family friends. Please join us in keeping these Sisters in your prayers throughout this Jubilee year.
Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva, OSF — 75th Jubilee
 Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva was the oldest of eight children born to Mary and Adam Tikva of Cleveland, Ohio. She was a member of Holy Family Parish when she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Joliet. Sister Mary has one brother, Peter, still living. Her other siblings Katherine, Dorothy, Michael, Steve, George and Stanley are deceased.
She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School in Cleveland, Ohio. However, she was unable to attend high school since she was needed to help at home. Before coming to Joliet to enter the Sisters of St. Francis in September, 1934, Sister Mary had assisted the family by working in her father’s beer garden and as a factory worker and telephone operator.
In 1937 Sister Mary began her ministry as seamstress for the community, a ministry she faithfully performed for over 33 years, sewing hundreds of habits and veils each year for the sisters. In 1970 Sister Mary began a new ministry. She began teaching clothing classes and working in the library of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, Ohio. In 1971 she returned to St. Francis Convent as the receptionist and telephone operator for over 32 years. Her smiling face greeted visitors at the front door and welcomed them into the Convent. She spent many hours answering the telephone. Often, if she was unable to locate the sister being telephoned, she would make sure that a message was conveyed to that sister along with the time and number of the call. When St. Francis Convent was vacated in 2003, Sister Mary was one of the last sisters to move out of the building – making sure that the postal carrier, the UPS driver and the newspaper deliverer knew where she would be living.
Today at 98 years of age, Sister Mary is the oldest living sister in the Congregation. She resides at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home where she visits other residents on a regular basis and is always willing to help wherever she can. You will find her in Chapel at Our Lady of Angels praying or in the C1 Dining area stacking dirty dishes. However, if there is a party going on, you will find her at the party dancing with any partner who can keep up with her; her favorite dance - the polka!
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Sister Marie Schramko, OSF — 75th Jubilee
 A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Sister Marie is the daughter of the late Julia and Frank Schramko. One of five children, Sister Marie had two brothers, Frank and Thomas, and two sisters, Julia and Caroline, all of whom are deceased.
Sister Marie attended the Johnstown Public School and St. Stephen’s Grade School, and then received her high school diploma at Johnstown Central Catholic High School. She came to Joliet and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis), a Master’s Degree from DePaul University (Chicago) and continued her education at the University of Illinois on a Science Grant. She completed a Master’s Degree in Administration and Counseling at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.
Sister Marie taught religion, science and mathematics in various high schools throughout Ohio and Illinois. In 1961, at the request of Archbishop Carroll, she was sent to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to start a Co-Institutional Catholic High School in the northeast section of Fort Lauderdale. Sister Marie co-founded Cardinal Gibbons High School and became its first principal for the Girls’ Division. In 1972, at the recommendation of the SACS Visiting Committee, the Co-Institutional Cardinal Gibbons High School became one, Cardinal Gibbons High School. In the 2010-2011 school year the school celebrates its 50th Jubilee of Secondary Education in the Archdiocese of Miami.
In 1961 Sister Marie taught latin, algebra, geometry, biology and chemistry along with her administrative duties. As these duties increased, her teaching duties decreased. Last year was the final year of teaching in the classroom but even this year, while ministering as Assistant Principal, she finds time to work with students who need a little extra help. Truly, she lives the motto of Cardinal Gibbons High School: “Educating the Heart as well as the Mind.”
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Sister M. Martin Hornak, OSF — 75th Jubilee
 Sister M. Martin is a native of Chicago, IL. She was born in 1917 to the late Johanna and Martin Hornak. One of five children, Sister Martin has only one sister, Johanna Lench, still living in Pennsylvania. Her brothers John and Martin and her sister, Mary, are deceased.
Sister Martin attended Sacred Heart (Slovak) Grade School and then came to Joliet, IL to complete her education. After attending St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy), she went on to the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Theology.
Sister Martin began her teaching ministry in 1937 at St. Mary’s in Columbus, Ohio. During her teaching career she taught grades 2 – 8 for almost 50 years in schools throughout Illinois including sixteen years at Assumption (Chicago). She served as teacher/principal in many schools throughout her educational ministry. Sister especially remembers her years at Assumption in Chicago. They were her last years working with children in grade school, a ministry she dearly loved.
In 1985 Sister Martin became Coordinator of Arts and Crafts at St. Pascal’s Senior Center. She found this very rewarding. She ministered there for about fifteen years, enjoying the wonderful people there. In addition to working in the Senior Center, she gave time to teaching Religious Education classes and serving as Eucharistic Minister in the Parish.
Currently Sister Martin ministers at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, where she “continues to enjoy life!” She spends time in quiet prayer and reflection “in a beautiful chapel we are blessed to have here at OLA.” She still continues doing “projects for OLA fundraisers – the latest being a ‘Peace’ hanging.”
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Sister Loretta Wagner, OSF — 75th Jubilee
 A native of Chicago, Illinois Sister Loretta Wagner is the eldest of four children born to the late Celia and Edward Wayrowski. She has one brother, Edward, Wagner living in Florida. Her sister, Sister Anne Wayrowski, is also a member of the Sisters of St. Francis and lives in Joliet, Illinois. Her sister, Delphine Rankin, is deceased.
Sister Loretta’s vocation to religious live was fostered through her early education at St. Pascal’s Parish School in Chicago, IL. Though she knew she was entering a Congregation that was known as a teaching community, Sister Loretta entered the Sisters of St. Francis to dedicate her life to the service of God’s people through the profession of nursing. She attended St. Francis Academy (Joliet Catholic Academy) and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis). In 1942 she received her R.N. from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Joliet, Illinois.
In 1942 Sister Loretta ministered as nurse at St. Francis Convent Infirmary. In 1943 she became the nurse and prefect at Our Lady of Mercy in Granville, Ohio. From 1945 – 1955 and again from 1956 – 1961 she was assigned to the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis) as the Registered Nurse to assist the resident students with their health care needs and to teach Health Sciences. In 1962 she became the first Community Health Supervisor for the Congregation, serving in that capacity for five years. From 1967 – 1969 she ministered at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. From 1969 – 1974 she worked at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Clinic in Houston, Texas returning to Chicago in 1974 to minister at Resurrection Hospital as a nurse and night supervisor until 1990.
From 1990 until the present she has ministered to her family and to her congregation, offering her nursing skills.
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Sister Lucille Adelmann, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister Lucille was born to Agnes and Harry Adelmann in Joliet, IL. She has one sister, Evelyn Rose McGowan, who is deceased.
Sister Lucille graduated from St. John the Baptist Grade School, St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy), College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She received her R.N. degree from Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio and later completed her CPE Program at Loyola University Medical Center.
Her first ministry was in the education field, teaching math and science at St. Francis Academy in Joliet and at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Ohio. Her next ministry, as a nurse, led her to serve as Director of Nursing for the Sisters at OLA, then as nurse at the Joliet Community Health Services. She became the Director of the Will-Grundy Medical and Dental Clinic in Joliet. She then ministered as a Spiritual care-giver for the Joliet Area Community Hospice. In 1999 Sister Lucille was the Director of Pastoral Care at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet, Illinois. She continued to minister there as a pastoral care person until 2009. Presently Sister Lucille volunteers as a teacher of math at the Dillard Harris Educational Center at the Guardian Angel Community Services and is an Operator at the Crisis Line of Will County.
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Sister Vivian Whitehead — 60th Jubilee
 A native of Chicago, Illinois, Sister Vivian was born to the late Margaret and Fred Whitehead. One of three children, Sister Vivian has one sister, Annette Leah Nordmark who resides in South Carolina and one Brother Larry, who resides in North Carolina.
Sister Vivian attended St. Dorothy Grade School and Loretto Academy, Woodlawn, in Chicago, Illinois. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis and her Ph.D. in Biology from St. Bonaventure University, New York.
Sister Vivian began her teaching career in 1950 at St. Mary High School in Columbus, Ohio. From 1952 – 1962 she taught biology, math and religion at St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in Joliet, Illinois. After receiving her Ph.D she returned to Joliet as Associate Professor of Biology at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) from 1965 – 1968.
She was elected to the Congregation Governing Board and served as Councilor and Coordinator from 1968 – 1976. She ministered at Notre Dame University, IN from 1976 – 1979. In 1979 she returned to Joliet and founded the Center for Correctional Concerns, a citizen effort in Criminal Justice, focused in Will County Jail. She was Director of the Center from 1979 – 1988.
In 1988 she was elected President of the Sisters of St. Francis. In 1992 Sister Vivian moved to David, KY and spent six years in Appalachia as an Adult Education and Family Literacy teacher.
In 1999 she returned to Joliet continuing her jail ministry. She ministers to incarcerated women in the Will County Adult Detention Center. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Guardian Angel Community Services.
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Sister M. Nicholas Tosseng, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister M. Nicholas Tosseng was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Helen and Nicholas Tosseng. One of four children, Sister Nicholas has one sister, Gertrude Pietranczyk, living in LaPorte Indiana. Her brothers George and Nicholas are deceased.
Sister Nicholas attended St. Francis de Sales Grade School and High School in Chicago, Illinois before entering the Sisters of St. Francis. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois.
She began her educational ministry in 1950 teaching Grade 4 at St. Joseph’s School in Joliet, Illinois. She taught the middle grades for most of her 37 years in the classroom, serving at St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, Assumption and St. Ludmilla in Chicago, Illinois. She also ministered at St. Stephen in Streator, St. Joseph’s in Elgin and St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora. While teaching at Assumption School, Sister Nicholas was asked to go to Cook County Jail and tend to church supplies. This turned into a commitment that lasted some 22 years.
In 1987 Sister Nicholas began her ministry as Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper at St. Tarcissus Parish. Though officially retired in February, 2009, she continues to serve the parish as Eucharistic minister. She visits the sick, unlocks the Church every morning at 5:45, and sews the baptismal bibs for the Parish Baptisms. She is a master baker and often prepares a meal for those in need. And, she continues to collect unused Christmas Cards and calendars for the incarcerated at Kolbe House.
Sister Nicholas enjoys meeting her former students. It gives her special joy to see how well they have made it in today’s world. She also enjoys cooking and baking and always has a few homemade cookies with her when she stops in to visit the homebound.
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Sister Agnes Goode, OSF — 60 Jubilee
 Sister Agnes Goode is the daughter of the late Ruth and William J. Goode. She was born in Circleville, Ohio as one of eleven children. Her brothers Gerald, David, John and Paul and her sisters Margaret Goode, Matilda Roundhouse, Ruth Seimer still live in Ohio. Her brothers William and Raymond and her sister Elizabeth Scott are deceased.
Sister Agnes attended Washington Township Grade School and Washington Township High School in Circleville, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois and then completed a Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL.
In 1950 Sister Agnes began her teaching ministry at Sacred Heart, Englewood and St. John the Baptist in Joliet. In 1957 she began sixteen years of education at the secondary level at SS Peter and Paul and St. Francis de Sales High Schools in Chicago and St. Mary High School and Bishop Ready High School in Columbus. In 1973 Sister Agnes began pastoral ministry at St. Agnes Parish in Columbus, Ohio where she ministered for 15 years. She then ministered at St. Stephen’s in Columbus, Ohio and St. John’s in Logan, Ohio.
When sickness prevented her from serving in Parish Ministry, Sister Agnes took up residence at Mohun Hall Health Care Center in Columbus, Ohio where she continues to serve through prayer and Pastoral Ministry. She is grateful for the many years of service she has been able to give to others. She remembers in a special way the people in their senior years to whom she ministered. She saw this ministry as an opportunity to assist them to live well and to die well. Their beauty and faith in God influenced her in many ways and reminded her of the love God wants each of us to have.
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Sister Bernadine Hasse, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 A native of Joliet, Sister Bernadine was one of nine children born to the late Marie and Robert Hasse. Sister Bernadine has three brothers and two sisters living: Rev. James Hasse, S.J., Jack and Bill, Rita Blackburn and Mary Ann. She has two brothers, Robert and Richard, and one sister, Sister Maria, OSF, who are deceased.
Sister Bernadine was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish and attended St. John’s Grade School. She attended Providence High School before graduating from St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy). She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Theology from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis). She also earned a Master’s in Education Degree from Loyola University in Chicago.
Sister served 43 years in the ministry of education of youth in Columbus and Toledo, Ohio, Colorado and Illinois. Five years were spent at Marybrook Academy in Maumee, Ohio working with girls 12 – 18 years of age with emotional problems. She served as Principal of St. Paul the Apostle School in Joliet from 1968 - 1972. Her ministry of teaching culminated with 21 years at St. Joseph School in Manhattan, Illinois, a ministry in a small town setting working with interested parents on many enjoyable events.
From 1994 until 2004 Sister Bernadine devoted her time to working with the Treasurer in the Congregation’s Business Office. Currently she assists at the Franciscan Learning Center preparing materials for the children’s art classes, a ministry that brings her special joy from the little ones.
As she looks back at her years of service as a Joliet Franciscan, Sister remembers the many students with whom she worked. She especially remembers the young women at Marybrook Academy who felt unloved. She remembers spending much time listening to them and she now wonders how each is doing and prays that God may bless each of them.
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Sister David Ann Hoy, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister David Ann Hoy was born in Groveport, Ohio to the late Alice M. and Arthur M. Hoy. One of five children, Sister David Ann has a brother, Thomas, living in Colorado and a sister, Jean Bryant, living in Georgia. Her brothers, William and David, are deceased.
Before coming to Joliet, Sister David Ann attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Our Lady of Victory High School in Columbus, Ohio. Sister David Ann earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet and then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Marillac College in St. Louis, Missouri.
Beginning with her educational ministry at St. John the Baptist Parish in Joliet, Sister David Ann has had a variety of ministries over her sixty years of profession. She taught in elementary grades in Illinois, Ohio and Alabama; served as a Child Care Worker at Guardian Angel Home in Joliet, IL; became a Case Worker at Catholic Charities and St. Anthony Villa in Toledo, Ohio; ministered as Resident Coordinator at the Congregation’s Motherhouse; became Director of Pastoral Care at St. Alphonsus Parish in Lemont, IL; served as Coordinator of Sister Residents at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home; served in Parish Ministry at Faith, Hope and Charity Parish in Winnetka, IL.
Currently, Sister ministers as a volunteer at the Upper Room Crisis Hotline, a national hotline for priests and brothers. She also ministers as a driver for those sisters unable to drive who need a ride.
Commenting on her many years of service, Sister David Ann expressed joy in all her ministries. She “loved all her assignments and learned so much in every field in which she ministered. She felt blessed to meet and work with God’s people.”
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Sister Mary Fran Seeley, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister Mary Frances Seeley was born in Joliet, Illinois to the late Mary and James Seeley. Sister Mary Frances has three brothers, James, Gerald and George and two sisters, Patricia Bakos and Geraldine Thayer.
Sister Mary Frances attended St. Bernard Grade School, Forest Park Grade School and Central Junior High. She attended Joliet Township High School and graduated from St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in Joliet, IL. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet and then went on to earn a Master’s in Education Degree from DePaul University in Chicago and a Ph.D from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
She began her ministry in education in 1950, teaching grades 1 and 2 at St. Francis de Sales Grade School in Chicago, Illinois. Her teaching ministry continued until 1973 and took her to many schools throughout Illinois, Ohio, Alabama and Florida. In 1971 she began training in Florida as a Crisis Line Volunteer. She brought her knowledge to Joliet in 1975 and started Crisis Line of Will County. She served as Executive Director until 1989. From 1995 until 2000 Sister Mary Frances served as President of Crisis Line International and was an adjunct faculty member of Lewis University and the University of St. Francis. Sister Mary Frances is a hotline specialist and a suicidologist. She has worked with the hotline in the Ukraine and with Odessa Mechnickov State University to work with the Department of Psychology there. She was a hotline columnist for 5 years for CRISIS, an international journal for suicide prevention and crisis intervention published by Leiden University in the Netherlands.
From 2000 – 2004 Sister Mary Frances served the Congregation as Councilor for Franciscan Spirituality. After completing her term of office in 2004, the National Federation of Priests Council asked Sister Mary Frances to organize a crisis hotline for Roman Catholic priests and brothers. The Upper Room Crisis Hotline, staffed by priests, deacons and lay men and women, operates nationally 24/7 to offer para-professional counseling, information and referrals, suicide prevention and reassurance for the elderly.
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Sister M. Karla Zdenek , OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister Karla Zdenek was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Marie and Frank Zdenek. She has one sister, Dorothy Wochele, who currently lives in Brooklyn, Ohio.
Sister Karla attended St. Procop Grade School and High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois.
She began her teaching ministry in 1950 at St. Clement Grade School in Chicago, Illinois. From 1951 until 1954 she taught at SS Cyril and Methodius School in Chicago. In 1954 Sister Karla returned to her native city of Cleveland, teaching at Holy Family School until 1958 when she went to Columbus, Ohio to teach at St. Mary Magdalen School. From 1962 until 1966 Sister ministered in Aurora and Des Plaines, Illinois, Muskegon, Michigan and Bayfield, Wisconsin. In 1967 she began a ministry that encompassed eleven years – teaching at St. Peter, Mansfield along with working with the mentally challenged at Richland Newhope Center. From 1978 until 1983, while teaching in the grade school at St. Edward’s in Ashland, Ohio, Sister Karla had the opportunity to become involved in Women’s Renewals, and taking Eucharist to the Sick and Homebound. She was also active in many functions relating to social justice issues.
In 1983 Sister Karla returned to Joliet, Illinois to provide service to the Sisters in the Community through her secretarial skills and to provide for the transportation needs of the sisters at the Motherhouse. She continues to serve her community at Guardian Angel Home.
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Sister M. Bernadette Sifferlin, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister Bernadette Sifferlin was born in Shelby, Ohio to the late Cornelia and Francis Sifferlin. One of six children, she has three brothers: Carl, Roy, Ray who are living and a brother, John, and sister, Rosemary, who are deceased.
Sister Bernadette attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Grade School and Shelby High School in Shelby, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis) and then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.
Sister Bernadette taught grade school from 1950 until 1962. Her teaching ministry took her to St. Mary’s in Des Plaines, Illinois, Immaculate Conception in Toledo, Ohio and St. Ann in Lansing, Illinois. In 1962 she became Assistant to the Congregation’s General Treasurer and served in that position for ten years. In 1972 she was elected to the Congregation Governing Board and served as a Councilor and Area Coordinator. She assumed the position of General Treasurer of the Congregation in 1976, serving in that position for twenty years. In 1996 she became Parish Receptionist and Secretary for St. Jude’s Parish in Joliet, IL until 2005. Sister Bernadette currently ministers at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home where she provides community service to the residents.
Sister Bernadette states that she has “happy memories of her years of teaching. It was always rewarding to know that you were contributing to forming lives of young people.” (Note: two of Sister Bernadette’s 7th grade students, Sister Lourdes Boyer and Sister Rosemary Winter, will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Profession, on the same day as Sister Bernadette celebrates her 60th.) “Transferring from the classroom to the business office was quite an adjustment, but looking back I can see how I was being trained for my future ministry in leadership.”
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Sister M. Paula Bingert, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 Sister Paula Bingert is a native of Mansfield, Ohio. She was the only child of the late Helen and Henry Bingert.
Sister Paula attended 12 years of school at St. Peter’s in Mansfield, Ohio. She holds a B.A. degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of Francis) in Joliet, Illinois and earned her M.A. in Library Science at Rosary College (now Dominican University).
Her first assignment as a second year novice was assistant librarian and teacher at St. Francis Academy Joliet, Illinois for one year. In 1950 she joined the staff of the College of St. Francis as assistant librarian for one year. She returned to the College staff from 1954 until 1962 and to the Academy from 1962 – 1963 and 1967 until 1974. Besides ministering in Joliet, she also served as teacher and librarian at St. Clement High School in Chicago, Illinois (1951 – 1954) and Cardinal Gibbons High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 1963 to 1967. From 1974 to 1976 she was secretary to the President of the Congregation. In 1976 Sister Paula returned to St. Peter’s in Mansfield to work as an elementary school librarian where she continues to minister today. In 2009 St. Peter’s Elementary School renamed the library in her honor in appreciation for the many years of service she has provided to the children of St. Peter’s School. The students have described their librarian as “patient, kind and helpful.”
In 1980 Sister Paula initiated the Parish Heritage Room. An outgrowth of this heritage room was a 52 page history of the parish which she wrote in 1994 at the time of parish’s 150th Anniversary. She continues to collect and preserve the parish history records.
Sister Paula is a collector and a recycler! She collects “Box Tops for Education” with proceeds going to the library and the school. From Campbell’s UPCs she supplies games and puzzles for indoor recess and playground equipment for sunny days. The collection of cancelled postage stamps goes to Joliet to help the Congregation’s Brazilian missions.
Sister Paula comments on her ministry: “Spreading joy in day to day contacts with the children and parishioners as well as friends in the civic community is rewarding. The Joliet Franciscans have been present at St. Peter’s since 1871. By the grace of God may we keep the Franciscan charism present for a few more years.”
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Sister Jacqueline Hirsch, OSF — 60th Jubilee
 A native of Joliet, Illinois, Sister Jacqueline was one of four children born to the late Marie and Albert Hirsch. She has one sister, Rita Kubalewski (Shorewood, Illinois), and two brothers, Robert (Lake Ozark, Missouri) and James, who is deceased.
A member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Sister Jacqueline attended the parish grade school and Providence High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Theology from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and a Master of Arts in Education from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sister Jacqueline taught for 16 years in elementary schools in Illinois and Ohio before being assigned in 1966 to St. Coleman’s in Pompano Beach, Florida where she taught Junior High. In 1974, Sister Jacqueline became coordinator of the Social Studies Program for the Archdiocese of Miami and then in 1976 formulated a Reading Program at Monsignor Pace High School. From 1977 until 1995 she continued her teaching ministry in the Social Studies Department at Carrollton High School in Miami, Florida. It was there that she coordinated the annual Close Up Program for student participation in government in Washington, D.C. Sister Jacqueline served as a Library Assistant at the Boca Raton Library in Boca Raton, Florida.
In 2006 she began to concentrate on people-centered ministries. These ministries include tutoring, her parish hunger programs and elder care. Currently she ministers in Boca Raton, FL in the Senior Care and Literacy Programs or as she refers to them as, “a ministry of presence– an opportunity to be aware and present; to give time; to listen; to recognize a person’s worth; to pray with and for; to bring a sense of peace to those we meet – to live out the Gospel.”
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Sister Leomarie Luecke, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Though born and raised in Freeport, IL, Sister Leomarie Luecke has a soft spot in her heart for the Spanish Apostolate in Joliet, IL. Sister Leomarie was the youngest of eight children born to the late Marie A. and Leo D. Luecke. Her siblings, John, Frederick, Paul, Roland, Theodore, Mary Virginia Bicknell and Beatrice Schleich are all deceased.
Sister Leomarie attended St. Joseph School and Aquin High School in Freeport, IL. She attended St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame, IN for two years before entering the Sisters of St. Francis in 1957. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and later a Bachelor of Music at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, IL. She was a member of Delta Mu Theta, the honors Music Society.
Sister Leomarie taught in the primary grades from 1961 – 1970 at St. Joseph in Elgin, IL, St. Edward in Ashland, Ohio, St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield, IL and St. Mark in Wheaton, IL. In 1971 Sister Leomarie began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) for Joliet Township High School Adult Education and continues this ministry to the present. From 1971 – 1988 she ministered in the Spanish Apostolate for the Diocese of Joliet, working mainly at Mount Carmel in Religious Education and music, but also as a music minister to the migrant camps in Plainfield and Manhattan. She accompanied the priest for monthly masses in Plano, Morris and occasionally Momence. At times she worked with choirs in Bensenville and West Chicago organizing music festivals. Sister Leomarie has been an active member of the Hispanic Liturgy Institute and helped with the music for the National Hispanic Encounters which were held in Washington, D.C.
Currently, Sister continues her ministry in ESL for JJC at the Spanish Community Center in Joliet, IL and is the organist at Mt. Carmel and St. Mary Magdalene Parishes. Each year she accompanies and instructs young students as they play various instruments for their solo contest with the city. After competing in the contest, the students provide a musical program for the residents of Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.
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Sister Nadine Overbeck, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Born in Teutopolis, Illinois, Sister Nadine was one of nine children born to the late Cecelia and Ralph Overbeck. Her brother Tom continues to live in Teutopolis. Other members of her family reside elsewhere: sisters, Mardell Bart (Dixon, IL), and Mary Maksl (Eagen, MN); and brother Gerald (Sterling, IL). Her brother, Ralph, and her sister Rita (Sister Daniel Marie) are deceased.
Sister Nadine attended Maple Grove Grade School and Teutopolis High School in Teutopolis, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s in Theology from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois.
She began her teaching ministry in grade 2 at St. Raymond’s Cathedral, Joliet, Illinois in 1960. She spent the majority of her teaching ministry in Ohio. She taught 2nd grade at Immaculate Conception in Toledo, Ohio; Grades 7 and 8 at St. Michael in Worthington, Ohio and Religion classes at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Ohio. In 1978 Sister Nadine became the Youth Minister and Pastoral Assistant at St. Agnes Parish in Columbus, Ohio. From 1983 until 1986 Sister Nadine served as a Rector at Breen/Phillips Hall in Notre Dame, Indiana and later as Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at St. Thomas More in Durham, New Hampshire. In 1993 Sister Nadine began her ministry in Adult Faith Formation and served as a Pastoral Associate at St. Nicholas Church in Zanesville, Ohio. From 1999 – 2004 Sister Nadine did psychological testing and was the Director of The Fellowship of Christ’s Community at Central Presbyterian Church in Zanesville, Ohio.
Currently, Sister Nadine serves in the Congregation’s Business Office as Government Benefits Coordinator, a ministry that she feels enables the sisters of the Congregation to use the medical resources available to them and to help remove the stress and anxiety for the sisters as they age and retire. She also serves the Congregation as a member of the Initial Formation Team and as a Local Chapter Group Coordinator. These ministries give life and purpose to her. As she says, “It’s a privilege to serve our sisters.”
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Sister Mary Ann Clark, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 A native of Chicago, Illinois, Sister Mary Ann is the daughter of the late Helen and James Clark. Sister Mary Ann had seven brothers: James, Howard, Edward, Lawrence, Eugene, Joseph and Donald, all of whom are deceased. She has four sisters: Bernice Kane (Tinley Park, IL) and Rita Ferguson (Camp Verde, AZ) and Helen Burke and Lois Sowach, who are deceased.
Sister Mary Ann attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Sacred Heart High School (Englewood) in Chicago. She went on to earn a BA Degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and also earned an Associate Degree in Accounting.
Sister Mary Ann began her teaching ministry at Corpus Christi in Columbus, Ohio in 1961. She taught first grade there until 1963 when she was assigned to St. Jude in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1969 her ministry changed to secondary education when she was assigned to St. Procopius High School in Chicago, IL. She taught typing, stenography, book- keeping and business math until 1975 when she began serving as the school’s Principal. From 1976 until 1980, Sister Mary Ann ministered at Divine Savior in Norridge, IL. In 1980 she became the Business Manager at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and served in that position for 14 years. She then served as Business Manager at St. Mary of Gostyn Parish in Downers Grove, IL.
Currently, Sister Mary Ann assists the Sisters at Our Lady of Angels as local treasurer. Her duties include keeping current on bill payments and preparing financial reports. Her extracurricular activities include providing a listening ear for the Sisters living at OLA. In addition she is the primary care taker for one of the sisters of the Congregation who lives with her. Her assistance enables this Sister to take an active part in daily activities.
Commenting on her years of ministry in the educational field, especially in an inner city high school, Sister Mary Ann says, “There I was educated daily on the many problems of these young women and their sincerity in trying to control the drug problems from spreading to their own younger siblings and those attending the attached grade school.” She sees her current ministry as an opportunity to learn from the great examples of each sister, especially the lesson of dependence on God in her life.
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Sister Geraldine Podobnik, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 A native of Joliet, Sister Geraldine was born to the late Mary Ann and Frank J. Podobnik. One of five children, Sister Geraldine has a sister, Susan Ann Fittro and brothers, Joseph, Raymond, all living in Joliet, IL. She has one brother, Frank, who is deceased.
Sister Geraldine attended St. Mary Nativity Grade School, St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) and the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois. After earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Sister Geraldine went on to earn an R.N. at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Joliet, Illinois.
From 1961 until 1970 Sister Geraldine taught elementary school in Aurora, Des Plaines and Joliet, Illinois. In 1970 after becoming a registered nurse Sister Geraldine became a Staff Nurse at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet. After serving two years, she went to St. Vincent Hospital Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio where she was a Med/Surg Staff Nurse. In 1974 Sister Geraldine worked as the Patient Care Coordinator of Med/Surg at St. Charles Hospital in Toledo and in 1979 she became Director of Med/Surg Oncology Nursing at Flower Memorial Hospital in Toledo, a position she maintained for 11 years. From 1990 until 1995 Sister Geraldine was the Director of Nursing at Mercy Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Homewood, Illinois. In 1995 she assumed the position of Director of Health and Wellness for the Joliet Franciscans in addition to her duties at the Joliet Medical Quick Care Department. In 1999 she was appointed Director of Nursing at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.
Her present ministry in her “Golden years” is another phase of nursing. She serves as Director of the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program at Will County Community Health Center. Her ministry entails assisting the disenfranchised clientele in everyday emergency situations to get needed medications at a lower cost or helping them to apply to Pharmaceutical Companies for help.
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Sister Elaine Murphy, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Elaine Murphy is a native of Chicago, Illinois, born to the late Margaret and George Murphy. She has one brothers Dennis and one sister, Judith Tocci. Her brother, Bill, is deceased.
Sister Elaine attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Sacred Heart High School in Englewood, Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Aquinas Institute of Theology. She has a Clinical Pastoral Education Certificate from the Methodist Medical Center, Peoria, IL.
She began her ministry as an elementary teacher at St. Pascal School in Chicago in 1961. She did missionary work in Brazil from 1967 to 1976. In 1978 she was named to the Congregation Governing Board and served as area Coordinator until 1984 when she was elected President of the Congregation. From 1988 until 1991, Sister Elaine served as the President of St. Francis Academy in Joliet, Illinois. After her ministry at the Academy, Sister Elaine became a Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph Parish in DeWitt, Iowa and also at SS. Phillip and James Parish in Grand Mound, Iowa. After ministering to those parishes for nearly five years, Sister Elaine returned to Joliet, Illinois and became Director of Admissions for Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet, Illinois.
Currently Sister Elaine resides in Our Lady of Angels Village where she does Community Service and participates in a ministry of prayer for the needs of the Congregation, the Church and society. Reflecting on her fifty years as a Joliet Franciscan, she states, “Many are the memories of past ministries and experiences, rewarding and fulfilling years, blessed with growth, learning, and warm relationships. Many of the contacts and friendships formed are, even today, and an important part of my life.”
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Sister Rita Vahling, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Rita, a native of Teutopolis, Illinois, is the fourth of five children born to the late Anna and Ferdinand Vahling. Her brother Raymond and his wife Joyce live in Teutopolis. She has a sister, Sister Helen (also a member of the Congregation) who lives at the St. Clare Prayer House in Joliet, IL. Her sister, Julie Lynch and husband Tom live in Bloomingdale, IL and a sister, Mary Meinhart and husband Dan live in Montrose (Island Grove), IL.
Sister Rita attended Teutopolis Community Grade School and High School in Teutopolis, Illinois before entering the congregation. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master in Theology Degree from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois. In addition to these degrees she has received training in several complementary healing arts, including Rubenfeld Synergy, Quantum Biofeedback, Pranic Healing and Chinese Qigong.
She began a ministry in education in 1961 at SS Cyril and Methodius Grade School in Chicago, Illinois teaching fourth grade. During her years as a teacher, she taught in many schools throughout Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin.
In 1976 Sister Rita earned her CPE and served as a Pastoral Associate at St. James Parish in Maywood, Illinois from 1977 until 1980. In 1980 she became the Vocation Director for the Congregation and remained in that position until 1987. In the fall of 1987, she attended Seattle University in Seattle, Washington participating in a Pastoral Ministry program. Her ministry took a new direction. Having developed an interest in holistic health and spirituality, she became trained as a Massage Therapist. After receiving certification in June, 1989, she worked at Sister Rosalind Profession Health Center in St. Paul, MN. In 1992 she began her business, “Integrative Healing Arts” in Downers Grove, IL.
In the fall of 2009, she accepted the position of Director of Pastoral Care at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet, IL. She also serves as a Local Chapter Group Coordinator for the Joliet Franciscan Sisters.
Sister Rita enjoys getting out in nature, taking walks at the Arboretum and Forest Preserves. She enjoys bird watching, listening to music, cooking, reading and her yoga and qigong practice.
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Sister Kathleen Bushur, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Kathleen Bushur entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, Illinois in 1960 and claims roots in St. Michael’s parish in Sigel. Her parents are the late Clarence and Anna Bushur of Effingham Illinois. Her brother and sisters, also from Illinois, include: Mary Ann Bierman of Wheeler, Ruth Rauch of Newton, Richard Bushur of Watson, Clarence Bushur and Gerard Bushur both of Sigel.
Sister Kathleen graduated from St. Michael Grade School in Sigel and Teutopolis High School before entering the Sisters of St. Francis. She received her B. A. in Biology from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University.
For thirty-nine years Sister Kathleen ministered in the field of education as a teacher and principal in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Missouri. She began her ministry as a fourth grade teacher at St. Francis of Assisi in Chicago in 1961 and her last six years of teaching (1994 – 2000) were in the fourth grade at St. Anthony School in Effingham, IL. She served as a grade school principal for 21 years: 1972 – 1973 Lillyville Public School, Sigel, IL; 1974 – 1981 Annunication, Aurora, IL; 1981 – 1994 St. Denis, Benton, Missouri.
Currently Sister Kathleen works as advocate processor for the Catholic Charities Prescription Program in Effingham, Illinois, serving as the liaison between patients and their Doctors by helping them do the paperwork necessary to receive their medications from the Pharmaceutical Companies who give away medications to people who have no insurance and fall within the company’s income guidelines. Sister Kathleen also serves her Congregation as the Sister’s Local Chapter Group Coordinator.
Looking over her fifty years of service as a Joliet Franciscan, Sister Kathleen has enjoyed serving in all her places of ministry. She found working with children who were eager to learn a real blessing. Now, she is grateful that she is able to assist others who would not have been able to obtain the medications they needed. She sees a significant improvement in their physical health and their entire well-being when they are able to receive the proper medications.
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Sister Margaret Ann Lanagan, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Born in Amarillo, Texas, Sister Margaret Ann was the oldest child born to the late Oleta and Maurice C. Lanagan. She has three brothers: Thomas (Grafton, WI), Mark (Palos Heights, IL) and James (Shorewood, IL) and four sisters: Marjorie (San Antonio, TX), Mary Louise (San Antonio, TX), Martha Violante (Granite Springs, NY) and Frances (Cypress, TX).
Sister Ann moved to Joliet, Illinois as a child and attended St. Paul the Apostle Grade School, St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) and the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis). After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, she went on for further education at Mundelein College in Chicago, Illinois where she earned an MA in Religious studies.
Sister Ann served at St. Matthew Parish in Champaign, Illinois for 25 years. During her teaching ministry she also taught at St. Stephen’s in Streator, Illinois, Sacred Heart, Chicago; St. Pius X in Lombard and St. Jude in Cleveland, Ohio. Sister Ann worked as the Director of Religious Education at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais.
Currently Sister Ann works at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL at Irwin Academic Services Center. She ministers in a program which serves student athletes by providing computers for their use, as well as tutors and counselors. As she says, “Interaction with these students is always interesting, informative and exciting as they prepare to begin various careers.”
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Sister Rosemary Winter, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Rosemary Winter, a native of Toledo, Ohio is the daughter of the late Mabel and Albert Winter. Sister Rosemary came from a large family of thirteen children. Her two sisters, Mary Jane Leech and Pat Arnold, and her brothers James and Michael live in Toledo. Her brother Charles lives in Bradenton, Florida. Her brothers Frank, Albert, Richard, Donald, Clifford, William and Edward are deceased.
Sister Rosemary attended Immaculate Conception Grade School in Toledo, Ohio and St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in Joliet, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois.
She has ministered in the field of education for forty-four years. Her teaching experience extends from Headstart, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades to serving as Principal. She taught grade one at St. Clement and at SS Peter and Paul in Chicago, IL before beginning an eleven year ministry at St. Mary School in Fairfield, Alabama. In 1980 she taught Kindergarten at Annunciation in Aurora, Illinois. She worked at Educare in Joliet from 1985 – 1988, tutoring at Sacred Heart in the evenings. From 1988 – 1990 she ministered at St. Thaddeus School and in 1990 – 1991 at Bobbie Noonan School in Joliet. In 1991 she taught pre-school at St. Mary School in Dixon and from 1993 – 2005 she ministered at St. Joseph School in Joliet, IL.
Sister currently serves the Congregation at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home where she is caregiver for the Sister Residents. She also serves the Congregation as a Local Chapter Group Coordinator.
Sister comments on her teaching ministry, “I loved teaching and working with children, especially third graders. I found this to be rewarding. I found the children to be so creative and eager to learn.”
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Sister M. Lourdes Boyer, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Lourdes Boyer, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is the youngest of ten children born to the late Gertrude and Charles Boyer. She has three sisters, Rita Haberman (California), Sister M. Roberta, O. Cist. (Wisconsin) and Elizabeth Skiver who is deceased. Her six brothers include Charles and Paul (Florida), Thomas (Texas) and Richard, Joseph and James who are deceased. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Toledo and attended the parish grade school. She attended Notre Dame Academy, Toledo, Ohio from 1954 to 1957 before graduating from St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in July, 1957. She received her B.A. from the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, Illinois and her M.Ed. from the University of Toledo.
For fifteen years Sister Lourdes taught intermediate and junior high mathematics and music and was organist at parishes in Aurora, IL (St. Rita), Columbus (St. Cecelia), Worthington (St. Michael), and Toledo (Immaculate Conception), Ohio. In 1976 she joined the faculty of the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, teaching in the Mathematics Department and directing the PLATO Computer System. In 1984 Sister Lourdes assumed the position of General Secretary for the Congregation. After completing two terms of administration, Sister Lourdes became director of finances at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet, IL (1992 – 2002) and then became the Coordinator for the Sisters living at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. In June 2008 she again assumed the position of General Secretary for the Congregation.
Commenting on her fifty years of service, Sister Lourdes expressed gratitude for the people who have been a part of her ministry, who have walked with her these many years offering their love and support. She has found each place of ministry very rewarding. The sixteen years she has given community service to the Sisters of St. Francis have been especially rewarding for her – “a joy to serve in the family business.”
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Sister Clarita Schumacher, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Clarita Schumacher was born in Sigel, Illinois to the late Marianne and Norbert Schumacher. Sister Clarita has two sisters, Mary Beth Niebrugge and Sue Bushur, both of Effingham, IL. Her brothers Gene and Phil reside in Alabama, David in Sigel and Joe in Missouri.
After attending St. Michael’s Grade School in Sigel, Illinois, Sister Clarita came to Joliet, IL and attended St. Francis Academy (Joliet Catholic Academy). She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and then earned a Master’s in Education from DePaul University in Chicago.
Sister Clarita began her teaching ministry in 1961 at St. Ann, Lansing, Illinois. From 1963 until 1968, her assignments took her to Ohio, teaching at Most Pure heart of Mary in Shelby and St. Procop in Cleveland. In 1968 Sister Clarita was assigned to St. Michael, Brunswick, Michigan where she was teacher, principal and director of religious education. From 1981 until 1991 Sister Clarita served as principal of Annunciation School, Aurora, Illinois. She also served for one year as principal at St. Jude School in New Lenox before being elected to the Congregation Governing Board as a Councilor. She served in this position until 2000. From 2000 – 2006 she ministered as the Director of Religious Education at St. Dominic Parish in Bolingbrook, IL. Currently she is Pastoral Associate at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Addison, Illinois and serves the Congregation as Affiliate Minister.
When asked about her various places of ministry, Sister replied: “Throughout these 50 years, I’ve shared my God-given gifts in a variety of ways – teacher, principal, Director of Religious Education, Catechist, Congregation leadership team and now as Pastoral Associate. Whatever the ministry, I loved it and gave it my all. To me ministry is always an opportunity to touch many lives and to be touched by the lives of many. The best part of ministry happens when we share our thirst for the living God.”
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Sister Alice Ann Harcharik, OSF — 50th Jubilee
 Sister Alice Ann Harcharik, a native of Streator, Illinois, is the daughter of Ann and the late Joseph Harcharik. She has two brothers, James (Cherry Valley, IL) and Joseph (Johston, IA) and two sisters, Kathy Stecher (Upland, Ca) and Susan Coffinbargar (Springfield, IL).
After graduating from St. Stephen Grade School in Streator, Illinois, Sister Alice Ann went on to St. Francis Academy (now called Joliet Catholic Academy) where she graduated in 1957. She received a Bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Francis (now the University of St. Francis) in Joliet. She earned a Master of Science in Education degree and an Administrative Certificate at Northern Illinois University at DeKalb.
Sister Alice Ann began her teaching ministry at St. Pius X School in Lombard, IL in 1961. For the next 29 years she ministered on all levels of K – 5 education in schools throughout Illinois and Ohio, including fifteen years at St. Paul the Apostle in Joliet. In 1990 she moved into the administrative side of education and served as principal from 1990 until 1993 at St. Mary School, in Dixon, IL; from 1993 to 1996 at St. John the Baptist, McHenry, IL; from 1996 – 2001 at St. Joseph School in Bradley, IL and from 2001 to 2004 at LaSalle Catholic School in LaSalle, IL.
In 2004 Sister Alice Ann returned to Streator, IL to serve as principal at her former grade school - St. Stephen’s. In 2006, when the school was closed, she became Director of Religious Education, a ministry in which she considers herself a missionary and evangelizer. She is also in charge of Adult Education and Sacramental preparation.
Sister Alice Ann has found it rewarding to serve the Church as a Franciscan. She states: “In all my various ministries whether Teacher, Principal, Director of Religious Education, Volunteer in the Food Pantry, I have had an opportunity to help ‘build up the Church of Christ.’ I have been given the opportunity to ‘make a difference.’”
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Sister Mary Ann Hamer, OSF — 25th Jubilee
 Sister Mary Ann Hamer was born in Freeport, IL, the second of seven children of the late Berlen and Anna Hamer. Her siblings include four brothers: Joseph, Richard, James and John; and two sisters: Theresa St. Ores and Joanne Weaver.
Sister Mary Ann attended St. Joseph Grade School and Aquin Central Catholic High School in Freeport. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. She is also certified as a medical claims billing specialist.
She began her ministry at Sacred Heart, Englewood in Chicago as a primary teacher in 1969. In 1975 she became the Learning Center Coordinator and Bookkeeper for Sacred Heart Parish. For twenty years she served as Administrative Assistant for the National Vocation Offices in Chicago. This ministry, though varied and involved, enabled her to experience working with vocation directors from men’s and women’s communities across the country, providing her with an example of a diverse group of people living in Gospel community.
Sister Mary Ann has also served on the Congregation’s Spirituality Team and as General Treasurer of the Congregation from 2000 – 2004. Currently, she is Director of Novices for the Congregation in addition to her ministry as Assistant Financial Administrator for the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel of the Augustinian Order at Tolentine Center in Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Sister Mary Ann has assisted in various ways during congregation retreats, funerals and other celebrations, most notably as a trumpet player. She has served with enthusiastic energy as secretary, meeting planner, computer technologist, archivist, sounding board and listening ear for those who needed her support.
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