60th First Profession
Sister Elleen Marie Beelman
Birth name: Fay Eileen Beelman
Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in elementary education, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1976
Service in the archdiocese: Secretarial staff, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967-70
Teacher, St. Engelbert, St. Louis, 1976-82
Secretarial staff, Provincialate, St. Louis, 1984-90
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1996-97
Secretarial staff, Catholic Education Office, St. Louis, 1997-2004
Administrative assistant, Catholic Education Office, St. Louis, 2004-08
Administrative assistant to provincial, Provincialate, St. Louis, 2008-11
Executive administrative assistant to provincial, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2011-19
Volunteer service, St. Louis, 2019-present
Prayer, presence and service, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2019-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Loose Creek, Missouri, 1970-74; Highland, Illinois, 1974-76
Administrator, Immaculate Conception, Jackson, Missouri, 1982-84
Secretarial staff, Generalate, Rome, Italy, 1990-96
About Sister Elleen Marie Beelman: My ministry as secretary to the General Council in Rome for six years was meaningful for many reasons. I had the opportunity and privilege of meeting, living and working with sisters of other cultures and from other provinces. It was during this time that our SSND internationality became a reality for me, and I am grateful.
Sister Barbara Bitter
Birth name: Barbara Louise Bitter
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, former Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in education-reading, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1967-73
Administrator, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles, 1985-92
Education consultant, Incarnate Word School, St. Louis, 1993-2000
Resource teacher, St. John Neumann School, St. Louis, 2000-03
Administrative assistant,
Immigrant/Refugee Women’s Program, St. Louis, 2003-04
Curriculum coordinator,
Immigrant/Refugee Women’s Program, St. Louis, 2004-06
Administrative assistant, Notre Dame Tutorial Center, St. Louis, 2006-09
Education consultant, South City Catholic Collaborative, St. Louis, 2010-13
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2010-15
Tutor, Various Locations, St. Louis, 2010-15
Education consultant, St. Louis Catholic Academy, St. Louis, 2014-15
Volunteer services, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2016-16
Tutor, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 2016-20
Prayer and presence, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2016-22
Volunteer service, St. Louis, 2020-22
Prayer, presence and service, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2022-22
Prayer and presence, Elizabeth House, Bridgeton, 2022-23
Prayer and presence, Anna House, Bridgeton, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Effingham, Illinois, 1973-78; DuQuoin, Illinois, 1978-85
Administrator, Sacred Heart, DuQuoin, Illinois, 1978-85
About Sister Barbara Bitter: My advice comes from this meaningful quote: “Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard today was, tomorrow is full of possibilities.”
Sister Claret Feldhake
Birth name: Elizabeth Ann Feldhake
Birthplace: Effingham, Illinois
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in art, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Alphonsus Rock High School, St. Louis, 1967-72
Teacher, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis, 1982-92
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia High School, Washington, 1995-96
Community coordinator, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2006-11
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1972-75; Quincy, Illinois, 1975-82; Kabala, Sierra Leone, 1993-94; Yengema, Sierra Leone, 1994-95; Kisii, Kenya, 1997-2000, 2001-05; Kiptere, Kenya, 2000-01
Community institution staff, Interprovincial Formation, Kisumu, Kenya, 1996-97
Art teacher, Linn, Missouri, 2011-18; Frankenstein, Missouri, 2011-23; Westphalia, Missouri, 2011-24
Volunteer service, Effingham, Illinois, 2024-present
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, Effingham, Illinois, 2024-present
About Sister Claret Feldhake: My call to serve God’s people in Africa was life changing. Experiencing another culture and another church was so enriching. My world became much larger and my relationship to God much deeper.
Sister Jeannette Fennewald
Birth name: Jeannette Teresa Fennewald
Birthplace: Westphalia, Missouri
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in elementary education administration, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1975
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, 1967-70
Administrator, Immaculate Conception, West Alton, 1971-73
Teacher, Immaculate Conception, West Alton, 1971-73
Administrator, Sts. Joachim and Ann School, St. Charles, 1983-91
Principal, Sacred Heart School, Troy, 1996-2015
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 1970-71; Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1973-75
Administrator, St. Mary, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1975-83
Teacher, St. LaSalle, Reedley, California, 1991-93; administrator, 1993-96
Parish life coordinator, Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Owensboro, Kentucky, 2015-25
Director of religious education, St. Francis Assisi, Aviston, Illinois, 2025-present
About Sister Jeannette Fennewald: I have had many opportunities to encounter and minister to and with people of other cultures and those I might not have reached out to on my own. I have been enriched and blessed by many beautiful people throughout my life.
Sister Charlotte (Sister Georgett) Flarlong
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in mathematics, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in elementary education, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1975
Master’s in pastoral studies, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, 2003
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Michael, St. Louis, 1967-72
Teacher, St. Andrew, St. Louis, 1973-75
Teacher, Most Sacred Heart, Eureka, 1975-81
Elementary education administration, Most Sacred Heart, Eureka, 1975-81
Elementary education administration, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Robert schools, St. Charles, 1981-87
Local leadership, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1987-92
Elementary education administration, St. Elizabeth of Hungry School, St. Louis, 1993-99
Parish school religion coordinator, Mary, Queen of Peace, St. Louis, 1999-2011
Spiritual direction, The Family Center, St. Louis, 2003-10
Spiritual direction, Maria Center, St. Louis, 2010-11
Area co-coordinator for associates in Missouri and Illinois, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2021-present
Spiritual direction, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2024-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, Washington Park, Illinois, 1972-73
Pastoral associate, Our Lady of the Ozarks, Forsyth, Missouri, 2011-20
Spiritual direction, Springfield Area, Springfield, Missouri, 2020-24
About Sister Charlotte Flarlong: God’s promises are new each and every day; God’s faithfulness and love never end. Therefore, place your trust in God’s enduring love. What a source of hope for now and for the future!
Sister Virginia (Sister Martha Marie) Klesner
Birthplace: Fort Madison, Iowa
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1972
Education: Bachelor’s in American studies, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in religious studies, Barry University, Miami, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, All Souls, St. Louis, 1970-74
Religious education and administrator, St. Joseph, Farmington, 1974-79
Community service, Maria Center, St. Louis, 2005
Local leader, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2007-11
Local leader, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2011-12
Community coordinator assistant, Anna House, Bridgeton, 2017-20
Staff, Liturgical Fabric Arts, St. Louis, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Quincy, Illinois, 1967-70; Fort Madison, Iowa, 1985-94
Administrator, Our Lady of Mount Caramel, Herrin, Illinois, 1979-85
Director of religious education, Fort Madison Consolidated Schools and Parishes, Fort Madison, Iowa, 1994-2002
Director of religious education, Notre Dame Schools and Parishes, Burlington, Iowa, 2002-04
Pastoral minister of adult education, Burlington Area Catholic Parishes, Burlington, Iowa, 2005-07
Pastoral minister, Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Ozark, Missouri, 2012-17
About Sister Virginia (Martha Marie) Klesner: I was drawn to the spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame — their spirit of community living, service as teachers and prayerful presence in my hometown. Of course, God’s gentle nudges played a huge role in my call to religious life, too.
Sister Marie Francine Koehler
Birth name: Barbara Jean Koehler
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in Spanish, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in religious education, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1978
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Louis, 1970-72
Community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1997-97
Director of temporary professed, St. Louis Province, St. Louis, 1997-2003
English language learner tutor, St. Cletus Parish, St. Charles, 2023-present
Volunteer, The Sarah Community, Bridgeton, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, San Diego, 1967-70; Effingham, Illinois, 1972-76; Herrin, Illinois, 1976-79; Belleville, Illinois, 1979-83
Director of religious education, St. Francis of Assisi, Los Angeles, 1983-86
Initial formation director, Casa Formacion, El Progreso, Honduras, 1986-87 and 1988-96
Teacher, Instutito Notre Dame, El Progreso, Honduras, 1986-94
Campus minister, Instituto Notre Dame, El Progreso, Honduras, 1994-96
Retreat house administrator, Notre Dame Retreat Center, El Progreso, Honduras, 1994-96
Hispanic pastoral minister in Webb City, Carthage and Columbia, Missouri, 1997-2010
Pastoral associate in Branson, Columbia and Neosho, Missouri, 2010-23
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, Joplin, Missouri, 2012-23
About Sister Marie Francine Koehler: I want every person to feel loved, special, capable. I welcome all people into my home, my heart. I would lighten up! Be mindful of the gift of the present moment. Tell people, “I love you!” Share whatever I have. Plant more flowers. Smile at strangers. Seek God in the ordinary joys of life. Express gratitude. Allow hope to pour her light into my soul and overflow to the darkest parts of the world. Grow in reverence and compassion for all God’s creation. Delight in the multidimensional diversity that surrounds me.
Sister Andre Maureen Soete
Birth name: Rita Jacqueline Soete
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1963
First profession: 1965
Final profession: 1970
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1967
Master’s in religious studies, Mundelein College, Chicago, 1979
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Dominic Savio, St. Louis, 1967-72
Community service, Caroline Hall, St. Louis, 1985-86
Teacher, St. Michael, St. Louis, 1989-90
Ministry discernment, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2021-22
Volunteer services, prayer and presence, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1972-75; Linn, Missouri, 1975-78; Kyoto, Japan, 1988-89, 1992-97; Bandipur, Nepal, 1991, 2003-22
Elementary education administration, St. Peter Grade School, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1978-85
Secretarial staff, SSND Regional Office, Kyoto, Japan, 1988-89, 1992-98
Provincial council, SSND Regional Office, Kyoto, Japan, 1998-2002
About Sister Andre Maureen Soete: I was and am blessed to have lived in community and ministry in Bandipur, Nepal for 18 years. That opportunity makes me feel like I have lived in the presence of our saintly Mother Theresa and Mother Caroline.
70th First Profession
Sister Anne (Sister Aquina) Boessen
Birth name: Mary A Boessen
Birthplace: St. Thomas, Missouri
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in natural science, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in science education, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1971
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Notre Dame High School, St. Louis, 1960-63
Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1963-65
Teacher, St. Francis De Sales High School, St. Louis, 1967-70
Recreational therapist, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1986-86
Prayer, presence and service, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2021-24
Prayer and presence, Anna House, Bridgeton, 2024-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Redemptorist High School, New Orleans, 1957-58
Teacher, Belleville, Illinois, 1958-60; Burlington, Iowa, 1965-67; Belleville, Illinois, 1970-76
Pastoral ministry, California, Missouri, 1987-96; St. Thomas, Missouri, 1996-2001; Jefferson City, Missouri, 2001-03
Prayer and presence, Osage Senior Center, Jefferson City, Missouri, 2003-21
Volunteer services, Jefferson City, Missouri, 2003-21
About Sister Anne Boessen: My family would bring food (fresh meat, fruits and vegetables) to the sisters. I loved giving them the food. They were always so grateful and treated us with kindness. I knew I wanted to be one of them.
Sister Angelee Fuchs
Birth name: Loretta Rose Fuchs
Birthplace: St. Louis
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in art, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1959
Master’s in art, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, 1965
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1956-57
Teacher, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1966-77
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Effingham, Illinois, 1955-56; San Antonio, 1957-58; Belleville, Illinois, 1958-66
Teacher, assistant professor and associate professor, Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, 1977-2011
Prayer, presence and service, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, 2011-21
Prayer, presence and service, Trinity Woods, Milwaukee, 2021-present
About Sister Angelee Fuchs: All my life has been blessed as a SSND. I had the privilege of living with wonderful, inspiring, holy women who provided guidance, inspiration, support and encouragement. I had many wonderful opportunities for spiritual renewal, study, travel and teaching.
Sister Linda Marie Hellebusch
Birth name: Clara L Hellebusch
Birthplace: Peers, Missouri
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Service in the archdiocese: Nursing aide, Infirmary, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1960-64
Food service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1964-70
Nursing aide, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1970-74
Maintenance staff, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1977-84
Child care worker, Infants to Teens, St. Louis, 1989-93
Child care worker, Linda’s Baby Care, St. Louis, 1993-93
Child care worker, Professor Bear’s Learning Center, St. Louis, 1993-99
Child care worker, KinderCare Learning Center, St. Louis, 1999-2001
Nursing aide, Infirmary, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2001-03
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2002-03
Night nurse aide, Infirmary, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 2003-09
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2003-12
Volunteer services and prayer and presence, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2012-20
Prayer, presence and service, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2020-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Homemaker, Madonna Manor, Marrero, Louisiana, 1955-60
Housekeeper, Tierra del Sol, Sunland, California, 1974-77
Maintenance staff, Tierra del Sol, Sunland, California, 1984-86
Community service, Our Lady of Mercy, Merced, California, 1986-88
About Sister Linda Marie Hellebusch: Bring cheerfulness to every day. Know that you can change people’s lives with a smile!
Sister Jane Marie Hotze
Birthplace: Teutopolis, Illinois
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in drama, Marquette University, Milwaukee, 1971
Master’s in geriatrics administration, North Texas State University, Denton, Texas, 1974
Service in the archdiocese: Intern, Nazareth Nursing Home, St. Louis, 1973-74
Health administrator, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1974-81
Local leader, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1996-2003
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Belleville, Illinois, 1957-68; Breese, Illinois, 1986-72
Administrator, St. Anthony High School, Effingham, Illinois, 1982-91
Development director, Effingham Catholic Schools, Effingham, Illinois, 1991-96
Pastoral associate, St. Anthony, Effingham, Illinois, 2004-16
Prayer and presence and volunteer, Effingham, Illinois, 2015-present
About Sister Jane Marie Hotze: I knew I wanted to be a sister on my First Communion day. The sisters taught in our schools in Teutopolis, Illinois. They were happy, blessed, wonderful ladies. Jesus called me to be His bride. What a gift!
Sister Mary Jane (Sister Robert Marie) Jansen
Birthplace: Leopold, Missouri
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1965
Master’s in elementary education administration, Southeast Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, 1973
Master’s in pastoral studies, Loyola University, New Orleans, 1994
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Martin of Tours, St. Louis, 1960-68
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2012-22
Prayer and presence, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Breese, Illinois, 1955-56; Jefferson City, Missouri, 1956-59; Tyler, Texas, 1959-60; Oran, Missouri, 2001-07
Teacher and elementary education administrator, St. Martin, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1968-72
Administrator, St. Mary, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1972-75
Associate superintendent, Diocese of Springfield, Springfield, Illinois, 1975-77
Administrator, St. Joseph, Westphalia, Missouri, 1977-80
Elementary education administrator, St. Anthony, Effingham, Illinois, 1980-84
Administrator, St. Mary, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1985-88
Pastoral ministry, director of religious education and parish pastoral associate, St. John, Leopold, Missouri, 1989-96
Pastoral associate, St. Mary Parish, Johnson City, Tennessee, 1996-99
Administrator, St. Mary School, Johnson City, Tennessee, 1999-2001
Pastoral associate, Guardian Angel School, Oran, Missouri, 2003-12
About Sister Mary Jane Jansen: My ministry and the people in Westphalia, Missouri, made me feel like being back in the rural area where I grew up. Listen to others and learn to appreciate who they are and where they are in life.
Sister Mary Elizabeth (Sister Marie Pius) Runde
Birthplace: Blue Island, Illinois
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1960
Master’s in religious education, University of St. Thomas, Houston, 1980
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Bernadette, St. Louis, 1955-60
Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1960-62
Teacher, St. Dominic Savio, St. Louis, 1963-67
Teacher, St. Gertrude, Krakow, 1967-68
Teacher, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Louis, 1968-72
Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Louis, 1972-73
Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1973-75
Teacher, St. Martin de Porres, Hazelwood, 1975-82
Volunteer services, prayer and presence, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2015-16
Volunteer services, prayer and presence, Theresa Center, St. Louis, 2021-23
Prayer, presence and service, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2023-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, East St. Louis, Illinois, 1962-63; Advance, Missouri, 1982-86
Director of religious education, Advance, Missouri, 1982-86; Kahoka, Missouri, 1986-88
Pastoral ministry, St. Michael, Kahoka, Missouri, 1986-88
Nurse, St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Illinois, 1989-98, 2001-06
Pastoral care, St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Illinois, 2006-11
Volunteer services, St. Cecilia Parish, Kennett, Missouri, 2011-15
About Sister Mary Elizabeth Runde: I was drawn to SSND because of the sisters who were so friendly and warm, as well as excellent teachers. I toyed briefly with entering a nursing community, but in the end, I wanted to be one of those friendly, loving, great educators, the SSND.
Sister Patricia (Sister Marlene) Thies
Birthplace: Effingham, Illinois
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in theology, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1960
Master’s in elementary education administration, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1973
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1955-61
Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1966-67
Elementary education administration, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1967-69
Teacher, St. John Nepomuk, St. Louis, 1967-69
Elementary education administration, St. Dominic Savio, St. Louis, 1969-75
Ministry to neglected/abused children, Evergreen Hills Home for Girls, Dittmer, 1975-85
Service outside the archdiocese: Elementary administrator, Litchfield, Illinois, 1986-87; Sigel, Illinois, 1987-95
Director of religious education and pastoral ministry, Green Creek, Illinois, 1995-97; Neoga, Illinois, 1995-98; Sigel, Illinois, 1995-98
Pastoral associate, Sigel, Illinois, 1998-2016; Neoga, Illinois, 1998-2016; Green Creek, Illinois, 2006-16; Lillyville, Illinois, 2006-16
Volunteer services, Effingham, Illinois, 2016-21
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, Effingham, Illinois, 2016-21
Prayer, presence and volunteer service, SSND Residence, Effingham, Illinois, 2021-present
About Sister Patricia Thies: So many special memories and overall gratitude to God for His call to follow Him and serve our SSND community day by day!
Sister Marylene Venvertloh
Birth name: Marilyn Venvertloh
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Entrance: 1953
First profession: 1955
Final profession: 1961
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in elementary education administration, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1967
Registered nurse, DePaul Hospital-St. Louis, St. Louis, 1977
Service in the archdiocese: Elementary education administration, St. Bridget, Pacific, 1967-73
Teacher, St. Bridget, Pacific, 1967-73
Health administration, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1973-74
Registered nurse, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1977-83
Registered nurse, Christian Hospital Nebraska, St. Louis, 1983-2009
Volunteer, St. Louis, 2009-present
Prayer and presence, SSND Residence, St. Louis, 2009-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1957-60; Hebron, Nebraska, 1960-66; Quincy, Illinois, 1966-67; Nokomis, Illinois, 1974-75
About Sister Marylene Venvertloh: It has been a challenging and rewarding life with no regrets and never a dull moment!
75th First Profession
Sister Ann (Sister Ann William) Giese
Birth name: Virginia Ann Giese
Birthplace: Quincy, Illinois
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1950
Final profession: 1956
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1957
Master’s in education, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1968
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Liborius, St. Louis, 1950-51
Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Louis, 1953-60
Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School, St. Louis, 1981-82
Community service, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Louis, 1986
Activity director, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1986-90
Driver, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1991
Staff member, St. Casimir Group Home, St. Louis, 1991-93
Associate administrator, Rosary House, St. Louis, 1993-95
Ministry to elderly, Cardinal Ritter Institute, St. Louis, 1995-96
Activities director, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 1996-97
Teacher aide, Notre Dame Preschool, St. Louis, 1998
Outreach volunteer services/community service, Sancta Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, 1998-2011
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2011-20
Prayer and presence, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, 2020-22
Prayer and presence, Anna House, Bridgeton, 2022-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Cairo, Illinois, 1951-53; DuQuoin, Illinois, 196-62; Freeburg, Missouri, 1962-66; Pico Rivera, California, 1966-67; La Mesa, California, 1967-72; San Diego, 1972-74; Hastings, Nebraska, 1974-81
Pastoral ministry, All Saints, Keokuk, Iowa, 1982-85
About Sister Ann Giese: Those who know her say that Sister Ann was a rebel for social justice. She rocked babies at Cardinal Glennon, spent endless hours devoted to Feed My People and educated people on the issue of human trafficking. In all things, Ann has a fierce love and sense of duty for all God’s people.
Sister Anita Marie Lischwe
Birth name: Clara Lischwe
Birthplace: Brinktown, Missouri.
Entrance: 1947
First profession: 1950
Final profession: 1956
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1961
Master’s in education in elementary education administration, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, 1970
Service in the archdiocese: Teacher, St. Francis Borgia, Washington, 1950-51
Teacher, St. Joseph, Apple Creek, 1951-55
Teacher, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Louis, 1961-63
Nursing aide, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1972-77
Nurse, Villa Gesu, St. Louis, 1978-99
Volunteer services, Anna House, Bridgeton, 1999-2015
Prayer and presence, Holy Angels Apartments, Bridgeton, 2005-15
Prayer and presence, Veronica House, Bridgeton, 2015-24
Prayer and presence, Anna House, Bridgeton, 2024-present
Service outside the archdiocese: Teacher, Quincy, Illinois, 1948-49; Koelztown, Missouri, 1955-58; Quincy, Illinois, 1958-59; Westphalia, Missouri, 1959-61; New Athens, Illinois, 1963-64; Radom, Illinois, 1964-69; Freeburg, Missouri, 1969-71; Westphalia, Missouri, 1971-72
About Sister Anita Marie Lischwe: I enjoyed my years at our Villa Gesu helping the sisters. I am grateful that I became a nurse.
