In loving memory of our Sisters,
who followed in the footprints of Jesus,
eagerly observing what they promised the Lord.
Sister Mary William Hughes 1917-2013
Through her many years in ministry, Sister Mary William worked in the Business Office and Admitting of four hospitals in California and Illinois, and in the Business and Pastoral Care Departments of Presence Sacred Heart Home in Avilla, Indiana. She also served as our Procurator General and the Local Community Leader at various times. Even after retirement she continued to graciously give of herself as a faithful volunteer. A special highlight for Sister was being chosen by her Sisters to receive the Peacemaker Award at the Franciscan Federation Conference in 2003. The nominating letter said, “We feel that Sister brings the Gospel alive, not only by what she does, but with what great love it is done.” Sister said that community has been the most satisfying aspect of her religious vocation. She considered it a blessing to live with others whose values and goals she could identify with and be a part of. She often remarked that she came to religious life because she was called by the Lord, and she stayed because it was here that she found fulfillment. (Read more ...)
May Sister now find her greatest fulfillment of all—the eternal embrace of her Beloved Lord.
Sister M. Eleonore Kaydus 1918-2012
For many years Sister Eleonore ministered as a classroom teacher or as a housemother at St. Vincent Home, Freeport, IL, where she touched many young lives. In her later years in a retirement home, she engaged in a wonderful ministry of friendliness to the residents whom she knew by name, encouraged in many ways, entertained with humorous stories and jokes and even evangelized now and then. All through her religious life, Sister remained grounded and well rooted in her love of God who provided her with the spiritual nourishment needed to reach her 75th jubilee in May 2012. We are grateful for Sister’s generous gift of self to Christ, to us and to the Church and for radiating an inner strength and spiritual greatness. (Read more ...)
Sister, may all your love be abundantly rewarded by Love Himself.
Sister Clara Marie Dietz 1913 -2012
Sister Clara Marie dedicated herself to doing the works of neighborly love, primarily through the ministry of education and then wherever there was a need for her special skills. Her Franciscanism was shared in a special way through her ministry as postulant and novice director. Sister was renowned for her organization and thoroughness and for her ability to plan a super party for any occasion. Her special prayer ministry deepened in her later years and her deepest appreciation was for the opportunity to attend daily Mass. She often prayed that her every act would be an act of love divine. She celebrated her 80th Jubilee in June of 2009—a fitting celebration of a life truly dedicated to a faithful presence of love. (Read more ...)
May Sister now be wrapped in “love divine” as she gazes on the face of her God for all eternity.
Sister Marilyn Ellert 1947-2012
When Sister Marilyn was named the 2005-2006 Light of Learning Administrator for the Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend, Indiana, the Associate Superintendent of the Diocese said of her: “She demonstrates a leadership based on vision and an ability to inspire others to excellence.” This was true of Sister in all of the various ministries in which she was engaged throughout her lifetime. When celebrating her 40th Jubilee, she reflected on the Gospel story of the feeding of the five thousand with a mere five loaves of bread and two fishes. She would often imagine herself sitting with those hungry thousands waiting to be fed. She would then be reminded that her gifts and talents were more than sufficient for “loving tenderly, acting justly and walking humbly with her God” as she faithfully and generously responded to the needs of others. (Read more ...)
May Sister forever walk humbly with her Beloved, and may she now be loved most tenderly and completely!
Sister June A. Does 1927-2012
From her earliest memories, Sister June A. Does recalled being a package of great energy and enthusiasm—characteristics that accompanied her throughout life and in her beloved ministry of health care. She began as an X-ray technician at hospitals in LaSalle, Elgin and Chicago, Illinois, then moved on to serve as an administrative assistant in three hospitals in California and Elgin. Finally, she became a Fund Development Executive at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, a position she held for nearly 15 years. Sister June’s efforts have been recognized with numerous awards over the years. In 2010 when celebrating her 60th Jubilee, Sister said her more than 50 years of ministry had brought abundant blessings into her life, with one of the most satisfying aspects being the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people. Surely Sister reached her personal goal of making this world a better place. (Read more ...)
May Sister now reside in the best of all places—God’s eternal dwelling place.
Sister M. Patricia Doebber 1921-2012
After 28 years in healthcare ministry, Sister followed her heart’s desire by becoming a certified Pastoral Care Minister. Her comforting words and quiet presence brought a strengthening peace to those dealing with difficult situations. Later, when retired at the Motherhouse, she freely shared her deep spiritual goodness with our Associates and women participating in the Come and See programs at the Motherhouse. Sister Patricia was always most grateful for her family, relatives and friends who faithfully supported her in her religious vocation. This past June when celebrating her 70th Jubilee and being thankful for a blessed life, she expressed a yearning to be with her Beloved God. (Read more ...)
May Sister now sing her eternal song of praise in the presence of our loving Father.
Sister M. Alberta Raderstorf 1926-2012
Throughout her religious life, Sister ministered as a pharmacist. She had a reputation for working whenever needed, often the off-shifts, and was known for her smile, a smile that was as quiet as her gentleness. She remarked how true these words of Jesus are: “Everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or father or mother for my sake will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life." Sister felt that she had more than received her hundred fold in this life. Now she inherits that abundant life that will last for all eternity. (Read more ...)
May Sister’s heart be filled to overflowing as she is welcomed into the presence of God and all the holy ones who have gone before her.
Sister M. Anna Skube 1917-2011
Sister Anna ministered as teacher/principal at the elementary and secondary levels where she said it was a privilege to touch and shape the lives of countless students. Part of her legacy to our congregation is the women who are proud to call themselves Sister Anna’s novices, as she was Director of Postulants and Novices from 1964-1970. When asked how she would celebrate her 70th jubilee year she said, “Just as I have done all these years. Each morning I hand over my life in surrender to whatever God asks of me, spend ample time before the Blessed Sacrament, work hard to reverence the Trinity in each of my Sisters, and live my vows as I promised so joyfully many years ago.” (Read more ...)
May Sister be joyfully and eternally embraced by the God she has so faithfully served!
Sister Marilyn Phillips 1916-2011
Sister Marilyn’s education ministry ranged from the elementary to college level and, after earning a Doctorate in Canon Law, she became the first woman in our area to be appointed to a Church Tribunal in 1984. Sister was known for her unswerving dedication to truth, and her particular gift to our congregation was her dissertation entitled, “The Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart: Their Patrimony and Historic-Canonical Status.” Her favorite meditation by Cardinal Newman said: “God created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.” (Read more ...)
May Sister now know that the work God committed to her and to no other has been faithfully fulfilled.
Sister M. Barbara Ann Raderstorf 1918-2011
During her many years of active ministry, Sister Barbara Ann rose each morning to “simply work for the Lord.” Her gift of presence and her passion for domestic service are what she graciously offered and shared so effectively throughout her religious life. In her gentle and caring way, she created a welcoming spirit wherever she was and lifted many hearts with her beaming smile, cheerfulness and wit. (Read more ...)
May the Lord now bestow on Sister the crowning touch of glory that she so richly deserves.
Sister M. Elizabeth Wlezien 1924-2011
Sister Elizabeth Wlezien was known for her kindness, friendliness, sense of humor and willingness to do almost anything. But compassion and understanding were her extraordinary gifts—special Christ-like qualities which enabled her to feel with another person, to suffer with them and to understand their pain. Her years of caring for mother and baby, for children in Pediatrics, for our elder Sisters, and for patients and families suffering through the pain and discouragement caused by cancer were an inspiration to all of those around her. (Read more ...)
May Sister now be gifted with the eternal fullness of love, joy and peace.
Sister M. Sylvianne Mattern 1916-2011
“What is the right thing to do? Justice must always be predominant in our lives. And that’s a part of the ministry.”
Sister Sylvianne will be long remembered for her many building and renovation projects at St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara. In fact, someone once asked her, “Why don’t you quit building and go smell the roses?” Sister proudly replied, “Oh, I smell the roses, and I build, too.” Of course, monies were needed for these many projects, so Sister was always soliciting for the needed funds. As she said of herself: “I’m a great fundraiser. People have been most generous with me. I think it is because I am quite a beggar.” (Read more ...)
May Sister enjoy the kingdom that she faithfully helped to build through her special works of neighborly love!
Sister M. Dominica Scygiel 1923-2010
On the occasion of her 60th jubilee, Sister Dominica was asked to share her vocation story. She recalled that at the early age of 5, she saw a sister and was fascinated. The desire to be ‘one of them’ remained with her and influenced her decision to enter or congregation. After many years as a Sister, she noted that sharing her life with the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart was among the most rewarding aspects of her religious life. (Read more ...)
Echoing the words of her favorite prayer, may Sister “dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.”
Sister Frances Anna Hraback 1920-2010
Throughout her religious life, Sister Frances Anna was always open to a variety of ministries and eager to serve in numerous locations. No matter what she did or where she was, Sister was known for her ability to be ready for any situation. Her motto was, “I am always prepared!” She was also a person of warm hospitality in her kindness to Sisters, relatives, friends, employees—everyone she encountered. (Read more ...)
May Sister now be experiencing and enjoying eternal hospitality at the banquet of her Lord and friend.
Sister Anthony Clare Floto 1932-2009
Sister Anthony Clare’s desire was to do everything for the love of God, which she so wonderfully exemplified throughout her life. She was always willing to give of her time, talents and musical abilities, and careful to provide a listening ear and a kind heart. When she talked with anyone, she gave them her fullest attention. She was most welcoming to everyone and had a smile that enriched all who received it. (Read more ...)
May Sister be enjoying the music of the angels in that place she longed for all her life.
Sister Mary Luke Engel 1925-2009
Sister Mary Luke's dream of becoming a missionary became a reality when she began her work at the congregation’s foreign mission in Icoaraci, Para, Brazil. She stated, “I first heard about the missionary needs of the people along the Amazon when I was an elementary student. I always thought that some day I would go there to work. So, when the chance came, I eagerly took it.” (Read more ...)
May Sister be at peace in her heavenly home where every dream knows complete fulfillment. 
Sister Mary Bernard Engelman 1919-2009
Sister Mary Bernard recalled that there was never a time when she did not want to become a sister. This silent, unrelenting call of God echoed in her heart until that day when she entered our congregation. Throughout the many years, Sister served God faithfully in her unassuming and gentle way. She was most generous with her time and energy, very exacting in her work, and always ready to tease and to have a good laugh. (Read more ...)
May Sister live forever in the embrace of her beloved God.