This photo below of Sister Beth was taken in 1960, six years after she became a nun. She is pictured with her parents, Leo and Mary, who were also Tom’s and his siblings’ beloved parents.
The following was written about Sister Beth’s 70th Jubilee, which Tom attended in June. I could not participate in the celebration because I was sick and, thus, stayed in a hotel room. Sister Beth was unable to attend the mass and celebration due to her waning health, although she was able to join Tom and three other family members for their private luncheon. Sister Beth passed away only a few days ago, on July 16, 2024.
“As Sister Beth reflects on her 70 years as a School Sister of St. Francis, she finds it difficult to believe all God has asked of her and allowed her to do.
She remembers when she was in the third grade and knew she wanted to be a sister. She persevered in her desire, and when she was a junior in high school, she left her family home in Minneapolis and traveled to Milwaukee, where she finished her last year and graduated from St. Joseph Convent High School. She studied at Alverno College, earning her bachelor’s degree in education.
Her first teaching experience was in the primary grades. Sister Beth enjoyed her time with young children, and they appreciated the excellent teacher that she was.
When Sister Beth moved to Rockford, Illinois, she was the coordinator for our retired sisters at Maria Linden for many years. Her next move brought her to Milwaukee, where she served in personal services to the sisters living at St. Joseph Convent. Finally, she ministered as secretary to the provincial of the Carmelite Fathers.
Sister Beth said that she would not be where she is in life, especially regarding her education and spiritual development, had she not joined the School Sisters of St. Francis. She has lived with small groups of sisters and in larger houses over the years and has found many joys in her relationships with the sisters and the people to whom she ministered. Life has provided her with many excellent and memorable experiences, and she is grateful for all she has been and open to accepting all that will be. Happy 70th Jubilee, Sister Beth!”
The School Sisters of St. Francis (SSSF) is a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1874 in New Cassel, Wisconsin, USA. The congregation was established by three young women: Mother Alexia Hoell, Sister Alfons Schmid, and Sister Clara Waeltermann. They were inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and sought to dedicate their lives to education, social justice, and service to people experiencing poverty.
Origins and Growth
The School Sisters of St. Francis originated during significant immigration to the United States, particularly German Catholics seeking better opportunities and religious freedom. The founders saw a pressing need for education among the children of these immigrants and began their mission by teaching in parish schools. Their initial focus was on providing a solid Catholic education, especially to the children of German-speaking immigrants in the Milwaukee area.
As the congregation grew, the sisters expanded their educational mission beyond elementary and secondary schools to include higher education. They established colleges and other academic institutions, always emphasizing the values of their Franciscan heritage: simplicity, humility, and a deep sense of social justice.
Mission and Charism
The mission of the School Sisters of St. Francis is centered on the Franciscan values of peace, justice, and care for creation. They commit to living out these values through educational and social service ministries. Their charism, or spiritual focus, draws heavily from the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who emphasized a life of poverty, humility, and service to others, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged.
Education remains a core ministry, but the congregation has significantly expanded its work into healthcare, pastoral care, and social services. The sisters operate hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, providing care and comfort to those in need. Additionally, the sisters are involved in various forms of social justice advocacy, including advocating for immigrants’ rights, opposing human trafficking, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Global Presence
The School Sisters of St. Francis have a strong international presence. In addition to their roots in the United States, they have missions in Latin America, Europe, India, and Africa. This global outreach allows them to address various social and educational needs worldwide. In each location, the sisters adapt their ministries to meet the specific cultural and social contexts, always maintaining their commitment to Franciscan values.
Community Life
Community life is a vital aspect of the School Sisters of St. Francis. They live together in community, sharing prayer, work, and daily life. This communal living supports their spiritual growth and strengthens their ability to serve others. Prayer and contemplation are integral to their lives, providing a foundation for their ministries and their personal spiritual development.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Over the decades, the School Sisters of St. Francis have profoundly impacted countless individuals and communities. Their educational institutions have shaped the lives of many students, instilling in them the values of faith, service, and social responsibility. Their healthcare and social services have provided critical support to those in need, reflecting the compassion and love at the heart of their mission.
Today, the School Sisters of St. Francis continue to evolve, responding to new challenges and opportunities while staying true to their foundational values. They remain dedicated to fostering peace, justice, and the well-being of all people, inspired by the enduring example of St. Francis of Assisi. Their ongoing efforts carry forward a legacy of faith, service, and societal transformative impact.
Sister Beth’s six living siblings, including five sisters and Tom, along with four deceased brothers, in-laws, and today’s four generations of family members, lives were enhanced by the kindness, devotion, and love of this extraordinary human being, who will always remain in our hearts and minds.
God bless Sister Beth, as we all wish her eternal rest in the presence of God, acknowledging her life’s work and her journey to the afterlife.
Tom, Sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. It appears she led a very fulfilling life in her chosen path. I had a great aunt who was a Fransiscan nun from Detroit. They were great women and very dedicated to what they did.
Barbara, thank you kindly for your thoughtfulness.
Warmest regards
Jess & Tom