15th Entrance
Sister Lenita Moore, FSM
Birth name: Lenita Mary Moore
Birthplace: Ste. Genevieve
Entrance: 2005
First profession: 2008
Final profession: 2011
Education: Bachelor’s in radiologic technology, Saint Louis University, 1962
Master’s in radiology administration, University of Cincinnati, 1969
Master’s in hospital/health administration, Xavier University, Cincinnati, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Assistant and administrative supervisor, radiology, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1962-66
Technical director and administrator, Radiology, SSM St. Joseph Hospital, St. Charles, Missouri, 1966-70
Associate executive director and chief operating officer, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Louis, 1978-83
Planning associate in corporate office of Normandy Osteopathic Medical Center, St. Louis, 1983-87
Commercial district manager supervisor, St. Louis Development Corporation, St. Louis, 1987-2005
Citizen advocate, Lead Safe Section, St. Louis Building Division 2006-15
Board member, assistant treasurer, and secretary, St. Louis Local Development Company, 1997-2016
Service outside the archdiocese: Radiology administrator, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati General Hospital, 1971-72
About Sister Lenita Moore, FSM: I enjoy golfing, reading political books and novels by Danielle Steele, caring for my rescued cat, Angie, and gardening with Missouri flowers. I have deeply valued my ministry as a citizen advocate for the City’s Lead Safe Program. I especially enjoyed providing household items for those who are needy and underserved – mostly mothers with children and single women referred to us by social workers at Catholic Charities. The items we provide are from garage sales and flea markets, as well as donations from others who have heard of our ministry and have had items to contribute. I have also found deep joy and satisfaction in my involvement with the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. For some years I have coordinated the funerals of our sisters, ensuring that their wishes are honored and that the celebrations of their lives go smoothly. I was chairperson of the 2019 chapter coordinating committee, helping to prepare a meaningful final chapter for the FSM. I have been an active participant in a wide variety of congregation committees, commissions and task forces.
60th Entrance
Sister Geralyn Marie Schneider, FSM
Birth name: Mary Le Ann Schneider
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Certificate in cosmetology, Excella Beauty College, St. Louis, 1974
Associate’s in applied science in human services, Florissant Valley Community College, 1984
Certificate in pastoral ministry, Chicago Catholic Deaf/Lay Ministry, 2000
Bachelor’s in religious and pastoral studies, College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2005
Service in the archdiocese: Dietary, St. Mary of the Angels and SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, 1968-74
Volunteer for students with learning disabilities, St. Joseph’s Vocational School, 1973-74
Junior instructor, Excella School of Cosmetology, 1976-77
Cosmetologist, Shear Joy and Homebound, St. Mary of the Angels, 1973-81, 1985-93
Cosmetologist, LaMar’s Coiffeur Beauty Salon, 1977-79
Founder, Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) support group, 1984
President, SHHH, 1988-90
Founder and international board member, St. Louis Cochlear Implant Support Group, 1990-93
Cosmetologist, Dillard’s, 1993-94
Cosmetologist, Famous Barr, 1994-96
Cosmetologist, Dominick’s Hair Care, 1996-98
Volunteer, SSM DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, Missouri, 2013-2018
Service outside the archdiocese: Laboratory aide, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1972
Teacher assistant, Religious Education, St. Rita School for the Deaf, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1998-2012
About Sister Geralyn Marie Schneider, FSM: Sister Geralyn enjoys spending time with family and friends and creating craft items such as silk flower arrangements, homemade cards and special bookmarks. She especially enjoyed her work at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf. She also served in her parish as a eucharistic minister and in the bereavement program and children’s liturgy program. Since moving to Bridgeton in 2012, she volunteered at SSM Health DePaul Hospital, working in the gift shop, transporting patients and helping with mailings. She has loved making craft items for the November craft fair at The Sarah Community. She finds great joy and satisfaction in being a Franciscan Sister of Mary. “The most precious time in my life is when I am able to share my God-given gifts with others. I strive daily to deepen my commitment to my Spouse so that I might share His light with others. There are times of difficulties but there is always a sign of hope in letting Jesus be my guide and inspiration.”
60th Entrance
Sister Mary Jean Ryan, FSM
Birth name: Mary Jean
Birthplace: Cuba City, Wisconsin
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Diploma in nursing (RN), SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, 1959
Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1967
Master’s in hospital and health administration, Xavier University, Cincinnati, 1974
Doctor of humane letters, Honoris Causa, Webster University, St. Louis, 1994
Doctor of humane letters, Honoris Causa, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, 2003
Doctor of humane letters, Honoris Causa, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2003
Doctor of humane letters, Honoris Causa, St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, New York, 2008
Doctor of public service, Honoris Causa, Saint Louis University, 2016
Service in the archdiocese: Supervisor of operating room, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1967-71
Director of property, St. Mary of the Angels Convent, St. Louis, 1980-81
Vice president, Governing Board, Sisters of St. Mary Health Care System, 1981-86
Interim president, SSM Health Care System, St. Louis, 1985-86
President and CEO, SSM Health Care, 1986-2011
Chair, SSM Health Board 2011-16
Service outside the archdiocese: Supervisor of general nursing, St. Eugene Hospital, Dillon, South Carolina, 1966-67
Night supervisor, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, 1971-72
Administrative resident, Dr. David M. Brotman Memorial Hospital, Culver City, California, 1973-74
Assistant executive director, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, 1975-77
Associate executive director, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1977-80
About Sister Mary Jean Ryan, FSM: I enjoy reading and attending events at the County Library. I also enjoy puzzles: jigsaw, crossword and word puzzles. As I work to downsize, donating to organizations that will allow others to use those items brings me pleasure.
During my years as president and CEO of SSM Health, I enjoyed visiting the facilities and learning what everyone was doing, from housekeeping and dietary through all the caregivers, with the goal of improving patient care. I was so proud and inspired by the commitment and compassion I observed. Those visits, and the people I met, made me want to be a better person.
Over the years, I have been pleased to serve as the congregation wished. I observed how we faced our reality of each challenge. I am happy that my participation in dealing with these challenges has led us to charting our own future rather than denying our reality of aging and diminishment. Most of all, despite that reality, our commitment to care of Creation is a joy to be part of, especially because we do not spout empty words but commit to use our resources to put action to words.”
She continues to be an advocate for continuous quality improvement; she has spoken on the topic often worldwide. In 2018 she was inducted into Modern Healthcare’s Health Care Hall of Fame and received the Catholic Health Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She is currently a member of the group working to bring the FSM into Collaborative Governance and serves on the Glennon Foundation Board.
60th Entrance
Sister Joanne Klenke, FSM
Birth name: Joanne Lucille Klenke
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in commerce and finance, Saint Louis University, 1968
Master’s in social work, Saint Louis University, 1977
Licensed clinical social worker, 1992
Service in the archdiocese: Office and data processing, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1968-71
Fiscal analyst and internal auditor, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1975
Social worker, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis, 1977-80
Accountant and director of social services, Arcadia Valley Hospital, Ironton, Missouri, 1980-85
Field representative, St. Louis Agency on Aging Food Bank, 1988-89
Residence manager, referral director, and social worker, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis, 1989-2001
Councilor and congregational treasurer, FSM Leadership Team, St. Louis, 2001-07
Board Member, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis 2002-05
Volunteer work, St. Mary of the Angels Convent, St. Louis 2008-10
Service outside the archdiocese: Assistant director of patient accounts, SSM St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island, Illinois, 1971-75
Home care liaison, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, 1985-86
About Sister Joanne Klenke, FSM: I especially enjoy reading, working puzzles and caring for my little four-legged companion, my little black poodle. I have deeply enjoyed my ministry, especially my time as a home health social worker at Cardinal Ritter Institute, where I met many wonderful elderly people. My ministry allowed me to provide direct service to poor and marginalized people and to serve as their advocate. I also loved working at the St. Louis Area Food Bank, which supplied food to pantries throughout the St. Louis area. The needs then were great, as they are now in this time of the virus contagion and severe economic distress.
I have loved living in community with great sisters and having the opportunity to serve God’s people, and I am grateful for the many gifts I have received as a religious sister.
60th Entrance
Sister Jeanne Derer, FSM
Birth name: Jeanne Derer
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin
Entrance: 1960
First profession: 1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in psychology, Saint Louis University, 1967
Master’s in media studies, Webster College, St. Louis, 1979
Bachelor’s in fine arts, Maryville University, 1990
Certificates in Microsoft Excel, 2004, Microsoft Access, 2005, Advanced Microsoft Excel, 2005, Adobe Photoshop, 2006, Microsoft Front Page, 2007, Adobe Illustrator, 2007, Microsoft Access 2007, St. Louis Community College
Service in the archdiocese: Project work in photography, St. Mary of the Angels Convent, St. Louis, 1977-79
Staff, photography and artistic projects, St. Mary of the Angels Convent, St. Louis, 1985-89
Campus administrator, St. Mary of the Angels Convent, St. Louis, 1994-96
Councilor, FSM Leadership Team, 1995-2001
Secretary, Woman’s Place, St. Louis, 2005-2008
Artistic pursuits, St. Louis, 2008-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Director of dietetics, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1968-69
Director of dietetics, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, 1969-77
Community liaison and nutrition consultant, Texas, 1979-81
Parish administrator, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Texas, 1981-83
About Sister Jeanne Derer, FSM: “I’m happy to be able to join with others in actively caring for our common home. There are so many deeply committed people who knowingly or unknowingly act out the gospel of love; it’s a privilege to be part of these communities seeking healing for our planet home, not just for now but for generations to come. I’ll never see them, but I do see them as I advocate for clean water, healthy soils and sustainable environments. I do my little bit to “till and care for the garden,” affirm others, and support concerns that have immediate and long-term impacts.
My artist’s heart looks for beauty. It has so many subtle forms and is easy to overlook. We see such beauty now in the midst of this dreadful COVID-19 suffering. Kindness is one of the most lovely human forms, and there is evidence of kindness all over. To acknowledge it and celebrate it is a very Christly thing. Being a Franciscan Sister of Mary brings me blessing upon blessing. It calls me to active presence to the well-being of our precious planet-home with all its joys and challenges – and not just by myself but with all who have so much to give, to teach and to call forth. One of my favorite images of life is the lotus blossom, which seems to open, open and open. To me life is like that.
60th Entrance
Sister Judith Ann Bell, FSM
Birth name: Judith Ann Bell
Birthplace: Jasper, Indiana
Entrance: 1960
First profession:1963
Final profession: 1968
Education: Bachelor’s in nursing, Saint Louis University, 1963
Master’s in nursing service administration, Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indiana, 1973
Post-master’s certification as family nurse practitioner, Arizona State University at Tempe, 1996
Service in the archdiocese: Acting head nurse, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1963-66
Medical supervisor, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, 1966-71
First councilor, FSM Leadership Team 2001-07
Parish nurse, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis 2008-11
Home health caregiver, CSJ Care 2008-10
Faith community nurse, Cape Albeon Senior Living Community, Valley Park 2013-15
First councilor, FSM Leadership Team 2015-18
President, FSM Leadership Team, 2018-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Assistant director of nursing service, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, 1973-74
Assistant director of nursing service, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, 1974-76
Administrative assistant, Education and Outpatient Service, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, 1976-81
Director of patient services, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Blue Springs, Missouri, 1981-88
Vice-president for patient services, SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Blue Springs, Missouri, 1989-93
Staff nurse, Holy Family Birthing Services, Weslaco, Texas, 1994-95
Family nurse practitioner, Manchester, Kentucky, 1996-2001
About Sister Judith Ann Bell, FSM: “Earlier, I bowled and played tennis; now I watch college and professional football, golf, tennis, Cardinal baseball, ice skating and occasionally hockey as I learn more about the game. I embroider; I love to write notes to family and friends; I’ve enjoyed coordinating family reunions. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I love walking in nearby parks, enjoying creation. I treasure my Sunday Sabbath times. Lakes and babbling streams provide contemplative time and space. I’ve been blessed through all my ministries as a nurse, from hands-on care to nursing administration. Helping health-care workers develop their own skills and management potential has been most gratifying. Spending 12 years in leadership has been a God-given, grace-filled gift, ministering to and with my sisters in community as we share our Franciscan-vowed life, deepen relationships and live our mission and focus of presence, service and compassionate care of creation in collaboration with others. While many aspects of my service have brought me joy and satisfaction, three resonate most with me: helping in the design of nursing areas and opening a brand-new hospital; being in ministry as a family nurse practitioner to the Pima Indian tribe in Arizona; and developing a women’s health care clinical and educational program for women living in Appalachia, Kentucky, and the surrounding area and seeing significant improvements in their overall health and self-perception.
