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Remembrance
Sister Helen Lawrence, OSF, peacefully left this earthly life behind on April 19, 2008, with her faithful, loving sister, Sister Emmett at her side. Helen was born on December 22, 1914 to Emmett and Pauline Lawrence. She was one of six children. According to her biography, she fell in love with her first grade teacher, Sister Anita, on her very first day of school. Arriving home she immediately asked her Mother is she could be a "Sister" when she got big and of course her Mother said "Yes, if you still want to". Helen said the idea of becoming a Franciscan Sister grew as she grew. She observed the Sisters everyday and appreciated that they were "real, live people who liked what they were doing, laughing and joking when they met in the halls." Helen seemed to have lived her life in the same way, with a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile. After teaching for 28 years and working at the School Office in Cincinnati for 16 years, she continued to minister to others by writing proposals for needed funds for our retired Sisters. She gave of herself with joy and humor with a song in her heart until she could no more and had to learn to recieve. Her decline in health these last years demanded that she learn to receive. I think this was the hardest "mission" in her life. To her family and friends we extend our sympathy but also our gratitude for sharing Sister Helen with us. Sister Helen certainly touched the lives of many with her creativity and joyful spirit. To her dear sister and faithful companion, Sister Emmett, we extend our love, our prayers and our assurance that we are here for you.
excerpts from the obituary letter written by Sr. Barb Piller, OSF, for the General Council
Sister Boniface Konrad, OSF, in the fullness of God's time Sister Boniface peacefully entered into eternal life where "all is calm, all is bright" on December 17th, 2007. She was born on December 1, 1919 in Zemun, Yugoslavia into a loving German family. Her family moved to New York when she was 2 1/2 years old. Sister Boniface, Anna, entered kindergarten to learn the English language and then taught her parents. She attributes her interest in the religious life to Sisters Eligis and Heribert who taught her at Holy Trinity School in St. Louis, MO. Her high school years were spent in the Aspirancy at Oldenburg, IN where she continued her music lessons. In 1937 Anna entered the Oldenburg Franciscans and received the name, "Boniface", "meaning to do good". This as her motto, Sister Boniface did good, treasuring her more than 50 years of teaching elementary and secondary school. She especially loved to impart historical knowledge and invite students to speak her native language, German. Sister loved her family and enjoyed sharing photos of them. As recently as December 1st, her 88th birthday, she displayed photos of the family in her room and happily shared them with everyone. Never complaining and always willing to assist another, may we all learn from our Sister Boniface how to be a truly simple, humble Franciscan! May she be forever singing and playing chimes in the heavenly choir. Sleep in heavenly peace!
excerpts from the obituary letter written by Sr. Bernice Stenger, OSF, for the General Council
Sister Ramona Lunsford, OSF, after several years of valiant struggle quietly went home to God October 15, 2007. Ask anyone to describe Sr. Ramona and chances are you will hear terms as "beautiful, gentle and a graceful lady." While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the life and legacy of this beautiful, gentle and grace-filled woman. Ramona began life as Audrey Lunsford, the sixth of twelve children born to Charles and Ethel Lunsford. She credits her faith-filled family and her early Sister teachers at St. Mary of the Rock for the nun-teacher vocation she felt even as a grade schooler. She entered the community on her eighteenth birthday, Sept. 8, 1954. Sr. Ramona's professional life included teaching grades 1-8 in Indianapolis and Cincinnati Catholic schools. She served as principal of three schools, school supervisor in Indianapolis, and in public relations in the Cincinnati Catholic Schools office before being appointed principal at Sacred Heart in Fairfield, OH. In 1982, Sr. Ramona left Sacred Heart amid glowing tributes to accept the position of Councilor with Sr. Marie Kathleen Maudlin's administrative team. Then in 1988, she took on the challenge of being the first Director of Development for the Sisters of St. Francis. To this day, the community continues to benefit from the relationships established by Sr. Ramona more than a decade ago. She rejoiced, too, in the"hugs from the precious little ones in the family." Her many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and cousins by the dozen were a source of pride and joy to her as well. She cherished the love and support she found in family and friends. To Sr. Ramona's sisters Rita, Alice, Charlene, Emilie and Elaine, and brothers, Richard, Arnold, Ralph, Steve and William, we extend our heartfelt sympathy; we know the treasure you have lost.
excerpts from the obituary letter written by Sr. Miriam Kaeser, OSF, for the General Council
Sister Naomi Frey, OSF, peacefully and gently lived her life among us, and peacefully she took her leave from us early in the morning of August 28, 2007, entering into the realm of the angels and saints. Naomi was born on September 10, 1929 to Norbert and Edna Frey. As the middle child with 6 other siblings, she had many opportunities to learn and to guide them. Her elementary education at Sisters of St. Francis at St. James in White Oak, and her secondary education at Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati, OH inspired Naomi to enter the convent at Oldenburg. She treasured her Franciscan call, loved her God, family and community by serving 10 years as a teacher in the USA. Later on she realized she "needed" to volunteer to go to Papua New Guinea so in 1961 she began her 34-year journey of living with, loving and serving the people of PNG. She returned to the security of the Motherhouse and later to Saint Clare Hall where she enjoyed listening to music, praying in her being, eating her favorite chocolates and visiting with family and friends. We thank God for the life of our Sister Naomi Frey. Our prayers and sympathy are extended to her caring family, to those who so lovingly cared for her, to her classmate and friends, to her cousin Sister Jane Frey, and to all of us, her Sisters, particularly Sister Mary Catherine Eschenbach, her faithful friend, and all those who were missionaries with her in PNG.
Excerpts from the obituary letter written by S. Bernice Stenger, OSF, for the General Council
 Sister Cecelia Schroeder, OSF, age 69, entered eternal life on August 25, 2007. Celie was born on November 9, 1938 to Gregory and Charlotta(Stier) Schroeder, the youngest of 12 children. She was raised in Greensburg, IN on the family farm and retained the great love of the earth she learned as a child. She entered the Oldenburg Franciscan Community religious life on September 8, 1958. Her garden at the House of Prayer in Cincinnati and her work on the grounds at Oldenburg gave her the opportunity to care for the earth as a song of praise to her gracious God. Celie taught both grade school and high school with much of that time spent teaching math, especially Geomentry. She also loved to sing, she loved music, and she loved liturgical planning. Whether is was singing the Exultet during the Easter vigil or a rousing sing-a-long with family and friends, one strong voice was always heard...and she was having a wonderful time. She couldn't keep from singing. The choirs of heaven have a new member in their midst . It doesn't take too much imagination to hear her strong voice singing the praises of our God. To Celie's sisters and brothers, and to her many nieces and nephews, we offer you our heartfelt thank you for sharing her with us. We believe she is singing in the heavenly choirs and probably organizing a sing-a-long.
Excerpts from the obituary letter written by S. Margaret Maher, OSF for the General Council
 Sister Mel Hoffmann, OSF, age 74, and a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Convent of Oldenburg, Indiana entered eternal life on July 13, 2007. Elaine Marie was born to John and Florence Hoffmann, the second of three daughters. Her mother died shortly after her second birthday so her grandmother lived right next door and helped raise the famuly. In her autobiography she spoke fondly of her school years, sharing that she "loved every minute" of her eight years at Sacred Heart, Camp Washington. Her high school years at O.L.A., too, were full of activity, and she claims these were "some of the best years of my life."As a sophomore Elaine found herself considering the vocaton advice of a retreat master: "Pray for three others in your class to enter and, if you can't find three, then give it a try. While Ealine's aunt, Sr. Eileen and another cousin, as well as teachers , were attractions to our Franciscan community, her father's youngest sister, Sr. Paulita inspired her to think about Maryknoll as well. As her life unfolded, Mel perhaps blended aspects of both callings! Mel taught in Indiana from 1953-1963 and then taught in Papua New Guinea from 1964 until her retirement in 2001. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and George Rourke of Lebanon, Ohio and is preceded in death by her parents, Florence(nee Rothan) and John Hoffman, and a sister, Ruth Ann Laux. S. We will receive her body in our Convent Chapel, Monday July 16, from 3-7:00 p.m. and celebrate her life at the Mass of Ressurection at 7:00 p.m. that evening.
Excerpts from the obituary letter written by S. Christa Franzer, OSF for the General Council
 Sister Estelle Nordmeyer - It is with sad but grateful hearts that we tell you of the sudden death of Sister Estelle Nordmeyer, OSF (Sylvia Elizabeth Nordmeyer) on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Margaret Mary Community Hospital. She entered the Oldenburg Franciscan Community September 8, 1927 and professed her vows July 2, 1933. Sister Estelle ministered in elementary and secondary education from 1930 to 1950 at Holy Family, Oldenburg; St. Mary Academy and Marian College both within Indianapolis area at schools in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following 18 years, form 1950-1968, Sister Estelle was Director of Postulants and Novices for the Oldenburg Franciscan Community. In later years Sister was Director of Retirement Ministry and Director of the Activity Craft Center. Sister Estelle is surviced by one brother, John Nordmeyer of Morris, sister-in-law Mrs. Catherine Nordmeyer of Batesville, niece Sister Maury Nordmeyer, OSF and many nieces and nephews. We will receive her body in our Convent Chapel at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 3rd and celebrate her life at the Mass of Ressurection at 7:00 p.m that evening. We depend on her for her continued advocacy in heaven.
 Sister Carol Ann Sunderman -It is with both sadness and joy that we inform you that Sister Carol Ann passed into eternity on Saturday the 9th at 1:20 a.m. - on her 72nd birthday. Family and community members were present to sing happy birthday and then to accompany her on the final step of her journey. Her funeral liturgy will be Wednesday evening June 13th at 7:00 p.m. Her body will be brought to the chapel here at Oldenburg at 1:00 p.m. with a simple prayer service followed by time of visitation. Thank you for your prayers and concern for Sister Carol Ann all these months. A native of Cincinnati, OH she joined brothers David and Robert in forming Robert and Hilda Sunderman's family that provided her early spiritual foundation. Having been educated by the Franciscan Sisters at St. Catherine's School in Westwood, she knew from an early age that she was meant to be a Sister of St. Francis. In the last two years S. Carol Ann has showed us how to live with pain, disappointment, miracles of transplant and medical science, to live with an awareness of the spirit world around us, and to live peacefully with dying. She listened to the Spirit, responded to the call and loved!
Excerpts from obituary letter written by S. Barbara Piller, OSF, for the General Council
 Sister Catherine Ann Hillman entered eternal life on May 18, 2007. She was born in Richmond, IN as Florence Leona, the youngest of Frank and Catherine Hillman's ten children, S. Catherine Ann attended St. Anthony Elementary School, taught by our Sisters. S. Catherine once noted that a religious atmosphere pervaded her family home. That surely must have been the case since two brothers were ordained priests, and her sister Catherine became Sister Anna Marie of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. S. Catherine Ann served as a teacher for 18 years in Missouri, OH and Illinois before being assigned to the convent infirmary where she served so patiently and lovingly for the next 33 years. Because of the priestly vocation of her two brothers and her own sister's call to religious life, S. Catherine Ann always prayed for priests, and continually thanked God for all their religious vocations. I am sure that Sister will continue to intercede for priestly and religious vocations before the throne of her Beloved.
Exerpts from obituary letter written by S. Miriam Kaeser, OSF, for the General Council
Sister Mary Grace Plumbo
Sister Mary Grace Plumbo, very quietly and very suddenly went home go God March 20, 2007. She recalled her life of the past 60 years as a blessing. She had said her lifelong goal was "To help children use the talents God gave them." In a letter to the parishioners of Holy Cross parish, St. Louis, Missouri, she said, "Know that you can call on me anytime. I'm here for you." Isn't this a wonderful manifestation of who she really was and how she saw her life? As we mourn her loss to us, we can only imagine the joyful reunions in heaven with those who were a part of her life.
Excerpts from obituary letter by S. Margaret Maher, OSF, for the General Council.
 Sister Florence Marie Rose
Sister Florence Marie Rose entered eternal life March 17, 2007.
On the occasion of S. Florence Marie's 75th jubilee, she reflected on God�s gift of mathematics. She wrote, "Jesus once referred to our talents as 'salt of the earth.' Mathematics has been my 'salt which has never lost its savor.'" She continued..."Mathematics is a Science, and Art, a Language, a Tool." In several Catholic high schools, including Our Lady of the Angels and Immaculate Conception Academy, Sister Florence Marie shared this "SALT" with her students. For 30 years at Marian College, Indiana, she endeavored to communicate her love for math and its usefulness to each student. After retiring to the Motherhouse in 1996, she found time to be in Chapel for extended times of prayer and she loved to spend time with her wonderful family. They were her pride and joy as the display of photos in her room attest. We rejoice with you, Sister Florence Marie; you have really entered into your Jubilee Celebration!
Excerpts from obituary letter written by S. Bernice Stenger, OSF, for the General Council
 Sister Jean Gabriel Jones
After joining the Sisters of St. Francis, S. Jean spent 16 years teaching science and math in five high schools around Indiana and Ohio. She began her lengthy career at Marian College, Indianapolis, in 1968, specializing in the areas of chemistry and physics. In 1990, at a time when many would consider retirement, she dreamed of offering still another form of service: "I am now able to realize a desire that has been with me for a long time--namely, to do missionary work...to help serve the Navaho Indians in Tohatchi, New Mexico!" A feature story on a 1998 parish newsletter shared highlights of S. Jean's missionary work out west: "Sister Jean is still going strong...her first love is the Thrift Shop where she dispenses the food, clothing, household items...Where she gets all her energy and skill is the most guarded secret of St. Mary Mission. She is one of the best teachers of religious education for the children. We thank God Sister Jean is here with us!" Sister Jean Gabriel Jones went home to her God on Saturday, January 20, 2007.
Excerpts from the obituary letter written by Sister Christa Franzer, OSF, for the General Council
 Sister Mildred Grein OSF
In the stillness of the early morning on November 6, 2006, Sister Mildred Grein went home to God. We rejoice with her as she meets God face to face and is greeted by family and Community members who have died before her. We remember her wonderful, warm smile and thank God for letting her be part of our lives. Sister Mildred was a primary teacher from 1948 until 1982. She ended her classroom teaching career at her home parish, St. Mary's in North Vernon. Many children were gifted with her loving attention through the years. In 1983 Millie came to the Motherhouse where she assisted Sister Estelle in the craft room. Millie was known for her hand-crafted crayon boxes. She also created little yarn dogs. Sister Estelle said that Sister Mildred was very organized and very protective of the items she made. Sister Estelle also noted that whatever Millie did and loved in her early life she carried with her throughout her life.
Excerpts from obituary letter written by S. Barbara Piller, OSF, for the General Council
 Inez Birdin Ground
Inez was a Crow Indian Woman, and her relationship with "First Maker" was interwoven in the ways of the Crow Indian People and the ways of the Catholic Church. She was a most loyal person with a dry sense of humor. I still see her twinkling eyes and smile! She was generous in sharing 'who' she was and 'what' she had with her family of birth and her own family of children. Inez always told stories about how the Sisters raised her and her other siblings when their mother died. She has prayed for "Oldenburg" all these years! We rejoice that Inez is now with the Creator as she continues living a "new life" and is present in new ways.
--Excerpts from obituary letter written by S. Claver Ehren OSF
 Louise Ann Rossi.
As the world awoke to the remembrance of the events of 9/11, God quietly called Sister Louise Ann Rossi home to eternal life in his "Happy Town." Sr. Louise Ann (Patricia Clare) was blessed with a heart full of love for young children and a lively imagination and creativity that made school time and lessons anything but boring. Her youngsters delighted in the original "flying nun" as Sister "flew" around the classroom, amazing and inspiring them with a great love of learning, and an even greater love of their God. With her puppet "partner," Mr. Bubbles, Sister gently taught her charges lessons about life and living gracefully with one another. A former student, Fr. Jeff Fulmer, reminisced, "What I remember about her most is her love of God. It was so evident when she taught religion. She really tried to impart that to her students, to love God and all his creation." Her large and loving Italian family was always a source of love, joy and comfort for her. She delighted in their visits and accomplishments, and their photos surrounded her room and her heart. We offer our sincere sympathy to Louise Ann's sister Mrs. Laura Brown of Indianapolis, Indiana, and her many nieces, nephews and "greats." We, at the Motherhouse, will certainly miss Sr. Louise Ann's effervescence, her ready smile, and treasury of stories. May she rest in the God she so dearly loved and served so faithfully.
--Excerpts from obituary letter written by S. Miriam Kaeser for the Council.
 Elizabeth "Betty" Kissel
Elizabeth "Betty" Kissel, a woman of strength and hope, and one of our Associates from Princeton, IN, died Thursday, July 13. Betty found out just three weeks before, that she had leukemia. Betty loved being an Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis. When she became an Associate in 1992, she committed to "...prayer, getting together with her Associate group and living every day in a Christian way." She was very faithful to her group's monthly meetings. When Betty was around, we always knew that we would have a great time. Her homemade cookies were a favorite for many people. Betty began the bereavement dinners in her parish. In fact, it was her turn for the next dinner. Instead, it was to be for her. Betty was there to help anyone who needed help. At the funeral, one of the mothers told me that she had helped a student from St. Joseph's go on a mission trip. In return, this boy served her funeral as a tribute to her. Our prayers and thoughts are with her sister Catherine, Betty's children and grandchildren, the Associates and all of her many friends.
--Excerpt from obituary letter written by S. Carol Ann Mause, OSF
 Sister Mildred Ann Reckamp OSF
On June 28, 2006, in the quiet silence of the midnight hour, our beloved Sister Mildred Ann Reckamp heard God's beloved whisper, "Come, blessed one, and inherit the kindom prepared for you from the creation of the world." She left us as she lived--quietly and peacefully. Sister is fondly remembered as an excellent and skilled primary teacher. To teach primary grades for 44 years is an awesome challenge with many rewards. Her sister friends remember her walking the streets of the inner city of North St. Louis, Missouri with the poor and destitute. Being unable to drive a car had never hindered her travels and ministry. If the bus couldn't take her there, her feet could, and she knew no fear because her trust in God's presence was strong. She lived her life in prayer and this was shown in her meeting of any of God's people. She loved to read, to find a quiet spot for prayer and she really enjoyed fishing!
--excerpts from letter by S. Alacoque Burger for the General Council
 Loretta Howells
After many years of being confined to her home and then to the nursing home, our Associate, Loretta Howells was set free to be with her God on Sunday, May 21, 2006. Loretta was a real "people person." She loved attending the Associate gatherings until she was no longer able. She loved it when anyone came to visit her. She had a smile that could light up a room! She was a person always in charge of her life and affairs. Loretta had become an Associate in 1989, making a commitment to us to hold our community in her daily prayers. She was a faithful Minister of Praise. We offer our deep sympathy, prayer and gratitude to her family and friends for sharing her with us since 1989.
 Natalio LLanas
We regret to inform you that our Natalio Llanas went home to God Sunday, April 16th in the morning hours of the Resurrection. Natalio was an Associate from Chicago. He and his beloved wife, who survives him, became Associates together on June 23, 1995. In recent years, they both have been very faithful Ministers of Praise, Lady Jacoba Chapter.
Natalio had a great devotion to the Our Lady of Guadalupe, to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos and to Blessed Padre Pio. In her note to us, Carolina Bentley reminded us "that Natalio was indeed a man of service believing that in order to live fully, one should serve fully. His life was in the service of others, whether as an Associate, in politics, or in the Church. He was for many years a faithful usher at Our Lady of Tepeyac Church.
 Marie Schmidlin
Marie came to us in 1998 with a desire to be an Associate, at the age of 91. she agreed to be associated with the life and mission of the Congregation by "giving of my time as a Minister of Praise, giving of my talents, when able, and giving of the blessings received, when possible.� On Good Friday, April 14, 2006, our Associate, Marie Schmidlin, returned home to her God. At 99 years of age, she retained her positive outlook on life and mentioned her desire to live to be 100 years of age! One can only conclude that her God�s invitation to spend Easter in heaven was an offer too good to refuse.
 Sister Alverna Chandler
While Alverna was happy at every assignment she was given, her missionary heart was especially thrilled to be among the Native American peoples of Montana and the Spanish Americans of Park View, New Mexico. She refers to them as "precious" and "very dear to me." In the 21 years she spent in Montana, she made deep and lasting friends with several generations of families � students, parents, and grandparents. Alverna became a respected, trusted and much-loved elder to Crow and Northern Cheyenne alike. She took special interest in Prayer Lodge and the people who gathered there. When Alverna was at St. Xavier Mission, it was the heart of hospitality for ministers on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations. Sisters, Brothers, Priests and Lay Ministers loved St. X as the place to gather to meet, to eat, to pray, to cry and to laugh. And Alverna was always there �accepting everyone -- so generous that she'd change the card game rules to make sure that no one lost too badly; so dedicated to the people that she'd speak her mind to the Bishop; and so sincere that he would listen. April 30, 2006, S. Alverna entered her heavenly reward.
--Excerpts from letter by S. Mary Ann Stoffregen for the General Council)
 Sister Marlene Brokamp
Our dear Sister Marlene went home to her God on April 4, 2006. Sister Marlene loved children, teaching, and community life. She taught primary grades with creativity and enthusiasm. Learning was fun. After Vatican II she looked anew at religious life and accepted the challenges of change. She became a Director of Religious Education on the parish level and then accepted the position of Consultant of Religious Education in the Cincinnati Archdiocese. She wrote many prayers, and a special one was "Breadmaker God" which helped her families to remember Jesus in ordinary acts of eating bread. Talks on prayer for teachers and parents, new rites of liturgy explained, courses for teachers of religious education to receive certification, many articles published, brought Marlene to the conviction that Family Religious Education was her top priority. Her love of God, people, nature, music, poetry, and stories will live on. Sister Marlene leaves this last message with us: "As long as grace is amazing, surprises are yet possible!"
--Excerpts from letter by S. Olga Wittekind for the General Council
 Sister Antoinette Marie Manus (Antie)
Her eyes were usually a-twinkle, and serious reflective expressions were transformed into bright smiles quite suddenly. Her fingers stayed nimble enough (at almost 101!) to make bead ornaments for the gift shop up to the last week of her life. Every day held its promise. She was preparing to commemorate her 85th anniversary of entrance into religious life at the Jubilee celebration on April 23 this year. Yet, quietly and simply, while the community celebrated Eucharistic Liturgy in Chapel on the morning of March 6, Antoinette Marie realized fully what her whole life had anticipated--the embrace of God, beyond all human imagining. Among her students (she taught for 53 years) she earned a reputation as a tough disciplinarian but a loving teacher. Among her Franciscan Sisters she was known for her determination, her love for life shared with congenial companions, her curiosity about many things, and for always having one more goal toward which to strive.
--Excerpts from letter by S. Margaretta Black for the General Council)
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