Remembering Sister Donna Marie Baier, OSF

Sister Donna Marie Baier was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1936, to Wilhelmina (Jaeger) and George Baier. One of five children, Sister Donna Marie (Dorothy Elizabeth) had one brother, Brother Leonard George, FSC, and three sisters, Sister M. George Baier, OSF, Bernice (Harry) Bloom, Beatrice (Kenneth) Leyendecker, all of whom have preceded her in death. She entered our Joliet Franciscan congregation in 1954 from Sacred Heart Englewood Parish in Chicago.

After majoring in science at the College of St. Francis, Donna Marie became an elementary school teacher, whose skills in the classroom were immediately recognized and affirmed by principals in every school where she taught. After 16 years, Sr. Donna Marie became the long-time principal of St. Joseph School in Manhattan, Illinois, a position she held for 21 years. As is often the case in small schools, she did double duty as a teacher every one of those years.

Her ministry there alongside her great friend, Sr. Bernadine Hasse, brought her much joy and many happy memories of their time together. They enjoyed their home life and travels as well as their hard work together on behalf of the parish and town. As her friend, Bernie’s needs grew greater and greater during her last few years of life, Donna Marie was ever at her side – reading to her, praying with her, tending to her physical as well as emotional needs. She accompanied her to the very last moment with patience and friendship.

Read More About Sister Donna Marie’s Life

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Donna Marie or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please click here:  Remembering our Deceased Sisters.