2024 Jubilarians

In Rock Island, Ill., amidst the bustling life of a family of nine siblings, a young Alice Kerker began her journey. Alice, the second oldest, inherited a deep-rooted Catholic faith from her father’s side.

Reflecting on those early memories, Alice fondly recalls, “I remember watching the midwives come into our home to help deliver my siblings. Everything was so private then, and as a child, I thought the midwife would ‘bring the baby in her black bag.’ It was a moment of curiosity and wonder that stayed with me.” It would also be a catalyst for a future calling.

As a young girl, she attended Sacred Heart, the local BVM elementary school. Alice’s first encounters with the BVM sisters left a lasting impression. She was particularly influenced by Sister Naomi (St. Camillus) White, BVM whose nurturing guidance in second grade and mentorship in later grades, sparked curiosity and reverence for religious life. Alice fondly recalls, “St. Camillus had a profound impact on me. She not only taught us in class, but years later also took the time to teach us tennis. She would take off her sleeves and pin back her veil to show us what to do. Her kindness and zest for life impacted me. It was a special bond that stayed with me.”

Alice’s upbringing was also colored by the vibrant atmosphere of a ballroom her family managed. “The ballroom was a place of joy and celebration,” Alice reminisces. “We would spend countless evenings watching the adults dancing, enjoying each other’s company, and seeing the women and men all dressed up . . . It was a special time.”

Adding to the allure of the ballroom was the tradition of serving ice cream to the dancers. Alice’s grandfather took great pride in offering this sweet treat, served in steel dishes with fluffy napkins and little spoons, creating cherished memories.

Alice attended high school at the Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) in Davenport, Iowa, deepening Alice’s sense of purpose. “I always knew I wanted to serve others, whether through nursing or religious life,” Alice reflects. “The guidance of St. Camillus and the gentle presence of the BVM sisters in my neighborhood planted the seeds of my vocation.”

After completing high school, Alice pursued her nursing education. She spent three years at nursing school, honing her skills, and reconnecting with childhood friends. However, the longing for something more, a deeper sense of purpose, continued to tug at her heartstrings.

Alice’s journey took her to California, where she sought new horizons and opportunities. Yet, despite the allure of the West Coast, she found herself homesick and longing for the sense of community she had known back home. Returning to Illinois, Alice found employment in a hospital and office, but the call to something greater persisted.

It was during this time that Alice’s desire to join the BVM community grew stronger. She sought guidance and support, ultimately leading her to have a conversation with someone at ICA about her aspirations. Alice reflects, “When I went to talk to someone there about becoming a BVM, the sister I met with ‘took care of everything.’ It was meant to be.”

However, embracing her vocation meant making sacrifices—Alice had to part ways with her boyfriend. While her father embraced her decision to become a BVM wholeheartedly, her mother approached it with cautious optimism. Alice’s older sister, living a busy life as a wife and mother, offered mixed reviews, teasing Alice with a playful jest, “You are so lucky to get out of this.”

Her path led her to various locations, including Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where she served as a nurse for what was meant to be a temporary two-week position that turned into a 13-year tenure.

In 1979, during her 25th jubilee year, Alice received a letter from a sister in Mississippi, leading her to serve at a county hospital in need of additional RNs. The experience was transformative, exposing Alice to the stark realities of poverty and diversity, and deepening her understanding of social justice.

“It was eye-opening,” Alice reflects. “I witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty and inequality on people’s lives. It caused me to mature and strengthened my resolve to advocate for those in need.” Alice enjoyed the diversity in her colleagues and had fun trying different southern foods at their office potlucks.

Her journey then led her to San Bernardino, where she worked in a Catholic hospital, tending to patients with her characteristic compassion and dedication. Despite occasional encounters with skepticism, such as the “little old nun” questioning her standing with the congregation (due to Alice’s daily pantsuit), she remained steadfast in her commitment to serving others.

Additionally, Alice’s professional journey included stints in administration for the congregation and roles in nursing homes and hospitals across various locations, including Joshua Tree, Calif., and Holy Family in Glendale. Each assignment brought new challenges and opportunities for growth, further solidifying Alice’s dedication to her vocation and her community.

One particularly impactful chapter in Alice’s journey was her time in memory care. Working on the fourth floor of the BVM infirmary in Marian Hall, she found herself immersed in moments of tenderness and connection. From assisting sisters with their morning routines to sharing meals and engaging in recreational activities, Alice’s days were filled with meaningful interactions.

“I found immense joy in serving in memory care,” Alice recalls. “Helping the sisters with their daily activities and witnessing their camaraderie during trivia games and moments of prayer was incredibly fulfilling. It was a privilege to be a part of their lives.”

Today, as Alice reflects on her journey, she finds solace in prayer, the joy of reading, and the beauty of music. Her life as a BVM has evolved from a calling to serve the church to a journey of harmony and unity with her BVM sisters, grounded in gratitude and love. “In the beginning, the service is for the church, the community, and whatever Jesus wanted me to do . . . like living in a cloister,” Alice reflects. “Today, it is more about living in harmony with sisters, gratitude for the people I’ve met, and being a global participant in the community.”

Marie (Dona) Corr, BVM was born on April 29, 1935, in the picturesque valley of Missoula, Montana, as the middle child of five children to Daniel and Dona Corr. Her father, Daniel, served with Montana Highway Department, while her mother Dona, had previously been a country schoolteacher before embracing her role as a stay-at-home housewife. Despite the noise and chaos that often accompanied life with five children, their home radiated with security, love, and a deep sense of faith.

“Education was a cornerstone in our household, instilling within us the values of knowledge, curiosity, and faith,” reflects Marie. From a young age, education held a prominent place in Marie’s life. Her parents prioritized it, enrolling their children at St. Anthony Parish School, where the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) ministered as educators. It was within these walls that Marie’s admiration for the BVMs took root. By second grade, she had aspirations of following in their footsteps.

During her high school years at Sacred Heart Academy, Marie balanced her studies with a job at St. Patrick Hospital, where she worked after school daily, on Saturdays, and during summers. She had earned enough money during high school to help pay for tuition.

After high school, Marie faced a pivotal decision about her future and her desire to enter religious life. “It was a dilemma for me to choose which religious order to join. I had the BVMs for grade school and the Sisters of Providence for high school. Thanks to my Irish pastor, I chose the BVMs. My parents were delighted,” shares Marie.

Leaving behind the Rocky Mountains for the unknown adventures in Dubuque, Iowa, Marie embarked on a three-day train ride of 1400 miles. Transitioning from the familiar Rocky Mountain climate to the Midwest was no laughing matter. “It is a shock that I still haven’t recovered from,” Marie laughs.

After two and half years of religious formation in BVM community life, Marie pursued higher education at Mundelein College in Chicago, where she obtained a B.A. in history with a minor in education. Her journey as a BVM began with sacrifices and hard work, as she balanced her classroom teaching with religious life in community.

In the face of societal change of the 1960s and in the wake of Vatican II, Marie found herself navigating a period of change in both Church life and life in BVM Community. “Being a BVM after Vatican II changes, helped me mature into an adult with a yearning for self-growth.” Marie had numerous educational opportunities and earned several degrees in education and ministry including a Doctor of Ministry from UC Berkeley.

Throughout her ministry years, Marie embraced the BVM mission of “being freed and helping others become free,” a central tenet of her BVM Constitutions. Her diverse ministries ranged from teaching elementary grades, Adults Faith Formation in several parishes, and a year-long residential staff experience as a Chaplain in a psychiatric hospital in Denver.

When it was time to return home to Missoula to assist her aging mother, Marie found employment in Pastoral Care at St. Patrick Hospital. There, she served for 17 years providing support and guidance to individuals struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. “Every day presented an opportunity to extend compassion and hope to those struggling with inner demons from their disease. It was a privilege to walk alongside them on their journey toward Recovery. This was my most transforming ministry,” recalls Marie. After retiring from St. Patrick Hospital, Marie continued private spiritual counseling prior to moving to Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa.

Marie’s adventurous spirit even led her to undertake the exhilarating challenge of parachuting from a plane at age 40. This was transforming fear into profound joy with a safe landing. However, her mother’s reaction was less enthusiastic. Marie chuckles as she shares her Mom’s response, “There’s no fool like an old fool.”

Reflecting on her 70th jubilarian year as a BVM, Marie fondly shares, “Besides opportunities for education, I’ve had wonderful teaching experiences. Moving many times due to reassignments over the years, I have lived across the United States. It has been truly a blessing.”

Marie enjoys staying active by participating in reading/discussion groups, Liturgical ministries, and community life with sisters living area of the Motherhouse.

Born during a brutal Iowa winter on March 2, 1936, Lois Dolphin entered the world. Her early years were characterized by the warmth and love of a busy household filled with parents, grandparents, and extended family members. “Home was a farm outside of Cascade, Iowa, with an extended family of parents, grandmother, grandmother’s sister, my Aunt Lucy, and father’s brother, Uncle Bill,” she fondly recalls, reminiscing about the cherished memories of her upbringing. She was baptized on the way home from the hospital.

Her educational journey brought her into contact with the BVM sisters, “I went to kindergarten, at St. Martin’s School in Cascade,” she recalls, “My teacher was Sister Mary Rosaria, BVM. I can still recite the prayer we said at the end of the school day.”

After the farm sold, her parents, Lois, and her younger sister LaVerne moved to Davenport, Iowa. There, she attended St. Joseph School and Sacred heart Cathedral School for elementary. She later attended Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) for high school. She had BVM teachers at both Sacred Heart and ICA.

Thankful for the sacrifice her parents made to send Lois and LaVerne to Catholic school, she shares, “Ours was a faith-filled family. We prayed at home, attended Mass, and had many devotions.” It was within this nurturing environment that Lois’s journey towards becoming a BVM began to take root. “My BVM teachers were influential in my life and my vocation. They were not only smart and good teachers, but were models of charity, kindness, and joy.”

The decision to become a BVM was not taken lightly. “Vocation is said to be a call from God,” she reflects thoughtfully, “that call for me came through my family and my BVM teachers.” Rooted in her family’s faith and the inspirational example set by the BVM sisters, Lois answered the call with a profound sense of purpose and dedication.

Throughout her years as a BVM, Lois found fulfillment in various ministries. It was her role as a science teacher that resonated most deeply with her. “I have been a science teacher in seven high schools,” she shares with delight. “I especially enjoyed having girls succeed in chemistry and physics and go on to careers in science and medicine.”

Lois enjoys hearing from her students and is grateful for those that extend thanks. The most recent message she has receives was a Christmas card from a woman who wrote, “I have so many wonderful memories of Our Lady of Peace High School in St. Paul (OLP). Your chemistry class was my favorite and encouraged me to pursue a career as a pharmacist.”

One particularly meaningful chapter of Lois’s life was her service to the Congregation from 1985 to 1988. “It was a privilege to get to know the community leaders and staff in the various offices and to work among them,” she recalls, reflecting on the camaraderie and sense of purpose that defined her time there. Additionally, caring for her mother during this time added an extra layer of significance to her service, strengthening her bonds with her family and community alike. She shares, “I was glad to be able to take my mom to Saturday evening Mass, help her with shopping and such, and bring her to Mount Carmel for celebrations.

Even in retirement, Lois remains dedicated to serving others. “I try to help out when I see a need,” she says simply, embodying the values of compassion and selflessness instilled in her by her family and the BVM community. She volunteers her time to many ministries and causes, including Iowa Radio Reading for the Blind, Catholic Charities Jail and Prison Ministries, BVM Sisters Development Network, as a Eucharistic Minister, and serves on the BVM Grant Committee.

As she reflects on her journey thus far, Lois is filled with gratitude for the blessings and opportunities that have shaped her life. “I am profoundly grateful to be a BVM, a circle of friends with arms linked facing outward, loving the world.” Lois expresses the gift it has been to be  part of such wonderful women and loving friends. “I have grown spiritually and intellectually in wisdom and grace as a BVM. I value the charism of Mary Frances Clarke . . . I am grateful for opportunities with my sisters in community. I am very fortunate to have my sister LaVerne in community. We are now, for the first time since childhood, living in the same place [Mount Carmel Bluffs].”

It was 10:30 at night when the train from Chicago pulled into the Phoenix station. Two recent Mundelein College graduates stepped out into the 107-degree air. BVMs Joan (John Raymond) Fitzgerald and Kathleen O’Brien were visiting Kathleen’s family before heading to their assignments in California.

Later that night, while trying to sleep, Joan recalls, “I brought my beautiful pink wool satin-trimmed blanket for my bed. I woke up about 4:00 o’clock in the morning. The air conditioning wasn’t working, and I thought, ‘If this is what Arizona is, oh, please God, save me from this place.’”

Three years later, she was assigned to Phoenix. It was 1962 when she moved to the “little city.” Xavier High School was small then too, she says, and they have grown side by side.

According to Joan, this growth in the population of Phoenix required Xavier to be a leader in education, predict and adapt to educational/technological changes, and be a place that supplies opportunities for young women.

Originally, this all girls BVM school was located on the campus of Brophy College Preparatory. In 1953, it moved into Fitzgerald Hall on its current campus. More buildings were added as enrollment grew. In 1982, college preparatory status was granted, and Xavier High School became Xavier College Preparatory (XCP).

Joan’s career at XCP parallels the growth of her surroundings. Arriving to teach, Joan later became the school treasurer. “I never imagined I’d be here for 60 years . . . I came here as a Spanish teacher and then, in 1968, Xavier became a diocesan high school in the Diocese of Tucson.”

She shares how the superior wanted her to teach “a little bit of Spanish” but also wanted her to serve as treasurer. Joan states, “I said, well, why would I be the treasurer? I don’t know anything about it!” The superior replied, “Well, Sister Joan, your mother was a bookkeeper; you could learn.” And so she did. Joan served as treasurer until she became principal in 1974.

Looking back, she says, “Being treasurer was probably the best preparation I could have had for being a school administrator . . . getting the finances in hand is so important.” Also important: recognizing talent and assembling an exceptional staff. In her first year as principal, Joan recruited BVMs Lynn Winsor and Joanie Nuckols. Lynn and Joanie were teaching at another BVM Xavier High School . . . in St. Louis. They joined her team and these three women, “the dynamic trio,” have forever changed the landscape and trajectory of Xavier

Serving as principal for 42 years before being named the school’s first president in 2016, Joan’s vision, leadership, and determination have been integral in developing Xavier into the academic and spiritual powerhouse that it is today.

Living out the BVM core values has been paramount for Joan. “I didn’t know anything except BVM education until after I graduated from college. I went to Sacred Heart in Boone, Iowa. I started in first grade, went through 12th grade, then attended Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, and then Mundelein College in Chicago. I just thought everybody ran schools like the BVMs did. I had really professional, well-educated people as role models. I was always so proud to be able to kind of imitate what they did because they were such great examples.”

There have been many achievements, awards, and accolades, but for Joan, one of her “high points” was in November of 2021 when Xavier paid off a $28 million dollar debt for campus improvement. “They never teach you that when you’re in administration you need to be a fundraiser. Thankfully, we have very supportive parents and community members. Now everything we raise can be for scholarships. We have many students who are coming to high school as first-generation students. We are preparing them to be first-generation college students.”

One of her biggest challenges is keeping up with the salary scales of the public schools for her teachers. “That’s what we want to do and yet keep the tuition down. It’s a balance between making school affordable and treating our teachers and staff justly.”

Joan says one of her proudest moments was facing COVID-19. The diocese closed the school and only a few days later, the teachers were fully converted to an online format. “They did such a wonderful job,” she says. Her pride in her faculty is palpable as she continues, “The next year we were partly online and partly in the classroom. That was exhausting for our teachers, but just to see how they rose to the occasion was very impressive for me.”

Joan says she’ll “probably stick it out here for a while” and plans to spend retirement at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa. Until then, she plans to continue visiting Dubuque during BVM Leadership elections and community meetings and loving and leading her staff and students.

Bertha (Dolorose) Fox, BVM was the oldest of five children. Born in 1932, in the heart of the depression, Bertha was brought home to live on a small family farm near New Haven, Iowa. Over the next nine years, two sisters and two brothers were added to her family. Sadly, one of her brothers lived only two days.

Like “typical” farm families, everyone worked. “We children had daily chores that grew in length, difficulty, and responsibility as we grew,” Bertha recalls. She had many cousins who lived in the area, which added depth to her family experiences. She reflects, “We visited them, played with them, and had wonderful times together.” Bertha was blessed with having most of her 18 aunts and uncles living within driving distance and looked forward to their frequent Sunday visits.

Reminiscing about her childhood, Bertha shares, “Our home was on a low hill above a small river in which we could swim, fish, and build architectural wonders on the sand bars during the summer.” In the winter Bertha recalls ice skating “a mile or two” up and down the river or sliding down the hills. She enjoyed making snow men, snow caves, and playing snow games. During the spring, she enjoyed picking wildflowers in the woods—many which were used to decorate May altars at home or school.

Bertha loved the outdoors and enjoyed being in 4-H. One of the highlights of 4-H was the softball team. Bertha was a skilled second and third base player and sometimes would pitch. “Even though we only had 14 girls, we were state champs!” she recalls enthusiastically.

“My childhood was idyllic. We were happy, joyful, and loved. Relatives were special, supportive, and valued.” She visited them in Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Toronto (Canada), and took in the sights and historical side trips along the way. Bertha remembers her mom packing lunches for the long journeys and playing car games, like finding license plates from different states and excitedly anticipating seeing the humorous rhyming poems on the Burma-Shave signs along the way.

During one vacation, Bertha learned to drive while going through the Black Hills Mountains in South Dakota. She laughs while recounting the “harrowing” experience, saying “There was no barrier . . . just a narrow road and a drop off . . . My mother couldn’t watch. I don’t know how mom stood it, and I don’t know how Dad did it!”

Bertha’s family not only placed a priority on spending time together but also on education. Her mom, a former teacher, and her father, a WWI veteran, planned that each child would attend Catholic school and then go on to college.

Bertha, her parents, and her siblings all graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, the St. Peter parochial school in New Haven. She remembers that all twelve grades fit into four classrooms;  Bertha received an excellent education. “Sisters from two orders taught me in grades 1 through 12—they were good teachers—and a sister from another order taught me piano.”

For college, Bertha says, “My two sisters and I graduated from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, between 1954 and 1960. I had never met BVMs until I went to Clarke. They, too, were fine teachers. I worked with several BVMs in extra-curricular activities. I admired the younger BVMs who exuded joy and seemed to be down to earth about spiritual things.” She was impressed by the BVMs’ respect for students and their concern for student well-being and futures. She visited her Clarke graduate friends in the BVM novitiate, recalling, “They were happy and very influential.”

When Bertha decided to join the Sisters of Charity, BVM her parents were supportive—it was a family legacy, really, as Bertha had cousins in two other orders.

For Bertha, one of the most touching parts about being a BVM is feeling a connection and having a place in a loving community. She says, “I’m not alone as a BVM. Together we are searching for and discovering our own journey of finding God and learning what gratitude really is.”

One of her favorite times was planning liturgies and prayer experiences and teaching/learning new religious music in English during the early years of the liturgical renewal from the late 1950s to 1970s. She also enjoyed teaching a wide variety of music courses at Clarke, especially Music in World Cultures.

For Betha, experiencing world cultures was not only through music. During the Cold War, she worked behind the Iron Curtain doing research for the University of Illinois from 1970 to 1995. She spent five summers there, staying 60 days each time. Betha also did research for Universities of Illinois and Michigan musicological publications and served as a spiritual director after studying at Mercy Center, Calif.

Over her career, Bertha has taught music and science to students in grade school, high school, college, and novitiate in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and California. Since retiring in 2000, Bertha has liked to stay active. She traveled with Joan (Joan Michael) Newhart, BVM (d.) to tutor BVM sisters with their computers. She served at the Trappistine Abbey in Norway three separate times. She also enjoys writing, recycling books to local colleges, retreat centers, and individuals.

Reflecting on her 70 years, Bertha shares what it means to her to be a BVM, “It’s my deep life. I’ve always been awed by the realization that this is my vocation. It is life beyond my wildest dreams and desires: to pray, to find God, know God, respond to God, and begin to understand at deeper and deeper levels how everything, everyone is part of, a result of, God-life-love.”

Edna Mae Knudsen was born on Jan. 18, 1937, in Calamus, Iowa, the third of seven children born to Jacob and Eva Trenkamp.

She entered the BVM Congregation on Sept. 8, 1954, receiving the name Gretchen upon her reception on March 19, 1955. After professing first vows on March 19, 1957, she pursued her studies at the BVM Scholasticate in Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mundelein College in 1959.

During her years as a BVM, Edna Mae served as a primary teacher at various locations including St. Patrick in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Our Lady of the Angels in Clinton, Iowa; St. Anthony in Tigard, Ore.; Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii; St. Matthew in Phoenix; and Christo Rey in Santa Fe, N.M. Reflecting on her time in Phoenix, she remarked, “I’ve enjoyed working everywhere, but I feel my experience in Phoenix with the Mexican Americans has helped me grow the most personally and spiritually. They are a great people, and I experience an acceptance by them that I had not experienced from other groups.”

Edna Mae also served on staff at Casa de Esperanza in Houston, Texas, a crisis center providing temporary housing and care for children and counseling for parents. She affectionately referred to the children as “my children, my little ones.” Additionally, she directed The Samaritan Homes, an interfaith counseling center.

She was a BVM Ministry Partnership Grant sponsor for Casa de Esperanza in Houston hoping to help  break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Edna Mae reflected on her experiences there, saying, “I’ve grown personally in so many ways, especially in my ability to love and to have compassion and understanding for the poor through my lived experience here . . . I love my work and feel that I’m giving new life and hope to the children and to their parents through our progress.”

After moving to Minnesota in 1991, she taught at Maplewood Child Care Nursery and worked as an assistant office manager at Area Residential Care Great Rivers, Inc., a disability rights organization in St. Paul. She retired in 2006 and volunteered at a children’s hospital and zoo until relocating to Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2013.

Edna Mae was passionate about gardening and lovingly cared for Nan’s Garden, a garden that Nan (John William) Ross, BVM (d.) had planted and on the Mount Carmel campus.

Edna Mae Knudsen’s journey as a BVM sister spans seven decades marked by dedication to education, community service, and spiritual growth. Her legacy is one of deep compassion and encouragement.

The journey of Louise Marie (Laurina) Levandowski, BVM began in 1936, in the heart of Great Falls, Mont., where she was born to Thomas and Mary VanTighem Levandowski in a hospital established and operated by the Sisters of Providence. The hospital stood just across the street from her maternal grandparents’ home, providing her and her younger brother, Thomas Jr., with a constant presence of the sisters in their early years. Now celebrating her 70th year as a BVM, Louise reflects on a lifetime of service and dedication. Having entered the BVMs in 1954, Louise took her first vows in 1957, followed by her final vows in 1962, solidifying her lifelong commitment to the BVM community.

Her formative years saw her education commencing in the public school system for the first two grades before transitioning to Catholic education at Ursuline Academy. Later, she continued her studies at a school staffed by the Sisters of Providence until her family’s relocation to Orange, Calif., driven by her father’s declining health.

In Orange, she embarked on another phase of her academic journey, initially attending a public school before the parish opened a new school staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. It was during her high school years at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, a co-ed institution staffed by various religious orders including the BVMs, that she felt a strong connection to the BVM sisters.

Upon graduating, Louise made the decision to join the BVMs, inspired by their mission and community. When she shared her desire with her parents, her mother, though supportive of her daughter’s calling, gently questioned her choice, wondering why she didn’t opt for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. In response, Louise explained that she felt drawn to the BVMs precisely because their distance from home would require her to fully commit to her decision, rather than having the option to easily return home if things became challenging. Despite this initial inquiry, her parents offered their unwavering support, understanding the depth of her conviction.

“I am proud and happy to be a member of a BVM family that cares for and about each other, the poor and suffering, and Mother Earth,” Louise reflects on her choice of community and the values instilled in her by her family.

Throughout her career as a BVM sister, Louise found fulfillment in various ministries, but it was her time in the development office at Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa, that she held dear to her heart. The camaraderie she shared with her colleagues and the meaningful work they undertook left an indelible mark on her. “Lasting friendships were formed there,” she recalls of her time at Assumption High School, highlighting the deep connections she forged with her colleagues.

Reflecting on her experiences as a BVM, Louise cherishes the outpouring of love and support she received from her community during times of loss and hardship. It reinforced her belief in the presence of God’s love within her BVM community.

Her most cherished experience as a BVM is deeply personal: “My experience wraps God’s love and my community’s love into one extended event. After my close friend’s death, I was overwhelmed with so many expressions of comfort, support, and hugs that continued through the days until her funeral. I knew God’s love was present in all of it.”

In her retirement, Louise remains dedicated to serving others, using her talents in knitting, and crocheting to create prayer shawls for survivors of human trafficking and those in need. Additionally, she continues her commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

With a foundation rooted in faith, education, and service, Louise continues to embody the values instilled in her by the BVMs, leaving a lasting impact on those she encounters.

Mary (Loras) Martens, BVM, emanated energy from her earliest days in Chicago. As the eldest among four siblings, she embraced being the firstborn and enjoyed a childhood filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Her elementary school days took place under the guidance of the Mercy sisters at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel school. It was at Immaculata high school that her path intersected with the BVM Sisters, and they ignited a flame of admiration and devotion within her young heart.

After graduating in 1954, instead of following the conventional path of marriage or college, Mary made a decision that felt undeniably right to her. When she shared her desire with her family to be a BVM sister, her parents supported her choice. Mary recalls, “They weren’t too surprised by my decision, I was always ‘hanging around the nuns’.”  Although at times she sensed her own inner resistance,  Mary shares, “There was definitely a nudging from a loving God to get on that train to Dubuque, Iowa.”

Mary’s career journey is a tapestry woven with a steadfast commitment. She commenced her educational ministry by teaching English at Wahlert High School in Dubuque for five transformative years and by four years at rural Emmetsburg Catholic High School. Following nine years in Iowa, she returned to her roots in Chicago and began immersing herself in the community of St. Mary Center for Learning and then moving west to Our Lady of Loretto High School in Los Angeles.

Returning to Chicago, she ministered in programs for adults seeking to complete their high school education. Her final ministry in the city was a six-year tenure at St. Patrick High School.

Elected to leadership as a Vice president, Mary relocated to Dubuque once again to focus on administration within the community. When Clarke University planned to add a program in English as a Second Language, she applied and was selected to develop the program. Afterward, she remained at Clarke helping students transition into college-level writing skills .

Beyond U.S. borders, Mary’s life journey also included travel to several western European countries and to Ecuador, where she spent a transformative year. Eventually, she found herself back at Clarke, where she continued to teach as an adjunct faculty member until retirement.

Mary’s reflections on her varied missions underscore her deep appreciation for the diverse places she has served, ranging from urban areas like Chicago and Los Angeles to rural communities like Emmetsburg, and regions of poverty in Ecuador and parts of Chicago and Los Angeles. Regardless of location, Mary emphasizes her commitment to being fully present in each situation and with every person she encounters, finding fulfillment in the mutual exchange of love and learning. Her dedication to her ministry as a BVM embodies a sacred calling, a commitment to service of others.

Throughout her active years of ministry, Mary cherishes the time she spent in the classroom and the connections forged with her students. Reuniting with former students and classmates, reminiscing about old times, and sharing cherished memories with her BVM sisters bring her immense joy and fulfillment. “I have fond memories of the students I taught over the years,” Mary reflects warmly. “It’s heartwarming to reconnect with them.”

Now in retirement at Mount Carmel Bluffs, Mary continues to live with the vigor and enthusiasm that defined her youth. She engages in BVM projects, fostering connections within her community, nurturing her mind through reading and discussions, and lending her voice and efforts to social justice issues. One of the most profound experiences in her life is her work with the National Farmworker Ministry (NFWM). This faith-based organization supports worker-led initiatives to improve their living and working conditions. It does so by participating alongside farmworkers in rallies, picketing and demonstrations. Mary shares, “The farmworkers are vital in providing the crops that feed us, but often they lack the basic human and worker rights of respect and fair treatment.”

Mary remains an inspiration to all who know her. Whether she visits with her sisters and the lay people in Mount Carmel Bluffs, or she volunteers as a tutor of English at the Dubuque Lantern Center, Mary’s heart overflows with gratitude for her life. Though her journey with the BVMs began as a simple calling, it has blossomed into a profound and enduring testament to the power of faith, love, and dedication. Retirement hasn’t slowed her down one bit!

Related:
To learn more about Mary’s work with NWFM, visit: https://wp.me/pad6jy-63Y

Eileen (Robertrese) Powell’s life is a testament to the power of faith, service, and dedication. Born into a strong Catholic family in Hempstead, N.Y., Eileen’s childhood was filled with love and the close presence of her parents, two maternal aunts, and 13 cousins who were her constant companions. It was in this vibrant community that Eileen’s journey began, deeply influenced by her education at Our Lady of Loretto elementary school.

The presence of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Our Lady of Loretto impacted Eileen from a young age. Their compassionate and nurturing presence left an impression on her heart. She had a desire within her to follow their example of faith, service, and community. “I want to be like the BVMs,” she often thought.

Her high school years at Sacred Heart Academy, taught by the St. Joseph’s Sisters, further solidified Eileen’s admiration for religious life and service. Surrounded by dedicated educators who embodied the values she held dear, Eileen’s resolve to dedicate her life to serving God and others only grew stronger.

Though teaching wasn’t initially in her plans, Eileen felt a calling to “work for God.” It wasn’t until her senior year of high school that she seriously considered joining the BVM community. Seeking guidance from her former teachers, she received their resounding affirmation.

In 1957, at the age of 17, Eileen made the decision to join the BVMs. Despite the recent passing of her father and the surprise of her family, she felt compelled to answer the call. “It was an emotional decision,” she reflects, “but I knew if I didn’t do it ‘now,’ I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to do it at all. I was 17 . . . what did I know at 17? I just knew God would take care of me.”

Eileen’s journey as a BVM was marked by a tireless commitment to serving others and a thirst for knowledge and growth. After completing her studies at Mundelein College in Chicago, where she majored in French and elementary education, Eileen began a teaching career that spanned several decades.

Her first assignment took her to Sioux City, Iowa, where she taught first grade for three years, leaving a lasting impact on her students. Eileen then spent 17 fulfilling years teaching in Round Lake, Ill., where her passion for education and her unwavering faith continued to inspire those around her. Her dedication to her students went beyond the classroom as she became deeply involved in parish life, serving as a religious education/CCD parish director.

Seeking to deepen her understanding of religious education, Eileen pursued a master’s degree at Boston College. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, she returned to Round Lake, where she continued to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals through her work in religious education.

Eileen’s journey within the BVM community extended beyond the classroom. She served as Novice Director at the Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa, where she guided and mentored young women embarking on their own journeys of faith and service. Her leadership and compassion touched the lives of many, leaving an enduring legacy of faith and mentorship.

“In each mission, I found meaning and learned the importance of the work,” Eileen reflects on her diverse roles within the community. “I’ve always felt that it was right,” she affirms, speaking to her unwavering commitment to serving God and others.

In addition to her teaching roles, Eileen served as a Regional Congregational employee, traveling throughout the South to visit with sisters, offering support and guidance. She also worked at a BVM ministry site in Kankakee, Ill., where she taught English as a second language to refugees, helping them integrate into their new communities and build brighter futures.

Now retired, Eileen continues to live out her vocation with joy and purpose. Engaging in prayer, social events, and cherished time spent with her sisters, she remains an active participant in her community. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of answering the call of the heart.

In the heartland amidst the gentle hills of Monticello and the rural landscapes of Cascade, Iowa, Jane (Jananne) Rogers, BVM, first drew breath on Jan. 3, 1932.

Jane’s journey began against the backdrop of sorrow, as her family coped with the loss of two young children, Leo and Patricia, to Scarlet Fever before her birth. Yet, her arrival brought a renewed sense of hope and blessing to her grieving parents, Charles and Margaret. Growing up on a family farm with her parents Charles and Margaret (O’Shea), her sister Annabelle, and brother Howard, Jane quickly learned the values of resilience, hard work, and community that would shape her future path.

Education became both a guiding light and a gateway for Jane’s aspirations. She first encountered BVM sisters as educators at St. Martin Parish and high school in Cascade.

After completing high school, Jane began a year of study at Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before venturing into the world of teaching. Her passion for education was undeniable, and she spent four years nurturing young minds in a one-room country school.

During this time, Jane felt a deeper call to devote her life fully to the service of others as a member of the BVM sisters. At the age of 22, Jane entered the Sisters of Charity, BVM. Her parents felt deeply blessed by her choice.

Jane’s educational journey continued as she earned a degree in home economics at Mundelein College in Chicago. Uncomfortable with pursuing a career in this field, Jane asked to meet Helen (Consolatrice) Wright, BVM Mother General and President, to share her concerns. This was a brave step at the time in religious life. Helen gently and understandingly promised Jane that she was under no obligation to pursue this field of work.

Helen encouraged Jane to follow her passion for education and counseling. With this blessing, Jane’s thirst for theological knowledge and pastoral ministry was the driving force to obtain her master’s degree in education supervision, pastoral ministry, and eventually a master’s degree from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.

With a heart overflowing with compassion, Jane touched countless lives as a teacher, principal, and pastoral caregiver. She loved the rugged landscape of Montana and the busy streets of Chicago where she served. Whether in the classroom or at the hospice bedside, Jane approached each encounter with humility, empathy, and grace.

One particular ministry held a special place in Jane’s heart: her time at Holy Family School in Chicago. Teaching 51 eighth graders in a vibrant, ever-changing neighborhood presented her with a diverse array of challenges and opportunities. The strong bonds forged with her students and their families were ones of love and respect.

Reflecting on her seven decades as a BVM, Jane speaks with deep gratitude for the opportunities and blessings she has received. For her, being a BVM is a sacred covenant, a commitment to serving God and others with love and compassion. Each ministry, each encounter, has been a gift.

As she celebrates this milestone anniversary, Jane looks back on a life filled with purpose and meaning. Her impact endures through the lives she has touched and inspired. As she looks ahead to the future, she does so with the same spirit of curiosity and reflection that has guided her journey. Jane enjoys spending time in prayer, visiting with friends and family, and having time to “be.” One of her favorite quotes for this chapter in life is from Trappist monk Thomas Merton, who says “There are times . . . we simply have to sit back for a while and do nothing.”

Throughout her life, Mary (de Porres) Sattgast, BVM dedicated herself to education and community, leaving a lasting impact on those she taught and with whom she shared community. Born and raised in Wichita, Kan., her journey as a Sister of Charity, BVM began at the age of 18, setting her on a path of service and learning that would span over five decades.

As she reminisces about her high school years, Mary fondly remembers her time at Mount Carmel Academy in Wichita, where she was inspired by the dedication and respect shown by the BVM sisters towards students and colleagues alike. “I liked the way the sisters treated the students, each other, and the lay faculty. They always respected one another. They were great teachers,” she reflects.

During her senior year, she applied to join the BVM community. Supported by her family’s acceptance of her decision to join, Mary embarked on a journey guided by her heart’s calling. Reflecting on what it means to her to be a BVM, she emphasizes the sense of belonging to a community united by the mission of Jesus. “Belonging to a Community of women who are about the mission of Jesus. Where there is one BVM that’s where we all are supporting each other,” she articulates.

Mary’s teaching career took her on various missions, but it was Carmel Catholic High School (CCHS) in Mundelein, Ill., which held a special place in her heart. Teaching for an impressive 50 years at CCHS, she fondly recalls the sense of unity and collaboration among staff and students. “Everyone worked together,” she reminisces, noting the kindness of her students as a cherished memory. “I have inherited a philosophy of the importance of being educated, of promoting excellence in education and of helping students find the inner strengths that will help them do their best.”

Even as she approached retirement, Mary continued to witness the impact of her teaching legacy, encountering grandchildren of former students in her classroom. “Sister Mary, you taught my grandfather!” exclaimed one student, a sweet testament to the enduring connections she forged with her students.

Among her favorite memories are the moments spent teaching biology, observing the wonder and curiosity on students’ faces as they explored the intricacies of life. Whether peering through a microscope or embarking on an annual canoe trip into the Canadian wilderness, Mary reveled in the transformative experiences that the trip offered. “Some go into the park as atheists and come out believers. Some discover what the focus of their lives will be. Some find previously undiscovered strengths and weaknesses. All are changed,” she reflects.

Beyond the classroom, Mary’s dedication to serving others extended to her role as a mentor and caregiver. Reflecting on her journey as a BVM, she acknowledges the influence of those who supported, challenged, and encouraged her along the way. “All of my life I’ve been surrounded by people who loved, encouraged, prodded, and challenged me,” she acknowledges.