A funeral Mass was celebrated for Sister M. Andrea of the Holy Cross (Niehaus) May 25 at St. Agnes Home Chapel in Kirkwood. Sister M. Andrea died May 19 in Owensboro, Kentucky. The Carmelite Sister of the Divine Heart of Jesus was 91 years old.
Born on July 29, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was baptized Winifred Estella Niehaus. She entered the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus on Sept. 6, 1949, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and was given the name Sister M. Andrea of the Holy Cross. She professed her final vows on July 2, 1956.
After taking first profession of vows in 1951, she worked with the children and elderly, serving in the congregation in various other capacities, including resident care, procurator, organist, provincial superior, local superior, administrator, laundry supervisor, sacristan and resident advocate in Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Florida and Kentucky.
Sister M. Andrea spent 36 years of her religious life in Owensboro, Kentucky, where she was dearly loved and was known for her joy and sense of humor. She had a generosity, completely giving of herself to residents, staff, families, friends and everyone she met. Many looked forward to the regular publication of the “Chit Chat,” Carmel Home’s newsletter and Sr. M. Andrea’s presentation of the “Roving Reporter.” She was a pillar in the congregation with many gifts, talents and a deep love for the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Sister M. Andrea is survived by three sisters, Sr. M. Bernadette, DCJ, Dot and Irene. Burial will be in the sisters’ private cemetery on the convent grounds.
