Summer 2016
15 Ursulines celebrating milestone jubilees
Message from
Leadership
16
SUMMER
The Ursuline Sisters News is
published three times a year for
friends and supporters of the
Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.
Sister Susan Bremer
Editor
[email protected]
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 115
Cindy Johnson
Director of Development
[email protected]
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 105
Comments/Corrections:
Mary Moran
Director of Marketing
and Communications
[email protected]
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 198
Sister Ritamary Welsh
Major Gifts Officer
[email protected]
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 166
Change of Address:
Sister Elaine Berkopec
Development Office Coordinator
[email protected]
(440) 449-1200, Ext. 199
Dear Friends:
Our President, Sister Susan Durkin, usually writes from this space with
greetings from the Ursuline Sisters. With the installation of a new leadership
team in June, we decided to share the joy of communicating our message
to you — and I drew the first straw!
Speaking of installation, it was truly a graced event. Sisters Susan, Susan,
Kathleen, Laura and I are grateful for the circle of light and blessing with
which our Ursuline sisters, family and friends surrounded us that day. We
continue to count on your prayers and support.
Reflecting on the first few weeks of serving in congregational leadership,
I kept saying, “I don’t yet know what I don’t know.” If you will allow some
personal reflection, this is a different kind of ministry for me, with its own
rhythm and pace to which I am adjusting. We attend to basic business and
legal issues, such as budgets and contracts and automobile fleets. With plans
for a new residence, days are spent discussing architects and construction
managers, finances, communications and development, all with the able
assistance of a stellar lay advisory board. But leadership is primarily a ministry
of personal presence as sisters relate their stories of service and prayer and
community living, of family celebrations and concerns, of health challenges
and healing. I was particularly touched by the privilege of sitting with Sister
Rose Angela at Regina Health Center the morning she died, waiting for the
funeral director to arrive. As sisters stopped in to pray and say goodbye,
I realized that grace abounds in all of this “work” of leadership.
Angela Merici’s 16th century words ring true today. In August we celebrate
the 15 jubilarians whose stories are shared in these pages, Ursulines who
have carried on “steadfastly and faithfully” for 50 and 60 years of service.
This issue also highlights our growing Angela Circles, now numbering seven,
who gather to pray, to serve and to “build community wherever they go.”
Featured as well is our inter-congregational service with the Sisters of Notre
Dame at Metro Catholic School where both Ursulines and Notre Dames have
put their “whole souls” into the great enterprise of educating children in the
city. Finally, we share memories of four wonderful women now part of the
communion of saints in heaven, but who remain always “in our midst, praying
with us.”
On behalf of all Cleveland Ursulines, thank you for your many kindnesses to
us, for your prayers, and for your generosity. You are “engraved in our hearts”
and in our prayers.
Peace,
Sister Joanne Gross
ON THE COVER
The 2016 jubilarians, marking
60 and 50 years, celebrated at a
community lunch July 23.
Blend of traditions a recipe
for educational success
Catholic schools staffed with a significant number of vowed women religious may be rare in the United
States today, but one exception can be found at Metro Catholic School on the Near West Side of Cleveland.
The two-campus school is staffed by a considerable cadre of Sisters of Notre Dame and Ursuline Sisters,
complemented by lay colleagues, all working together toward a common goal.
Metro Catholic School, located in the heart of the city
on West 54th St., is the product of the merger of St.
Boniface, St. Michael and St. Stephen schools. Notre
Dame Sister Anne Maline, Metro Director for the past
23 years, subscribes to the legend that the school
originated from a conversation between the three school
principals. “It all began,” she says, “one morning in
1987 when, over breakfast, the principals were talking
about the close proximity of their schools and about the
future. They had this brilliant idea to come together in
a new school.” They presented the idea to then-Bishop
Anthony Pilla who gave it his blessing. In 1988, after a
year of planning, the school opened.
Metro Catholic quickly became an education safety
net for children of neighboring Catholic parishes,
as well as for children of other faith traditions. The
school’s success quickly quieted the naysayers who
predicted it would last only three years. What is it
about the school that
has contributed to its
nearly 30-year history?
Sister Anne credits the
committed, mission-driven
faculty and staff.
families at heart and that’s the center of their activity
and focus.”
Just as the multicultural student body brings great
richness, so does the combination of religious
communities, each with its particular character or
charism. Sister Anne feels very fortunate to have
sisters from two religious communities who are highly
renowned as strong educators.
Sister Juliana, heading into her 18th year, has served
the longest of Metro Catholic’s four Ursulines. She
currently serves as the intervention services coordinator
and reading coach for the primary grades. She
enjoys the fruitfulness of the collaboration between
communities. “It’s an honor to be here working toward
the same mission,” she says.
Sister Karen, starting her 11th year at the school,
taught Grade 4 one year before moving into the
position of principal of the Michael
Building which houses grades 2, 3
and 4. She has taught in many other
schools, but says her experience at
Metro Catholic feels different; she
feels “at home.”
“The children in the city
need education and, most
especially, need people
who love them. We all love
the kids and they know it,”
she says.
Continued on page 4
The school has the largest
existing staff of women
Sisters Anne Maline, SND, and Karen
religious within the Diocese
of Cleveland, with 15
Sisters of Notre Dame and four Ursulines — Sisters
Juliana Beck, Karen Bohan, Carmen Hocevar, and
Etienne who is new to the staff.
Sister Anne says the Sisters of Notre Dame and the
Ursuline Sisters collaborate very well. “Each of the
communities has the good of the children and their
Sisters Karen Bohan and Juliana Beck
Summer 2016 • 3
Continued from page 3
She recognizes some of her own
experience as a student in what
happens at Metro. “I had Ursuline
Sister Annunciata … who made me
feel welcome and accepted me for
who I was. And that’s what we do
with each of these children,” Sister
Karen says. And because all the
sisters, Ursuline and Notre Dame,
care about making life better for the
children, the distinction between
communities falls away; they are
one community where the children
and the Mission are concerned.
One of the endearing aspects
of Metro Catholic is its peaceful
atmosphere, despite the culture
of crime, drugs and violence that
surrounds it. Its curriculum includes
the teaching of non-violence
skills and development of moral
character. The spiritual nature of
the school and its atmosphere
of safety and caring have served
to encourage greater parental
participation.
“The school is like a second home
for the children,” suggests Sister
Carmen Hocevar, who teaches art
at the school. “At Thanksgiving,
Christmas or Easter break, some
children cry because they don’t want
to leave. It’s really a special place …
I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
Angela Circles foster growth
in founder’s spirit, mission
Members of the Ursuline Angela Circles take to heart St. Angela
Merici’s instruction to “build community wherever you go.” Just ask
Kathy Badalamenti, facilitator of Angela Circle Group N, or Shirley
Gygli, member of Circle Group U. Both see the Circles as a way to
further knowledge and appreciation of St. Angela.
“We wanted to continue Angela’s mission,” Kathy states, “and prayer circles
were interesting to us.”
“Anything Ursuline—we love being a part of it!” Shirley adds. “It adds so
much to our life.”
Sister Joan Petersen, Director of the Ursuline Mission and Heritage program,
recognized in participants a desire for a deeper understanding of St. Angela’s
spirituality. In response, Sister Joan initiated the Ursuline Angela Circles.
She is the resource for the groups and keeps in touch with the facilitators.
Members form their own groups, have their own leadership, and are free
to design the group in connection with Ursuline. One excellent resource is
Also in Your Midst, a book of reflections on St. Angela, by Louisville Ursuline
Sister Martha Buser.
Kathy’s Circle meets one Sunday each month in her home; Shirley’s group
meets monthly on a Saturday morning. The structure is simple: members
practice Lectio Divina, a monastic method of reading and reflecting on
Scripture. Circle members also read and discuss Martha Buser’s book,
relating its lessons to their lives. Some bring intentions to the group for
prayer, thus extending their spirituality outward.
The Circles’ spiritual journey bears fruit in the service members do each
month. For example, members of Circle N volunteered not only to cook
a meal for the children at House of Champions afterschool program,
but to stay and spend time with them, too. The group also put together
Christmas baskets for single expectant mothers at Maggie’s Place, a house
of hospitality for expectant women to prepare for the birth of their children
in a dignified and healthy way. Circle U collected toiletries for homeless
individuals. “Each one in our own way contributes in prayer and action,”
Shirley explains. “We take what we have to our little areas of the world.”
By design, Circles limit their membership to eight or nine participants, thus
ensuring a good comfort level and opportunities for all to share. Circle
members are invited to make a commitment after one year. They receive
a certificate and an Ursuline laurel tree pin as a sign of their connection to
Ursuline and the spirit of St. Angela.
The groups have bonded together nicely and believe in their call to carry
on the Ursuline Mission. “It adds an extra dimension to our lives,” Shirley
exclaims. “We just love it—it’s like a little sisterhood!”
Sister Carmen Hocevar and students
4 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Anyone interested in learning more about the Angela Circles can call
Sister Joan Petersen (440.449.1200, Ext. 184).
Milestone Jubilees
15 marking milestone jubilees
Fifteen Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland celebrated jubilees in August,
marking anniversaries of 60 and 50 years.
Diamond Jubilarians
On August 14, six sisters — Sisters Maureen McCarthy, Therese Horan, Adelaide Landoll,
Rosemary Hocevar, Ann Whitely and Mary McNulty — marked 60 years with a Liturgy
of Thanksgiving. Rev. Thomas Sweany, pastor of St. Anselm Parish, presided, with
Rev. James Stenger, pastor of Mary, Queen of the Apostles Parish, offering the homily.
Sister Maureen McCarthy
Sister Maureen McCarthy (formerly Sister Mary Madeline) joined the Ursulines from
St. Margaret Mary Parish, South Euclid. Her career has included 32 years in education,
at Immaculate Conception schools in Cleveland and Willoughby, St. Robert Bellarmine
School (Euclid), the former Villa Angela Academy, and Ursuline College where she
taught in the religious studies department and developed and directed the Master in
Ministry program. Beyond the educational arena, Sister Maureen served four years as
the Ursulines’ general superior and 10 years with the Sisters of Charity Health System,
as Director, Vice President, and finally as Senior Vice President of Mission and Ministry
Services. Currently she is engaged in offering spiritual programs and retreats and
serves as a pastoral care minister at Altercare of Mayfield Village.
>
Summer 2016 • 5
Sister Therese Horan
Sister Therese Horan (formerly Sister Zita) came to the community from St. Therese
Parish, Garfield Heights. Her years of service have been divided between 28 years in
classroom education and 27 years in parish ministry. She taught elementary school at
St. Mary (Mentor), Our Lady of Peace (Cleveland), St. Therese (Garfield Heights), St.
Mary Magdalene (Willowick), Immaculate Conception (Cleveland), St. Clare (Lyndhurst)
and St. Ann (Cleveland Heights). She has served in pastoral ministry at St. John Bosco
(Parma Heights) and Assumption (Brook Park). She is in her 9th year at Mary, Queen of
Apostles Parish, Brook Park.
Sister Adelaide Landoll
Sister Adelaide Landoll, computer teacher and technology assistant at Beaumont
School, entered the Ursuline community from East Cleveland’s St. Philomena Parish.
She has served her entire religious life in the ministry of education at the elementary and
secondary levels. She taught intermediate and junior high students at St. Joseph (Avon
Lake), St. Jerome (Cleveland), Immaculate Conception, and St. Mary of the Assumption
(Mentor). She also served as principal at St. Mary’s and at St. Clare School (Lyndhurst).
Sister Adelaide established the computer department at Christ the King School (East
Cleveland) to introduce technology to all grades. In addition to her current service at
Beaumont, Sister Adelaide also provides technology assistance at the motherhouse.
Sister Rosemary Hocevar
Sister Rosemary Hocevar (formerly Sister Robert Bellarmine) came to the Ursulines from
Immaculate Conception Parish, Cleveland. She spent her entire career in the ministry
of education, as teacher, administrator, diocesan consultant, and nationally renowned
educational consultant and presenter. After a year at the elementary level at St. Mary
School (Mentor), Sister Rosemary moved to the secondary level, first at Sacred Heart
Academy, then at Villa Angela Academy where she also served as principal. Under
her leadership, a new school building was constructed. She served in the Diocesan
Education Office nine years as Consultant for Secondary Schools, before engaging in
doctoral studies and accepting positions at Ursuline College as associate professor
in the Educational Administration program, then as Vice President for Institutional
Advancement. In retirement she is ministering to a homebound family member.
Sister Ann Whitely
Sister Ann Whitely (formerly Sister Honora), currently engaged in the Ursulines’ tutoring
ministry and caring for elderly family members, entered the congregation from St. Joseph
Parish in the Collinwood area. She taught at parish schools throughout the diocese,
including St. Clare (Lyndhurst), St. Malachi (Cleveland), and St. Mary (Mentor) schools,
and St. Jerome (Cleveland) school and Our Lady of Peace (Cleveland), where she also
served as principal. With other Cleveland Ursulines Sister Ann served eight years at the
newly established St. Thomas Aquinas School in St. Cloud, Florida, where she taught
and served as assistant principal. She rounded out her ministry career at St. Anselm
Parish, Chesterland, where she served as Director of Religious Education.
6 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Mary McNulty
Sister Mary McNulty (formerly Sister Conleth), a member of the hospitality team at the
motherhouse, joined the Ursulines from St. Philomena Parish, East Cleveland. She
has spent the majority of her ministry career in education, principally teaching primary
grade children. Her service has included tenures at St. Joseph (Avon Lake), St. Patrick
(Bridge Ave.), St. Francis de Sales and St. Charles, both in Parma, Christ the King (East
Cleveland), St. Clare (Lyndhurst), St. Ann (Cleveland Heights), St. Therese (Garfield
Heights), Immaculate Conception (Willoughby) and St. Paul (Euclid). She ministered at
Beaumont School, assisting in the treasurer’s office, and with transportation and AV
equipment, and as transportation coordinator for the congregation.
Golden Jubilarians
Nine Ursulines — Sisters Ellen Themes, Joan Marie Russ, Carol Pelegrin,
Gretchen Rodenfels, Noel Marra, Donna Mikula, Rosemarie Carfagna, Beverly Anne
LoGrasso, and Kathleen Flanagan — celebrated their golden anniversary August 7.
Bishop James Griffin, retired bishop of Columbus, was presider and Rev. Don Oleksiak,
Director of Clergy Personnel for the Cleveland Diocese, was the homilist.
Sister Ellen Themes
Sister Ellen Themes began her teaching career at Newton D. Baker Junior High School
before joining the Ursulines from St. Mel Parish. Her education career continued with
tenures at Beaumont School, Villa Angela Academy and Ursuline College where she
taught math and worked in the Registrar’s Office. She left the classroom to pursue
training in art therapy and employed her skill and training in the former Ursuline Sophia
Center, Transitional Housing, and Cleveland Clinic Hospice. She currently ministers in
art therapy at Stone Garden Assisted Living and at Regina Health Center in Richfield,
and as a tutor in the Ursuline Institute of Learning.
>
Summer 2016 • 7
Sister Joan Marie Russ
Sister Joan Marie Russ, treasurer for the motherhouse community and medical
insurance coordinator, joined the Ursulines from St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Willowick.
Her ministry career has included teaching tenures at St. William (Euclid), Beaumont
School and Villa Angela Academy where she also served as school treasurer. She
served 10 years as treasurer at Ursuline College. For eight of her 18 years of ministry
at the motherhouse Sister Joan Marie also served two four-year terms in elected
congregational leadership.
Sister Carol Pelegrin
Sister Carol Pelegrin, currently engaged as a receptionist at the motherhouse, an
operator in the Ursuline Sisters’ Prayer Line ministry, a tutor in the Ursuline Institute
of Learning and as an activity planner for the motherhouse community, came to the
congregation from St. Louis Parish, Cleveland Heights. She was a primary teacher at
St. Clare (Lyndhurst), Holy Cross (Euclid), St. Mary (Mentor), St. Catherine (Cleveland),
St. Ann (Cleveland Heights) and Christ the King (East Cleveland) schools. Upon
receiving her degree in the field, Sister Carol served as a social worker at Metrohealth
Medical Center and Interim Health Care, as Program Director and Case Manager
for Transitional Housing and Beatitude House in Youngstown, and social worker at
Beechbrook, Center for Children Who Witness Violence, Cuyahoga County Women’s
Shelter, HM Housing, and IMA Care Home Health.
Sister Gretchen Rodenfels
Sister Gretchen Rodenfels, president of Beaumont School, entered the congregation
from St. Dominic Parish, Shaker Heights. The bulk of her ministry has been centered in
education. She taught at the elementary level at St. Ann (Cleveland Heights), St. Francis
de Sales (Parma), St. Clare (Lyndhurst), and St. Mary (Mentor) schools, before assuming
successive administrative positions, as principal at St. John Bosco (Parma Heights),
assistant principal at Beaumont School, and principal at St. Anselm (Chesterland).
She took a break from the educational arena to pursue studies and a ministry in
massotherapy. Sister Gretchen has served as Beaumont’s president since 2007. She
continues to utilize her massage therapy training to benefit her Ursuline sisters.
Sister Noel Marra
Sister Noel Marra came to the community from St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland. She spent
20 years in elementary education with tenures at Immaculate Conception (Willoughby),
St. Ann (Cleveland Heights), St. Catherine (Cleveland), and Urban Community (Cleveland)
schools. In 1990 Sister Noel transitioned into parish work with an appointment as
Pastoral Associate at Annunciation Parish (Cleveland). Since that time she has served
at St. Patrick (West Park) and as Director of Religious Education (DRE) at Holy Family
Parish (Stow), Archbishop Lyke School (Cleveland), and St. Joseph Parish (Amherst). She
has also served as a trainer of foster parents and social workers for Cuyahoga County
Family and Childrens’ Services and as social justice coordinator for the Ursuline Sisters.
Currently, Sister Noel ministers as DRE at St. Anselm Parish in Chesterland.
8 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Donna Mikula
Sister Donna Mikula, Director of Pastoral Care at Regina Health Center, joined the
Ursulines from St. Patrick Parish (Bridge Avenue). Her ministry career has included
teaching assignments at St. Catherine (Cleveland), St. Mary (Mentor), St. Clare
(Lyndhurst), and St. Ann (Cleveland Heights), and service as principal at St. Mary
(Collinwood) and at St. Ann schools. She later returned to St. Ann Parish as pastoral
minister. Sister Donna served the diocese as Director of the Diocesan Office of
Mediation and as an auditor in the Diocesan Tribunal. She also served in the Ursulines’
finance office and in the development office. She has served at Regina Health Center
since 2007.
Sister Rosemarie Carfagna
Sister Rosemarie Carfagna entered the congregation from St. Dominic Parish, Shaker
Heights. Throughout her years as an Ursuline she has taught at every level, beginning at
St. Timothy School (Garfield Heights). She also taught at Beaumont School before moving
on to service in the congregation as Novice Director and Director of Formation. Before
and after completing doctoral studies she compiled a 30-year teaching and administrative
career at Ursuline College and Borromeo Seminary. Sister Rosemarie recently concluded
eight years of service as the Senior Vice President for Mission for the Sisters of Charity
Health System. She currently serves as a coordinator of the motherhouse community and
is a popular retreat director, presenter, and spiritual companion.
Sister Beverly Anne LoGrasso
Sister Beverly Anne LoGrasso, a native East Clevelander, came to the Ursulines from
Christ the King Parish. She began her ministry career at St. Ann School, Cleveland
Heights, where she taught eighth grade and served as the school’s Director of Religious
Education. She enjoyed a12-year tenure at Beaumont School as a theology instructor,
assistant principal and President. From education Sister Beverly Anne was drawn into the
justice arena and to numerous sites and positions in that realm, including the Commission
on Catholic Community Action, congregational justice coordinator, prison ministry,
Women’s Re-entry Network and the Global Resource Center. She has assisted in the
Ursuline Institute of Learning, as a literacy support tutor at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High
School and Urban Community School, and as an Alternatives to Violence teacher. Sister
Beverly Anne currently serves as a reading tutor at Cleveland’s Urban Community School.
Sister Kathleen Flanagan
Sister Kathleen Flanagan (formerly Sister Kathleen Mary), currently serving in her
second term in congregational leadership, joined the community from St. Joseph Parish
in Collinwood. She spent a single year as a classroom teacher at St. Francis de Sales
(Parma) before transitioning into nursing studies and practice. She served her own
sisters in the congregation’s infirmary for a number of years before accepting a nurse
practitioner position at Marymount Hospital. In 1986 Sister Kathleen returned to the
classroom as a nursing instructor at Ursuline College, before being tapped to direct the
College’s undergraduate nursing program. She worked briefly as a clinical educator and
hospital liaison at Jennings Center for Older Adults before being elected to her current
leadership post.
Summer 2016 • 9
O B I T U ARIES
Good, faithful servants raised
to fullness of life
The Ursuline Sisters commend to your prayers four of their sisters
who have died since the last issue of Ursuline Sisters News.
Sister Lois Petersen
Sister Veronica Cipar
Sister Lois Petersen (formerly Sister
Marie Colette) loved life as a vowed
religious and cherished her large family
— including her sister Joan, also an
Ursuline. Throughout her 68 years as
an Ursuline, Sister Lois served as a
teacher, administrator, avid gardener,
and minister of prayer. The woman of
boundless energy and creativity died May 11 at Regina
Health Center. She was 87.
Individuals who attended Ursuline
College from 1960 through 1992
likely remember Sister Veronica Cipar
(then Sister M. Cleopha) as a Spanish
professor or as the “Dorm Mother”
in Murphy Residence Hall. But the
passionate and charismatic language
teacher and guide also touched
countless lives in her second career as a massage
therapist. The much beloved educator and wellness
minister died May 29 at Regina Health Center.
She was 81.
Lois Marie Petersen was born December 13, 1928, in
Cleveland, one of eight children born to Harold and
Coletta (Coleman) Petersen. The Beaumont School
graduate entered the Ursuline Sisters from St. Gregory
the Great Parish in 1947 and professed final vows in
1953. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees
in education from the old St. John College.
Sister Lois began her teaching career at Holy Cross
School (Euclid), and continued with tenures at Immaculate
Conception (Willoughby) and Immaculate Conception
(Cleveland). She assumed principal duties at Christ the
King School (East Cleveland) and then at St. Robert
Bellarmine School (Euclid). Following year-long teaching
assignments at St. Clare School (Lyndhurst) and St.
John Bosco School (Parma Heights), she resumed
administrative duties as principal at St. Joseph School
(Collinwood) and St. Ann School (Cleveland Heights).
In retirement, Sister Lois maintained her commitment
to education, serving as librarian at Urban Community
School and Beaumont School, and later directing the
congregation’s tutoring ministry.
Her passion for gardening was evident wherever she
served. A lasting legacy is the beautiful courtyard garden
in the former Saint Angela Center, which today is tended
by a corps of volunteers who continue the work in tribute
to Sister Lois.
In addition to Sister Joan, Sister Lois is survived by sisters
Mary Lou Lawless (James), Faye Hollis (John, deceased),
and Rene Mooney (Larry), and more than 100 nieces,
nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Brothers
Richard, James and William preceded her in death.
10 • Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
Sister Veronica was the youngest of five children
born to Martin and Mary (Kollar) Cipar in Barberton,
Ohio. Their SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish family was
foundational in Veronica’s life and introduced her to
Ursuline Sister Agatha Paul who taught in the school
there. That relationship led Veronica to Ursuline College
and, following her graduation in 1956, to the Ursuline
community. She professed final vows in August 1962,
and went on to earn a master’s degree at Western
Reserve University and a doctorate in Hispanic language
and literature from the University of Pittsburgh.
Sister Veronica began her career teaching novices at
the motherhouse, before launching a 28-year tenure
teaching Spanish at Ursuline College. In 1994 Sister
Veronica discerned a call to become a massotherapist
to assist her sisters and others. She pursued studies at
Ohio College of Medical Arts, and in 1995 opened her
practice in the Ursuline Sophia Center. Through the years
many individuals offered testimonials to her skill and her
sensitivity, and to the healing and relief they experienced
through her ministry. Her final ministries were tutoring
in the Ursuline Institute of Learning, and serving in the
ministry of prayer.
Sister Veronica will be remembered for her sensitive heart
and deep spirituality, for her ready laughter and frequent
tears, and for her healing touch.
She is survived by her brother Stanley (Susan) and
nieces and nephews. Brothers Martin and Paul preceded
Sister Veronica in death. Her sister Maryanna Vondriska
died in July.
Sister M. Bernadette Maier
Sister M. Bernadette Maier dedicated
more than six decades to education
as a teacher and principal, as an
administrator at the diocesan level,
and as a staff member for the Catholic
Conference of Ohio. The dedicated
educator died May 29 at Regina
Health Center. She was 89.
Marilyn Maier was born March 12, 1927, in Cleveland,
Ohio, the oldest of three children born to Earl and Caroline
(Ross) Maier. The Villa Maria Academy graduate joined the
Ursuline community from Immaculate Conception Parish,
Ravenna, in September 1946 and professed final vows in
August 1952.
Sister Bernadette earned her undergraduate degree
attending Saturday classes at St. John College, while
also engaging in full-time teaching during the week.
She received her Master’s degree from St. John College
in 1958.
Her school career included assignments at St. Mary
Magdalene School, Willowick, and at Immaculate
Conception School, Cleveland, where she served 18
years, as teacher and principal.
For 17 years Sister Bernadette served the diocesan
education department as Director of Government
Programs and established the Nutrition Program for
Children, Auxiliary Services (mobile units) for Catholic
Schools and Computer Education for Teachers. As a
consultant for the Catholic Conference of Ohio, Sister
Bernadette helped market Science for Today and
Tomorrow/SciTT Kit program, a hands-on science
program for grades K-6.
Sister Bernadette will be remembered for her passion for
education and her zest for living. She was a committed
religious, a dedicated educator and colleague, and a loyal
friend, sister and cousin.
She is survived by a sister, Shirley Sloth (Harry), of Lake
Zurich, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. Her brother
Earl preceded her in death.
Sister Rose Angela Johnson
Sister Rose Angela Johnson served
as President of Ursuline College and
later as General Superior of the
Ursuline Sisters, but during her tenures
and beyond always maintained a
graciousness, humility and othercenteredness that belied such positions
of prominence. The beloved educator,
administrator and congregational leader died June 18 at
Regina Health Center. She was 91.
Patricia Johnson was born September 5, 1924, in Goshen,
Indiana, the older of two children born to Ernest and Mary
Genevieve (Collins) Johnson. When the family moved to
Cleveland in 1940, Patricia enrolled at Collinwood High
School for her junior and senior years.
She attended Ursuline College and months after her June
1946 graduation joined the Ursulines from St. Jerome
Parish. She professed final vows August 8, 1952.
Sister Rose Angela engaged in graduate studies at the
University of Notre Dame where she earned a master’s
degree in education.
She began her ministry at Ursuline College, teaching
biology, music and education, and serving as Academic
Dean. She was named President of the College in 1966,
but resigned four years later for health reasons. In her
brief tenure she directed the College’s move from Cedar
Hill to its current Pepper Pike campus and established
the College’s first Board of Trustees. She returned to the
College in 1970 as Dean of Continuing Education. She
was elected to leadership in the Ursuline community and
served consecutive four-year terms. At the conclusion
of her service, she was assigned to Beaumont School to
teach English.
In 1984 Sister Rose Angela was again elected to
congregational leadership, as General Superior, and served
eight years in that capacity. She initiated the planning and
construction of the Saint Angela Center, the community’s
health care facility. The Center served the elderly and infirm
sisters from1993 through its closing in 2013.
In retirement Sister Rose Angela served in the former
Sophia Center, in the congregation’s Social Justice
Office, in volunteer support of Womankind, and in the
ministry of prayer.
Memorial donations may be made to the
Ursuline Sisters at www.ursulinesisters.org.
She is survived by a brother Jerome (wife Heather) of
Brooklyn, New York, and nieces and nephews.
Summer 2016 • 11
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Ursuline Academy of Cleveland
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cleveland, OH
Permit #3796
Development Office
2600 Lander Road
Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124
www.ursulinesisters.org
16
SUMMER
Visit www.UrsulineSisters.org to submit prayer requests.
Generous support yields good night’s sleep
Thank you for the gift of a sound sleep! We shared with you the sisters’ need for new
mattresses and springs and for chairs for their rooms. Now, thanks to the amazing
response to our 21st Century Club appeal and the Moving the Mission portion of this
year’s Derby Day, our 20-year old mattresses and springs have been replaced.
A team of sisters worked with Ron Trzcinski and his team at Original
Mattress Factory to select the styles best suited for the sisters. The
sisters are now reaping the benefits of a good night’s sleep, waking
refreshed and eager to move into their day of ministry and outreach.
Next up is the chair replacement phase of the project for which
another team of sisters has been recruited. First order of business
has been securing a special chair for Sister Maryann Quinlivan who,
for medical reasons, also uses her chair as a bed. She says she
hasn’t slept this well in years! Other sisters are eagerly awaiting the
selection process.
Throughout the years, from the St. Joseph fire in 1946 to the present,
our supporters have responded generously to our 21st Century Club
appeals. This year was certainly no exception. On behalf of all of the
well-rested sisters, thank you to all.
Sister Marie Michelle tests her new mattress,
while helpers assemble a bed frame.