Obituaries

Sister Rita Benz, BVM (Borgia)

Sister Rita Benz, BVM, 87, died January 10, 2010, at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday, January 14, from 9-11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel with a prayer service at 11 a.m. Funeral liturgy will follow at 1:30 p.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dubuque.

Rita was a secondary school teacher in Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa; and Rock Island, Ill. She also served in various public relations positions: Creative Communications; Youth Communications; PR consultant; editor at ACTA Publishing, Chicago; and communications for the BVM congregation.

She was born May 11, 1922 in Chicago, Ill., to Joseph and Alice Leddy Benz. She professed to the BVM congregation on Aug. 15, 1952, entering from St. Bride Parish, Chicago, Ill.

Her parents and brother, Joseph Benz, precede her in death. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity with whom she shared life for 65 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund.

Sister Rita Benz, BVM

Funeral Reflections by Mary DeCock, BVM (These were read by Katie McHugh, BVM)

Marian Hall Chapel, January 14, 2010

Ten years ago we brought Rita to Dubuque to make her home once again at Mount. Carmel. It was a very silent journey. Katie and Mary in the front seat, and Teri in the back with Rita who refused to say a word to any of us. Arriving at Marian Hall, we were greeted warmly by Mary McCauley and taken to a lovely room on the first floor. Rita found her voice. She didn't want to live there. Mary suggested an option. Arriving at Caritas 4 and finding Adele leading a group sitting in a circle in the middle of the room and happily singing. Rita's decision was made. One of her favorite sayings was “It's hard to sing with an empty glass!” She knew her glass was already half empty.

Rita was born in 1922 on Chicago's southeast side. Her parents were Joseph and Alice Leddy Benz; her father was a celebrated pitcher for the White Sox and her mother was the sister of a prominent Chicago clergyman, Monsignor James Leddy. Her education took her from St. Bride's elementary school to Loretta Woodlawn Academy to Clarke College in Dubuque, where she graduated in 1944 with a major in English and minors in Drama and the Classics. Professed as Sister Mary Borgia, BVM, in 1947, she attended Marquette University's summer program and earned a Master of Arts degree in English/Journalism in 1955.

Meanwhile her teaching career had taken her to Immaculate Conception Academy and to Alleman High School in the Quad-Cities, to St. Patrick's High School in Cedar Rapids, and to Regina High School in Iowa City. A vibrant and skillful teacher, in 1962 she was assigned to Mount Carmel to teach postulants and novices and to handle public relations for the BVM community.

The latter found her traveling to BVM missions as far-flung as San Francisco and New York to handle publicity during some of the public conflictual situations arising during the post-Vatican II years (recall the closing of schools and reassignment of sisters). She was in charge of preparation and follow-up materials for such BVM events as Problems That Unite Us, the Self-Study, Kinetics for Renewal and early BVM Senates. She was a member of the planning committee for and the publication of BVM Vista and a member of the Constitution Committee for the Revision of the BVM Rule.

In 1971 Rita moved to Chicago and began her career anew as an independent practitioner, serving many nonprofit groups that could not have afforded a person with Rita's talents and experience. Some of her clients were the National Association of Women Religious and Youth Communications, where she taught news writing, editing and layout skills to high school students from public and private institutions that did not offer journalism courses. Her clients included Illinois Citizens for Better Care (a nursing home reform group), Mundelein's Weekend College, and Genesis House, a center for homeless women established for the rehabilitation of prostitutes (Rita's PR title there was "Hospitality Director").

Nothing in Rita's life gave her more joy than supporting the Chicago White Sox. When she spent a school day afternoon at the ball game instead of going to school, her mother's only excuse to give to the inquiring teacher was "Didn't you know the Sox are in town?" Before the new Sox stadium was opened in Chicago, there was a huge celebration in Comisky Park. As the children of Joe "Butcher Boy" Benz, Rita and her brother Joe were invited to throw out the first ball. To her it was a recognition that she treasured for the rest of her life. Not unlike her response at being asked to serve on the Constitution Committee for the BVMs, to her surprise and delight.

Today as we celebrate Rita's entry into eternal life, we thank God for her life among us as an honest, compassionate, creative, dramatic, fearless and feisty BVM. Part of her philosophy of life was that "Each new experience makes life more interesting." Imagine her delight as she experiences what Paul in his letter to Corinthians describes as a "mysterious, hidden wisdom of God:"

"What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love God."

1 Cor 2:2-5, 7-13.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sister Dolores Marie Perry, BVM

Sister Dolores Marie Perry, BVM (Marlene), 80, died December 30, 2009, at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill. Visitation will be on Monday, Jan. 4, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Gertrude Church, Chicago, Ill. Sharing of memories will be at 10:30 a.m. and funeral liturgy will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Ill.

Dolores Marie was a lifelong educator. She taught elementary school in Butte, Mont; San Francisco, Calif.; and Omaha, Neb. She taught secondary school in San Francisco; Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Milwaukee, Wis. From 1976-96 she taught secondary school in Chicago, Ill. She also worked as a receptionist for Holy Name Rectory in Chicago from 1996-2004.

She was born March 14, 1929, to Albert and Bertha (Kuypers) Perry. She entered the BVM congregation from St. Brendan Parish, Chicago, on Sept. 8, 1949. She professed first vows on March 19, 1952, and final vows on July 16, 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Phyllis Marie Mehan; and a brother, Joseph Ellard Perry. She is survived by a brother, Theodore Wayne Perry, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 60 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Retirement Fund.

Sister Dolores Perry, BVM (Mary Marlene)

Funeral Reflections by Mary Catherine Beckman, BVM

St. Gertrude Church, Chicago, Ill., January 4, 2010

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name: you are mine.” Isaiah I: 1-2.

Born March 14, 1929, in Racine, Wisconsin, Dolores Perry was the first of four children born to Albert Perry and Bertha Kuypers. Dolores attended St. Brendan’s grade school, Visitation High School and Mundelein College, all here in Chicago.

Dolores entered Mount Carmel September 8, 1949. She was received March 19, 1950, and received the name Mary Marlene. She professed first vows on March 19, 1952, and began her mission life in Boulder, Colorado. From there she went on to Butte, Montana; San Francisco, California; Omaha, Nebraska; Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1976 she came to Chicago to share her talents with the students at Immaculata High School, Cathedral High School and St. Benedict High School. Dolores taught here at St. Gertrude from 1961–65. After a stellar teaching career, when she could have retired, Dolores became receptionist at Holy Name Cathedral, where she was known for her expertise and attention to detail.

On her application for admission to Mount Carmel she said that she wanted to better serve God and show her love for Him and to help herself and others merit salvation. She certainly worked hard to accomplish these things.

Four days after moving to Wright Hall in June of 2006 Dolores had a stroke which greatly impaired her speech. She demonstrated her tenacity in working very hard to restore her ability to speak. This won her the respect and admiration of all with whom she came in contact.

One word comes to mind when I think of Dolores and that’s loyalty. She was loyal to her God, her birth family, her BVM family and her many friends. This is evident in seeing so many present here today. Thank you for being here to give her a much-deserved fond farewell.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Jeanelle Bergen, BVM

Sister Jeanelle Bergen, BVM, 97, died December 26, 2009, at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30 from 9-11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. The funeral liturgy will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dubuque.

Sr. Jeanelle was a lifelong educator in Chicago, Ill., teaching at three elementary parish schools and at Mundelein College for many years. She also worked as assistant archivist for Mundelein and Loyola colleges after retiring from teaching.

She was born Jan. 7, 1912, in Chicago, Ill., to John and Helen (Rafter) Bergen. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1932, from St. Peter Canisius Parish, Chicago, Ill. She professed first vows on March 19, 1935, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1940.

Her parents and two sisters, Lorraine Sullivan and Eileen Bergen, BVM, precede her in death. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 77 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund.

Sister Jeanelle Bergen, BVM

Funeral Reflections by Sue Rink, BVM

Marian Hall Chapel, December 30, 2009

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” These words of St. John were an important part of Jeanelle Bergen's spirituality. In her notes she said,"Solid virtue is essentially the love of God for his own sake and the love of our neighbor for God's sake."

Jeanelle Bergen went to her loving God quietly, suddenly and alone. This was a fitting death for a very private person who never wanted the spotlight on herself.

Jeanelle was baptized Loyola R. Bergen, the oldest of three daughters of John Vincent and Helen Rafter Bergen. Her sisters, Lorraine and Eileen, BVM (St. Genevieve) were very close to her. In one interview she mentioned a deceased brother who was the youngest of the family and two older children who died in infancy. Born in 1912, Loyola was a true Chicago native who spent not only her childhood, but her entire ministry, in Chicago. She attended Our Lady of Angels Grammar School and St. Mary's High School. While at St. Mary's, Jeanelle met Ann Ida Gannon, who attended The Immaculata. On one occasion, Jeanelle and Ann represented their respective schools in a debate. St. Mary's won! These two women entered the BVMs together in September 1932, made first vows in 1935, and final vows in 1940.

With the exception of her first five years at St Ferdinand's, one year at St. Dorothy's, and one year at The Immaculata, Jeanelle’s whole ministry was centered at Mundelein College. She was Chair of the Drama Department there and also taught speech, acting, directing and stagecraft. She directed many outstanding productions. When asked by Mary Alma Sullivan about her students, Jeanelle was pleased that many of them became teachers of drama. She said, "That was very gratifying because the most important thing to me was connecting and being a mentor to those I taught. Happily, I have stayed in touch with many of them through the years." This was an understatement. Jeanelle was dearly loved by her students and many remarked how greatly she influenced their lives.

Like any excellent teacher, she continued to study and learn. This meant regular trips to New York to sample Broadway. In the summer of 1966, Jeanelle applied for and was hired by the NBC studios in Chicago. There, to the surprise of many, she worked in full religious habit. She got a firsthand look at the operations of a television studio. She wanted to learn what her students might encounter and prepare them for it.

Jeanelle was a tireless worker during her whole life. In 1965 she worked with Helen Thompson, BVM to bring about an Upward Bound Program for disadvantaged youth at Mundelein College.

Jeanelle retired from teaching in 1984. In her retirement years she served as Assistant Archivist at Mundelein/Loyola. She made many good and lasting friends there. She was invaluable in restoring Mundelein's archives, identifying old pictures and using the computer to update records. When she found it difficult to go to the building where the archives were located, work was sent to her at Wright Hall.

Some who lived with Jeanelle described her as one who liked to spend time alone in her room. Others saw her as outgoing and fun-loving, especially when with her sister Eileen. I knew her to be gracious and generous when asked to do something extra on the stage or when planning an event. She was kind and sensitive. Jeanelle, you spent your many years as a BVM tirelessly teaching, loving and helping others. Thank you.

In closing, let us again refer to the first letter of St. John. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and God's love is brought to perfection in us.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Mary Ellen Dolan, BVM

Sister Mary Ellen Dolan, BVM (Thomaselle), 81, died December 20, 2009, at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be December 23 from 9:30–10:30 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Ellen was an elementary school teacher in San Francisco, Calif.; Butte, Mont.; and Chicago, Ill. She was also a teacher of the hearing impaired in Chicago public schools for 25 years.

She was born April 17, 1928, in Rawlins, Wyo., to Thomas and Florentine (Keenan) Dolan. She entered the BVM congregation from St. Joseph Parish, Rawlins, on Sep. 8, 1946. She professed first vows on March 19, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Thomas Joseph Dolan. She is survived by a brother, Leo Dolan of Price, Utah, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Betty Dolan of Fair Oaks, Calif. She is also survived by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 63 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Retirement Fund.

Sister Mary Ellen Dolan, BVM

Sister Helen Cecile Flynn, BVM

Funeral Reflections by Alice Caulfield, BVM

Marian Hall Chapel, Dec. 23, 2009

Good morning and welcome to those present, those watching on Channel 6 and especially those present who weathered the snow to be here.

We’ve come together to celebrate the resurrected life of two faith-filled BVM women, Helen Cecile Flynn and Mary Ellen Dolan.

Helen was the second daughter of Edward Flynn and Cecilia Murry Flynn, born in 1916 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Her older sister, Pat, was her only sibling. Her father came from Garryowen, Iowa, as did many of Helen’s BVM aunts and cousins. Helen felt called to religious life at a very young age. Her desire was to be a nurse, not a teacher, so at age 16, she entered the Sisters of the Third Order of St Francis in Maryville, Mo. After becoming a registered nurse, Helen held several responsible positions at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City: Supervisor of Surgery and Orthopedics and Medical and Surgical Clinical Instructor.

After 40 years of nursing service, Helen left the St. Francis Sisters in 1972. She spent a year in the novitiate at Wright Hall and in 1973 she transferred her vows and became a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is not surprising that she became a BVM since Helen had many aunts and cousins who were BVMs. Among them were Sr. Letitia Burke (community number 22), Mother Cecilia Daugherty, Sr. Columba Burke, two Sr. Dominica Burkes, Sr. Helena Burke, Sr. Davida Burke, Sr. Basilla Burke and last but not least, Sr. Mary Kay Dum.

After becoming a BVM, Helen continued to minister as a nurse at Michael Reese, Mt. Sinai and Lake Shore Hospitals in Chicago. She retired to St. Constance in 1984 and then moved to Wright Hall. Helen requested a move to Mount Carmel after a confirmation that she was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She wanted to be “familiar with the buildings and Sisters at Mount Carmel as her disease progressed.” Helen was quite realistic about her illness and was knowledgeable about its progression.

Mary Ellen Dolan was born in Rawlins, Wyo., the second child of Thomas Dolan and Florentine Keenan. She had one older brother, Thomas, and one younger, Leo. Leo lives in Utah and was not able to be with us today. Mary Ellen attended public school until her junior and senior years of high school, when she attended Mt. St. Gertrude Academy in Boulder, Colo. From the time she started attending the summer vacation school, when the Sisters came to teach, Mary Ellen knew she wanted to be a Sister. Her years at Mt. Gertrude Academy increased her desire for religious life. She entered the BVMs in September 1946.

Mary Ellen was a creative, challenging, dedicated and generous elementary school teacher for 20 years. She loved teaching, but truly fulfilled her dream when she studied, trained and taught sign language to deaf children for many years. Watching the joy on the little children’s faces when they could actually talk with their hands was, to quote Mary Ellen, “more joy than one person should be privileged to experience.” She received a ministry grant to spend time in India, which was another childhood dream. While there, she assisted with setting up a program for deaf children.

Mary Ellen was always a person ready to assist anyone with any need whether it was a ride, bringing communion or stopping by to pray and she always brought a treat, usually her own homemade cookies.

Helen and Mary Ellen both were BVM women of deep Faith, expressed differently out of their lived experiences. They were devoted to the Eucharist and the rosary. Both followed the call of Jesus in their healing ministries, one in nursing with the physically ill and one healing the sound barrier by teaching the communication skill of sign language.

Both women were waiting “for the place prepared for them in their Father’s house.” May we pray especially with them during the responsorial psalm today and feel their joy as we sing “My Soul rejoices in God, my Savior.” Their spirits have found the joy we all await in God, the living God.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Helen C. Flynn, BVM

Sister Helen Flynn, BVM (Alberta), 94, died December 20, 2009, at Caritas Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 23 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. The funeral liturgy will follow at 11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dubuque.

Sr. Helen was a lifelong nurse in Chicago, Ill., at various hospitals, including Michael Reese, Mt. Sinai and Lake Shore.

She was born Sept. 24, 1915, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Edward and Cecilia (Murry) Flynn.

For 41 years, Helen was a Sister of the Third Order of St. Francis, Maryville, Mo. She professed to the BVM congregation on Jan. 20, 1973, entering from Sacred Heart Parish, Granite, Okla.

Her parents and sister, Pat Palmatory, precede her in death. Surviving are the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 36 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund.

Sister Helen Cecile Flynn, BVM

Sister Mary Ellen Dolan, BVM

Funeral Reflections by Alice Caulfield, BVM

Marian Hall Chapel, Dec. 23, 2009

Good morning and welcome to those present, those watching on Channel 6 and especially those present who weathered the snow to be here.

We’ve come together to celebrate the resurrected life of two faith-filled BVM women, Helen Cecile Flynn and Mary Ellen Dolan.

Mary Ellen was always a person ready to assist anyone with any need whether it was a ride, bringing communion or stopping by to pray and she always brought a treat, usually her own homemade cookies.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Cornelia Harrison, BVM

Sister Cornelia Harrison, BVM, 80, died Dec. 8, 2009, at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Park Ridge, Ill. Visitation will be at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with sharing of memories at 10:30. Liturgy will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Ill.

Sister Cornelia was an educator who taught for many years in Chicago. She also taught in Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo.; Tujunga, Calif.; and Dubuque and Boone, Iowa. She worked as a nurse at Mount Carmel, Dubuque, from 1977–79.

Sister Cornelia was born Jan. 8, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., to Joseph and Julia (Kirby) Harrison. She entered the BVM congregation from Help of Christians Parish, Chicago, on Aug. 2, 1957. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July 16, 1965.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary Ellen and Betty Jane. She is survived by a sister, Patricia Harrison, and by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 52 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity BVM Fund.

Sister Cornelia Harrison, BVM (St. Cornelia)

Funeral Reflections by Marion Murphy, BVM

St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Chicago, Ill.

One of our readings today will speak of a valiant woman, a truly capable woman, and where will we find her. As we reflect on the life of Cornelia Harrison we will find examples of such a woman.

Cornelia, Rosemarie Harrison, was born in Chicago, Ill., on January 8, 1929. She was the third child of four children born to Joseph Harrison and Julia Kirby. Cornelia cherished her three sisters, Maryellen and Betty who have gone to God, and Pat who has expressed her love for Cornelia throughout the years and demonstrated that so beautifully during Cornelia’s latest illness and days of hospice care.

Cornelia graduated from Mundelein College. Following graduation she taught first grade at Our Lady Help of Christians School in Chicago. On August 2, 1957 Cornelia entered Mt. Carmel. At Reception on February 3, 1958 she received the name Sister Mary St. Cornelia. On February 3, 1960 following profession she began her BVM ministry at St. Therese in Kansas City. She also taught at Tujunga, Calif., St. Louis, Mo., the Motherhouse Montessori Program, and Boone, Iowa. After giving service at Marian Hall she taught at Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago and St. Robert Bellarmine in Chicago. She has been giving weekly service at the food pantry at Holy Family in Chicago.

This tells us what Cornelia did. What is more important is who she was and how she did it. She was a quiet person. Although she suffered illness as a youngster one never heard a word about that. It was obvious in her later years of illness she preferred to be quiet about her condition. However, her actions spoke louder than her words. I don’t believe the pronoun “I” was ever in her vocabulary. Her sister Pat states that she never wanted to be in the limelight, that she was always focused on others. When Pat wanted to do something special for Cornelia’s 50^thjubilee, Cornelia’s response was, “No, no, no!” in an unusually loud voice.

She was an excellent educator. Her voice was soft. Her classroom was attractive and filled with materials that would encourage youngsters to learn. She cared about each student and led them to recognize their potential.

She cared for others and gave without cost to help them. This included taking sisters to visit ill relatives over a long period of time and going out at night to pick up someone working a late shift. So many of her good deeds were hidden and unknown.

Her enjoyments were simple – window shopping; summer concerts at Millennium Park; visits to the Art Institute and the Cultural Center; time at Salem with friends with an opportunity for long walks and late morning rising; a late night cup of coffee; the color lavender; and a big bowl of pasta. Her sense of humor was wonderful. Many of us took delight in her numerous one-liners that were always most appropriate.

Her devotion to the Little Flower was evident in her daily life. Prayer was so important to her. Often at night one would see her in the chapel deep in prayer before retiring. One of the statements in her letter of application to Mother Consolatrice indicates her commitment to God’s will. “My highest hope is that if it is God’s will, I may be granted permission to serve God as a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” I believe the BVMs found a gentle, strong, valiant woman when Cornelia entered the BVM Community.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Mary Frances Moore, BVM

Sister Mary Frances Moore, BVM (Eugene), 83, died December 4, 2009, at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday, December 10 from 9–11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. with burial in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Frances was an educator and administrator in Kansas City, Affton and St. Louis, Mo.; Chicago, Ill.; and North Hollywood, Calif. She worked as administrative assistant for Bishop Helmsing Early Childhood Center in Kansas City, as administrator at Wright Hall in Chicago, and as manager/bookkeeper at Vigil Lights Housing in Santa Rosa from 1984–2000. She was also personnel commissioner and regional representative for the BVM congregation.

She was born January 12, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo., to Eugene and Ruth (Mackin) Moore. She entered the BVM congregation from St. Margaret of Scot Parish, St. Louis, on Sept. 8, 1945. She professed first vows on March 19, 1948, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1953.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Eugene W.; and a sister, Veronica Moore, BVM. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Minni L. Moore, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 64 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Retirement Fund.

Sister Mary Frances Moore, BVM (Eugene)
Funeral Reflections by Kathryn Lawlor, BVM
Marian Hall Chapel, December 9, 2009

“There is no duplicity in her.” How often during Mary Frances Moore’s lifetime did Jesus make the same comment about her that he made about Nathanial in today’s Gospel reading. In the innumerable meetings that Mary Frances attended as Regional on the Community Council, as Personnel Director on the Administrative Board, as a Senator in the BVM Senate, as a member of the BVM Board of Directors, she was without guile. If an agenda topic came along which created an elephant under the table, she announced the name of the elephant and she expected all at the meeting to deal with it. Several years ago she said in an interview, “I think that for me the best way that I can be holy is to be very straightforward in my relationship with God and with other people.”

This trait can easily be traced back to her beginnings. Mary Frances was the eldest child of Eugene and Ruth Mackin Moore, born in St. Louis on January 12, 1926. She had a younger sister, Veronica, whom she always called “Sissie,” and a brother, Gene. Both attested to the fact that Mary Frances assumed all her rights as the oldest, particularly after their father died when she was only seven and her mother went to work to support the family. Mary Frances also inherited happy genes and she had many delightful stories about her home life spent with her maternal grandparents. She attended St. Margaret of Scotland grade school in St. Louis, and she graduated from Xavier High School. On September 8, 1945 she joined her sister, Veronica, who had preceded her into the BVMs. Mary Frances claimed she entered because she wanted to be a teacher. At the time of her reception she received the name, Sister Mary Eugene.

After profession Mary Frances’ first teaching assignment was St. Aloysius, Kansas City. She wrote, “I began with second grade and I was a disaster. I cried every day. I told the superior, St. Jean, I could cook well and wanted to do that but she said, ‘No, you’ve wanted all your life to be a teacher and now you are going to be one.’” When completing assignments at Presentation, Chicago, and St. Charles, North Hollywood, she discovered she was a good teacher. As the principal, she opened two new schools, St. Timothy, St. Louis, and St. John Regis, Kansas City. Following the changes of Vatican II, she spent eight years in congregational administration. She claimed, “I realized that I became a BVM for the wrong reason, wanting to be a teacher, but I have stayed for the right reason, because the Spirit of God is present in this community of women.”

Mary Frances moved on to work as Administrative Assistant at Bishop Helmsing Early Childhood Center, Kansas City, and as Manager of Vigil Light Apartments, housing for low income elderly in Santa Rosa, California. She moved to Mt. Carmel in 2000. She said, “I didn’t stay with ministry when it was no longer life-giving and I always involved other BVMs in my decisions. I firmly believe that the Lord speaks to us through others in the community. That’s the obedience we practice today.”

In her autobiography she wrote, “These retirement years are the very best.” She taught classes at the Roberta Kuhn Center, she used her computer to help me write a book, she played bridge three nights a week and on Sunday afternoons, she played Scrabble twice a week and she served as substitute at the reception desk three afternoons each week. She said, “In my busy day there is still plenty of time for reading, praying and reflecting on God’s goodness to me. This is the best time of my life.” In her straightforward assessments of her physical condition Mary Frances was very humorous. She said she was successful in everything in her life except in dieting. She thought she would suffer her final ignominy when she was laid to rest in a casket that bore the label, “Made by Lane Byrant.”

When Mary Frances decided to move to Marian Hall two years ago she began slowly to divest of things that were life-giving for her and on December 4th she left us. The BVM Congregation and the Church richly benefited from Jesus’ call to Mary Frances in the same way the first apostles benefited from his call to Nathaniel.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Margaret Keefe, BVM

Sister Margaret Keefe, BVM (Paul Leone), 80, died November 22, 2009 at Marian Hall, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be November 25 from 9-11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. on November 25 with burial in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Margaret was an educator and administrator in Davenport, Cascade, Tama and Clinton, Iowa; Rock Island, Ill.; and St. Louis, Mo. She worked as a pastoral care secretary at Genesis Medical Center (former Mercy Hospital), in Davenport, 1981-95.

She was born Sep. 1, 1929 in Clinton, Iowa, to Paul Leo and Leona Anna (Sullivan) Keefe. She entered the BVM congregation from St. Mary Parish, Clinton, on Sep. 8, 1947. She professed first vows on March 19, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Paul. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 60 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Retirement Fund.

Sister Peggy Keefe, BVM (Paul Leone)

Funeral Reflections by Therese Jacobs, BVM

Marian Hall Chapel, November 25, 2009

Sr. Margaret (Peggy) Keefe was the second child of Leona Anna Sullivan (a graduate of OLA, Clinton) and Paul Leo Keefe. She was born on September 1, 1929, in Clinton Iowa. She had one brother, Robert, two years her senior. Peggy and I attended St. Mary’s Grade and High School together, entered together in l947, made our First Vows in 1950 and Final Vows in l955. In addition, our first three full years on the mission were at St. Martin School in Cascade, Iowa…together.

Her brother, Robert, died at the age of 60 of leukemia and Peggy tended him faithfully throughout the final weeks and months. This was a great loss for Peggy, as he was “her family” and had always been attentive and very caring; Peggy referred to him as her protector. As a child she remembers Robert calling out, “Don’t cheat my sister at marbles.” The family was very close-knit and her grandparents and uncles were still farming as Peggy grew up. Perhaps this is where she experienced the seasons and delighted in all that farm life could offer. She learned to recognize the bird calls, knew their habitats and could spot rare birds like the yellow tufted titmouse and the blue heron. She was forever spotting eagles over the Mississippi and knew where their nests were to be found.

In seventh grade, Sister Mary Victoire told Peggy that she would make a good teacher. She decided then and there that she would be a sister. Perhaps it was that far back that Peggy realized how precious was God’s love and call. One of her favorite poets was Jessica Powers and a few lines of Jessica’s reflect so wonderfully Peggy’s entire life:

“To live with the Spirit of God is to be a listener.

It is to keep the vigil of mystery, earthless and still.

…To live with the Spirit of God is to be a lover.”

Peggy taught middle and upper grades for years and was loved by her students. Just a few weeks ago she received a letter from a girl she taught 52 years ago which read: “You were the best teacher in the world.” As an English teacher she taught at Xavier High School in St. Louis and Assumption in Davenport. She was aware of every student’s situation and ability; her skill at listening (not with the ear only) engendered a trust in her students that challenged them to achieve beyond their own expectations.

I visited her often through the years. Former students would spot her in a restaurant, store, on the street or in the parish church and always greet her with warmth, appreciation and gratitude.

Peggy spent 15 years as secretary for Pastoral Care at Mercy in Davenport. Sister Laurus Gannon was director there and they shared community at Assumption Convent. They became very good friends during those years. In the hospital Peggy welcomed pastoral care people who were attending the suffering and the dying. She knew how to embrace the caregivers with encouragement and love: “To live with the Spirit of God is to be a lover.”

Peggy had a special talent in dealing with the elderly. Her father lived into his eighties; Gus and Mary Vande Voorde and her Aunt Marie were tended by Peggy throughout their hundred-plus years. Many elderly BVMs moved to Mount Carmel from Assumption. Peggy helped each one to pack and move, honoring any requests that were possible to fulfill.

Peggy had a great sensitivity to people and their situations; her sense of community and inclusiveness had no bounds. She learned to know each one’s preference in food, in TV programs, in books as well as in games. If ever you received a missive from Peggy you experienced her trademark; she delighted in the precious stickers that decorated letters, cards and gifts. Butterflies may have been her favorite, but hearts, shamrocks, flowers and birds all found their way to her letter box.

For entertainment and leisure Peggy watched TV documentaries of all kinds and enjoyed games, puzzles and solitaire. She could and would challenge anyone in Scrabble. Ask Sister Gratia; they had regular matches and each possessed great skill with words. I never did learn who the champ was!

Peggy was a voracious reader, beginning each day with the newspaper, including the funnies. But the National Geographic, the Smithsonian, current spiritual books and fiction (including the current best sellers and mysteries) kept her conversant with anyone, on any topic. Until the last few weeks, S. Paul Francis Bailey read to Peggy each day. Her dramatic skills were a delight to Peggy and often for the people passing by in the hall as well.

In retirement years we see Vintage Peggy: “Volunteering widened my world out of my comfort zone, allowing me to work with friendly, faith-filled people of integrity. I could sense God’s presence in the needy who came and was alerted to their goodness. The presence of Jesus in all people became real for me; as I served the needy I was touching Jesus, serving Jesus.” (SALT article). The gift was reciprocal. Peggy was faithful to her Friday commitments at the Sacred Heart Food Pantry even when her own body was breaking down with great pain.

“I trust you Jesus.” Always a woman of prayer, this motto sustained her throughout these months of waiting and preparing to meet Jesus, the love of her life. Prayer has been the anchor. The presence of God was evident in her sparkling blue eyes and in the beautiful smile with which she acknowledged her daily visitors. In her final days, unable to speak, “thank you” was whispered for any kindness rendered. Peggy surely lived with the Spirit of God and became both a listener to the mysteries of life and a lover who touched anyone who came to know her.

My wish for each of you who knew and loved Peggy is that you are blessed with a friend as gentle, courageous, faithful and loving as Peggy has been to me.

If you would like to give a memorial in honor of this Sister click here.

Sr. Jean Meyer Dies

Sister Jean Meyer, BVM (Jeanette), 70, native of Dubuque, Iowa, died November 8, 2009, at Marian Hall, Dubuque. Visitation will be Thursday, November 12 from 9-11 a.m. in the Marian Hall Chapel, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. The funeral liturgy will be November 12 at 1:30 p.m., in the Marian Hall Chapel. Burial is in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Dubuque.

Sr. Jean was an elementary school educator in Dubuque and Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago, Ill.; Boulder, Colo.; Lincoln, Neb.; and St. Louis, Mo. She was an early childhood educator and administrator at Montessori Schools, Dubuque, 1978-91. She was a congregational employee, working as a CNA, 1992-2007.

Jean was born May 18, 1939, to John and Ruth (Calkins) Meyer. She attended St. Anthony Grade School, and St. Joseph Academy, Dubuque, graduating in 1957. She entered the BVM congregation on Aug. 2, 1957, from St. Joseph Parish, Dubuque. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July 16, 1965.

Her parents precede her in death. Surviving are a sister, Kay Link of Wilmington, Del., and two brothers, Jim of Dubuque and Tom (Carol) of Ridgeway, Va., and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 52 years.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund.

Sister Jean Meyer, BVM (Mary Jeanette)

Funeral Reflection by Mary Ann Lenahan, BVM

Marian Hall Chapel, November 12, 2009

"A life well lived is a wondrous thing." This saying was on a plaque in a very nice plant whichwas on Jean’s table. It gave her pleasure and peace, for she did live life well.

When I think of Jean, I think of one who is quiet, kind, patient, giving, compassionate, humble, and caring. Gentleness stands out among her qualities as does a good sense of humor. When I think of Jean, I think of connecting Jean’s manner with that of St. Francis of Assisi. Some of us have referred to her as the St. Francis of Mt. Carmel!

Jean was born to Ruth and John Meyer here in Dubuque, Iowa on May 18, 1939. She is the eldest of four children. She has one sister and two brothers, Kay, Jim, and Tom. Jean has been so proud of her siblings, their families and the success they have made of their lives. She has treasured time they have spent together, especially during this past year.

After attending St. Anthony School and St. Joseph Academy here in Dubuque, Jean entered Mt. Carmel on August 2, 1957, along with 98 others of us. She wanted to become a sister, in her words, "because of love of God and Blessed Mother, for my own salvation, and a desire tohelp others save their souls." Jean was received into the Community on February 3, 1958, made First Vows on February 3, 1960 and Final Vows on July 16, 1965.

Teaching for Jean consisted of pre-school, Kindergarten, and primary grades in the states ofIowa, Illinois, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri and then back to Dubuque, where she studiedand then started the Dubuque Montessori School. She then spent the next several years teachingand directing Montessori schools at Clarke College and in the city of Dubuque.It was said of Jean’s teaching ability, "Sister is a natural born teacher of little ones. The classroom under her supervision became a veritable storehouse of learning - interest centers,fish, animals, plants, attractive decorations, books and materials - all combine to make theroom a place where little ones long to be."

If you have ever heard Jean say, "Excellent", HER great word of encouragement, you can imagine the joy on a little one’s face leaving school each day. Jean was generous with her praise to all, whether that be in the classroom, working at Marian Hall, among friends or with the pets under her care. I am sure it was a joy for all to hear, “Excellent job.”

In 1991, Jean trained to be a Certified Nurse’s Aide and then devoted herself to her BVMSisters here at Marian Hall, where she brought her gentle spirit to the residents and staff for the next 17 years.

In 2007, Jean was asked to write an article about her day as a CNA at Marian Hall. The article unfolds our quiet Jean and the way she went about life with great attention to detail and the needs of others. She enumerates the many little parts of the day giving loving aid to our Sisters, trying to make them comfortable in their HOME. I quote Jean’s words: "Yes, the day is full, but it is never too busy to do what you are doing without a smile, a positive disposition, and doing it with patience and love. When the day winds down, I know in my heart I have helped make it a home if I have been patient, kind, loving and giving." This reminds me of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

Now, as you know, Jean Meyer loved and befriended animals and their habitats throughout her life, and in a special way here at Mt. Carmel. Jean loved the Mt. Carmel land, knew it to be "holy ground," and, planted a seedling started from an acorn from an old oak tree, hoping this would one day be a mighty oak. This was her present to Mary Frances Clarke, our Foundress, on her 200th birthday. Jean hiked these woods with her animal friends, wondered at the beauty of protection and habitat for the many species of animals here. It was always a very spiritual experience for her. In Jean’s own words, "Caring for animals has always been a part of my life - my recreation. And I love it!"

Jean even included gold fish in the bowls of decoration at our Golden Jubilee Ice CreamParty for the residents here! This is a great example of her creativity and sense of humor and fun loving nature. It was always fun to hear Jean say to one of the many pets she has taken care of over the past, "Excellent, Sarah!", "Excellent, Mickey, Jake!” “Excellent Sneakers!” And, they hardly had to do anything great to get that "Excellent". It could be as easy a thing as just taking a treat from her!!!

Before, Jean moved to Marian Hall, she would sit and watch the beautiful birds outside her windows. She took good care of them also. She would watch for the deer, walk her dog choo-choo, sit in the front of Mt. Carmel and just enjoy the nature surrounding her. Always gentle, always quietly moving along.

"A life well lived is a wondrous thing." We thank you, Jean for your well lived life. It is soeasy to picture St. Francis of Assisi and you now walking the "woods" of heaven, marveling at all God’s creation. It is also quite easy to picture God embracing you, our Jean, and saying, "Excellent, Jean, Excellent!”

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