Sister Obituaries

Sister Ann (Caitlin) Willits, OP, died Jan. 26, 2024. Professed in 1958, her ministry was dedicated to teaching and preaching. Sr. Ann taught at Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN, and was a high school principal at O’Gorman, Sioux Falls, SD, and Regina, Minneapolis. She served on the Leadership Council of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation from 1973 to 1982. Sr. Ann led retreats and parish missions all over the United States and abroad. She was codirector of the Parable Conference for Dominican Life and Mission for 21 years and an itinerant preacher for 20 years while she developed programs, retreats, and parish missions to address the needs of the contemporary Church and world. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Martha Mary (Alfonsa) Rohde, OP, died Jan. 23, 2024. Professed in 1966, her ministry has been dedicated to education. In Illinois, she taught at St. Thomas More School and at Immaculate Conception School, Chicago. In Wisconsin, Sister Martha Mary taught at St. Joseph, Baraboo, and served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as Motherhouse prioress and assisted living prioress at Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa. In New Jersey, she ministered at St. James, Ventnor, as teacher and principal. In Florida, Sister Martha Mary taught at St. Andrew, Cape Coral, and then served as assistant principal. She also ministered at St. Michael Academy, Fernandina Beach, as teacher and then and as principal. She was currently serving as principal at Hope Rural School, Indiantown, since 2015. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Jeri (Mary de Paul) Cashman, OP, died Dec. 9, 2023. Professed in 1967, she taught at: St. Rose, Milwaukee, and Martin Luther King, Milwaukee. With the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Jeri was part of a team who formed base Christian communities in the parish of San Rafael, Cochabamba, Bolivia, where she also served as special education teacher at Cochabamba Rehabilitation Center. Sister Jeri served as pastoral minister in the Diocese of Chilpancingo, Mexico, with a ministry team on behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago, ministering with 23 communities in the parish of Santiago Apostol in Quechultenango. She was the justice and peace campus minister at the University of Illinois at Chicago and at the University of Minnesota Newman Center, Minneapolis. As a social worker, she worked with Latino families in Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and at the Family Enhancement Center to Prevent Abuse, Minneapolis. Sister Jeri served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as the advocate for life and mission. She was a staunch advocate for justice and peace. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Debra Mika, OP, died Nov. 6, 2023. Professed in 1973, she dedicated her ministries to healthcare and pastoral ministry. Sr. Debra served at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA, as a nurse, assistant head nurse, and member of the nurse management team. She was a pastoral minister at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WI, where she also volunteered in the library. Her faithful ways to the Gospel were clear. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Mary Ellen (Marie Matthias) Werner, OP, died Nov. 5, 2023. Professed in 1948, she taught in the following schools: Annunciation, Minneapolis; Rosary, Oklahoma City, OK; and Resurrection, Minneapolis. She served as librarian and teacher at Central Catholic High School, Anaconda, MT; Freeport Aquin High School, Freeport, IL; and O’Gorman High School, Sioux Falls, SD. Sr. Mary Ellen ministered as parish visitor at St. Agnes Parish, Vermillion, SD, and St. Joseph Parish, Sioux Falls, SD; as pastoral associate at St. Albert the Great Parish, Minneapolis, and St. Mary Parish, Appleton, WI; and in pastoral care at St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan, WI. Also in Sheboygan, she served in family care and volunteered in the library at Holy Family School. Sr. Mary Ellen was known for her gracious hospitality, her dry wit, and her faithful and tenderhearted ways. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Frances Consuelo (Maria Consuelo) Ibarley, OP, died Oct. 28, 2023. Professed in 1962, she taught for 34 years and was a teaching assistant for three years. Sr. Frances Consuelo served as pastoral minister for two years at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA, and as a family caregiver for one year in Honolulu, HI. She taught in the following schools: Incarnation, Minneapolis; St. John Vianney, Spokane, WA; St. Thomas the Apostle, Chicago; St. Matthew, Milwaukee; St. Rose, Milwaukee; St. Anthony Zuni Indian School, Zuni, NM; and Blessed Trinity, Milwaukee. Sr. Frances Consuelo served as teaching assistant at Messmer Preparatory Catholic School, Milwaukee. In true Dominican style, she learned daily about her faith and the world, sharing the fruits of her contemplation and concerns for the welfare of Earth and those who inhabit it. May she rest in peace.  Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Dorothy (Rita Cascia) Victor, OP, died Oct. 28, 2023. Professed in 1950, she taught for 36 years and was principal for nine years. Sr. Dorothy spent seven years as a missionary in Cochabamba, Bolivia, teaching and supporting community. She taught in the following schools: St. Philip Benizi, Chicago; St. Mary, East Dubuque, IL; St. Mary, Champaign, IL; St. Jarlath, Chicago; St. Mary, Dixon, IL; St. Gall, Milwaukee; St. Thomas Aquinas, Milwaukee; St. Basil, Chicago; and St. Robert, Shorewood, WI. Sr. Dorothy was principal at Sacred Heart, Washington, DC, and recorded the convent annals in Whitefish Bay, WI. She lived her life helping where she saw a need, sharing her jovial spirit and dry sense of humor. Gratitude was frequently expressed. May she rest in peace.  Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Emeric Bauch, OP, died Sept. 21, 2023. Professed in 1950, she served as culinary artist at the following convents: St. Clara, Sinsinawa, WI; St. Matthew, Milwaukee; Bethlehem, Faribault, MN; St. Mary, Cheyenne, WY; St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest, IL; St. Cecilia, Omaha, NE; Edgewood, Madison, WI; and Visitation, Chicago. She served as a nurse aide at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA, and as a licensed practical nurse there and at Providence Hospital, Columbia, SC. Sr. Emeric volunteered in the Columbia area; Atlanta, GA; and the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Rosalinda Soria, OP, died Aug. 29, 2023. Professed in 1968, she served as a licensed practical nurse at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA; the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WI; Valley Nursing Home, Billings, MT; and St. Francis Home, Hoboken, NJ, where she was also a counselor. Sr. Rosalinda was a counselor and administrator at Good Counsel-Paraclete, Staten Island, NY; a nurse, counselor, and administrator at Holy Family Service, Weslaco, TX; and a counselor at Casa San Jose Catholic Charities, Grants, NM. She was a kind person and especially empathetic with those who suffered from long-term pain and chronic illness. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Mary (Mary Ania) Schlehuber, OP, died June 22, 2023. Professed in 1948, she taught in the following schools: St. Mary, Dixon, IL; St. Jarlath, Chicago; St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest, IL; St. Mary, Portage, WI; St. Sabina, Chicago; Sacred Heart, Reedsburg, WI; St. Louis de Montfort, Oak Lawn, IL; and All Saints, Los Angeles. Sr. Mary ministered as chaplain at St. John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, and volunteered there and St. Monica Parish, Santa Monica. She was warm and able to be present to the needs of those in front of her. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Mary Pat Marcos, OP, died June 11, 2023. As Patricia Zambriski, she served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946, stationed in Florida and the Pentagon, where she held a top-secret position. She worked for United Artists Corporation, Milwaukee, for 12 years before entering religious life. Professed in 1962, Sr. Mary Pat taught at the following schools: St. Mary, Cheyenne, WY; St. Anne, Wausau, WI; Queen of Peace, Madison, WI; Epiphany, Chicago; St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest, IL; Trinity, River Forest, IL; Bishop Lynch, Dallas, TX; and St. Leo, Oakland, CA. She served as support staff at Rosary College (now Dominican University), River Forest, IL; DePaul College, Chicago; Tepping Realty Co., Berkeley, CA; and in the dining room at St. Vincent de Paul, Oakland, CA. Sr. Mary Pat volunteered in the Oakland area at a public school, Mastick Senior Center, St. Paul Episcopal Church, and St. Vincent de Paul. She was direct, detailed, and benevolent and found great joy in serving others. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Therese (Michaelita) Maher, OP, died May 27, 2023. Professed in 1953, she taught and/or was the counselor in the following schools: St. John Cathedral, Milwaukee; St. Joseph, Sioux Falls, SD; Anaconda Central, Anaconda, MT; Bishop Lynch, Dallas; St. Mary Junior and Senior High Schools, Cheyenne, WY; and Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN. Sr. Therese served as purchasing agent and dietary assistant at St. Joseph Gerontology Center, Alliance, NE; assistant director at Discovery House, Anaconda, MT; mail and transportation staff member at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA; and attendance officer at St. Pius X High School, Atlanta. She ministered as pastoral assistant at Sacred Heart Parish, Texarkana, TX; visitor to the sick and aging at St. Mary Parish, Cheyenne, WY; and volunteer at Caritas Center, Spokane, WA. Sr. Therese reached out in faith to those around her. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Helen Glynn, OP, died May 16, 2023. Professed in 1969, she taught at St. Mary, Evanston, IL, and Trinity High School, River Forest, IL, before embarking on the first of three opportunities to live and minister with the people of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia, as support staff, licensed practical nurse, and pastoral agent providing family catechesis. Sr. Helen served as support staff at St. Dennis Parish, Madison, WI; in family care and as a nurse in the Chicago area; as pastoral associate and director of religious education at St. John the Baptist Parish, Joliet, IL; as pastoral associate at St. Michael Parish, Chicago; and then returned to teaching at Marist High School, Chicago. She shared her knowledge of theology with many. Her independent spirit, cheerful and engaging personality, and her search for truth were hallmarks of a life well lived. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Rosanna Gleason, OP, died April 21, 2023. Professed in 1953, she taught at Visitation, Chicago; St. Lawrence, Faribault, MN; and Sacred Heart, Rockwell, IA, before serving as principal at Sacred Heart, Rockwell; Blessed Sacrament, Sioux City, IA; and St. Rose, Cuba City, WI, where she also taught. Sr. Rosanna served the Southwest Province of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as education consultant and as provincial. She was pastoral minister at Nativity Parish, Dubuque, IA; St. Joseph Parish, Elkader, IA; Sacred Heart Parish, Volga, IA; and the Dominican Center, Spokane, WA, where she was also prioress. Sr. Rosanna tutored in area schools in Dubuque, IA, and served in pastoral care at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WI. Throughout all her ministries, she provided tenderness and brought deep joy and abundant faith to all. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Rosa Rauth, OP, died April 21, 2023. Professed in 1950, she taught music and/or math in the following schools: St. Joseph Cathedral High School, Sioux Falls, SD; Holy Rosary, Oklahoma City, OK; St. Cecilia Grade and High Schools, Omaha, NE; Edgewood Campus and High Schools, both Madison, WI; Holy Trinity Grade School and Trinity High School, both Bloomington, IL; Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN; and Newman High School, Wausau, WI, where she was also registrar. Sr. Rosa taught liturgical music at Edgewood College, Madison, WI, and served as director of music ministry at St. Patrick Parish, Rockford, IL; piano teacher at St. Patrick School Rockford, IL; and in transportation at the Rockford convents for her fellow Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. She continued to share her musical gifts as piano teacher, organist, and accompanist at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WI. Sister Rosa loved music to her core. She conducted countless choirs; held recitals; and integrated her vast skills in liturgical music, contemporary songs, and lively parodies. She was fun, kind, helpful, and always generous with her time. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Virginia (Agneta) Ripp, OP, died April 18, 2023. Professed in 1958, she taught in the following schools: St. Mary, Portage, WI; Trinity, River Forest, IL; Central Catholic, Bloomington, IL; and Bishop Gorman, Tyler, TX. Sr. Virginia served as the personal secretary to the Prioress of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation and as an administrative assistant to the academic dean/vice president for academic affairs at Edgewood College, Madison, WI. At the Dominican Center for Women, Milwaukee, Sr. Virginia was assistant director, tutor, and clerical volunteer. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Mary Catherine (Mary Cronan) Perkins, OP, died April 16, 2023. Professed in 1954, she taught French and sometimes Spanish in the following high schools: Sacred Heart Academy, Washington, DC; Visitation, Chicago; St. Mary, Greenwich, CT; Wahlert, Dubuque, IA; and Edgewood, Madison, WI. Sr. Mary Catherine served as administrator of the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, before moving to Bend, OR, to minister with the Diocese of Baker as director of the ReNew program, with the adult faith formation program, and as superintendent of schools. She volunteered with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers in Bend and with Holy Spirit Church, Schaumberg, IL., May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Leonius Skaar, OP, died April 3, 2023. Professed in 1957, she taught in the following schools: St. Cajetan, Chicago; St. Patrick, Lemont, IL; Visitation, Chicago, where she also was catechetical director; St. Patrick, Madison, WI; and Queen of Peace, Madison, WI. Sr. Leonius served as director of pupil personnel for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Office of Education and was principal at St. Clare, Bloomington, IL, where she was also special education director; St. Matthew, Milwaukee; St. Matthew, St. Paul, MN; and St. Dennis, Madison, WI. She served at St. Patrick Parish, Apalachicola, FL, as director of the preschool, religious educator, and evangelizer and educator for Franklin County. Sr. Leonius volunteered at the Catholic Multicultural Center, Madison, WI, as an English as a second language teacher, with the childcare program, and coordinated special projects. Through the years, she brought her dedication, skill, kind ways, and clear goals for all learners to everyone she encountered. Sister Leonius became known by many as the “teacher of teachers.” May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Mary Eileen (Marillac) Scully, OP, died March 1, 2023. Professed in 1950, she taught in the following schools: Holy Rosary, Minneapolis; St. Cecilia High School, Omaha, NE; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mobile, AL; and Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN, where she was also guidance counselor and principal. Sr. Mary Eileen served as principal at Regina High School, Minneapolis, and as guidance counselor at Trinity High School, River Forest, IL, and Holy Trinity High School, Chicago. She was councilor for the Northwest Provincial of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and ministered at Blind Service Association in Chicago as program manager and with senior services for the visually challenged. Sr. Mary Eileen is remembered as being funny, a fine administrator, and courageous. One of her life practices was to acknowledge her blessings and name them each day. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Virginia (Angelique) Kinsella, OP, died Feb. 14, 2023. Professed in 1959, she taught in the following schools: Sacred Heart, Washington, DC; St. Mary, Piscataway, MD; St. Thomas Aquinas, Freeport, IL; St. Richard, Chicago; St. John Vianney, Janesville, WI; St. Joseph, Baraboo, WI; St. Bernard, Wauwatosa, WI; St. Rose of Lima, Milwaukee; Sacred Heart, Reedsburg, WI; St. Thomas More, Chicago; St. John de la Salle, Chicago; and Academy of St. Benedict the African, Chicago. Sr. Virginia served as principal at St. Mary, Portage, WI, and St. Louis, Caledonia, WI. She ministered at Alexian Brothers Medical Center and Home Health, Elk Grove Village, IL, as chaplain; at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, IA, in pastoral care; and at the Motherhouse as family caregiver and support staff. She was a private person, curious about the world, and went about her service in a caring and committed way. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Betty (Erneste) Smith, OP, died Feb. 11, 2023. Professed in 1959, she served in the culinary arts at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, WI; and Queen of Peace Convent, Burbank, IL. Sr. Betty then worked with the Head Start program at Holy Name School, Kansas City, MO, and taught at St. Martin de Porres, Columbia, SC; Sacred Heart, Washington, DC; and St. Paul of the Cross, Atlanta, GA. She ministered as chaplain at Providence Hospital, Columbia, SC; St. Elizabeth Campus Hospital, Washington, DC; and Manor Care Health Services, Silver Spring, MD, and in pastoral care at St. Peter Inter-Parish School, Washington, DC; and the Motherhouse. Sr. Betty served as parish visitor, after school director, and taught 2nd grade at Annunciation School, Washington, DC; and as support staff, parish visitor, and social studies teacher at Little Flower School, Bethesda, MD. She loved people and shared her faith day by day with all whom she encountered. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Janette (Juditha) Wicker, OP, died Jan. 29, 2023. Professed in 1954, she taught at St. Cajetan, Chicago, and served as principal or coprincipal at the following schools: St. Anne, Wausau, WI; Annunciation, Green Bay, WI; St. Peter, Oshkosh, WI, where she also taught in the Learning Center; Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, East Dubuque, IL; and St. Joseph, Sturgeon Bay, WI. Sr. Janette ministered as religion coordinator at St. Mary-St. Joseph Parishes, Appleton, WI; parish liturgist at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, East Dubuque; pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish and SS. Peter and Paul Parish, both Sturgeon Bay, WI; and librarian at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa. Sr. Janette loved to be around people. Her attention to detail, sense of humor, and generous spirit have made the world a better place. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Catherine Thomas Dwyer, OP, died Jan. 27, 2023. Professed in 1954, she taught in the following schools: St. Rose of Lima, Baltimore, MD; Annunciation, Green Bay, WI; Resurrection, Minneapolis; St. Martin, Oklahoma City, OK; Sacred Heart, Omaha, NE; St. Lawrence, Faribault, MN; St. Albert the Great, Minneapolis; Incarnation, Minneapolis; Regina, Minneapolis; St. Michael, West St. Paul, MN; and St. Rose of Lima, Roseville, MN. Sr. Catherine Thomas served as principal at Little Flower, Billings, MT, and Sacred Heart, Reedsburg, WI. She was an administrative assistant in the Archdiocesan Education Office for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Sr. Catherine Thomas loved her Irish heritage and big family. She skillfully taught elementary, middle, and secondary education, passing  on knowledge and inserting humor along the way. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.

Sister Joris Binder, OP, died Jan. 22, 2023. Professed in 1958, she taught in the following schools: St. James, Rockford, IL; Holy Mother of Consolation, Oregon, WI; St. Philip the Apostle, Northfield, IL, where she also served as counselor; Queen of Peace, Madison, WI, where she also served as unit coordinator; and Holy Trinity, Bloomington, IL, where she also served as unit coordinator and principal. At the University of Notre Dame, Sr. Joris ministered as assistant rector of Lewis Hall, rector of Pasquerilla East Hall, and codirector of Hesburgh Sabbatical Program (now Hesburgh Renewal Program), which later moved to Catholic Theological Union in Chicago with her continuing as codirector. She served the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Congregation as prioress of the St. Clara Community at the Motherhouse,  Sinsinawa; family caregiver at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, WI; and consultant for state funded supportive home care while at the Motherhouse. Sr. Joris ministered as a pastoral counselor at St. Margaret Center, Mishawaka, IN. She was known for her gracious, kind, and welcoming presence. Sr. Joris understood the importance of being heard. May she rest in peace. Click here to send a memorial online.