As the oldest child in a large family, her parents looked forward to her help; but when she told them of her plans to become a sister, they considered it a blessing for their family. It was also a blessing for the Sisters of Humility, each student, parent, and person with whom she came in contact.
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Msgr. Joseph McDonell once was quoted as saying that sister was an `advertisement for the Christian life,` as she prayed the rosary while walking each day; but it seems that phrase could apply to her entire ministry whether it be making children laugh as a leprechaun or a pumpkin, feeding hungry mouths with rolls and cookies, or inspiring others with her outward sign of faith by saying the rosary during her daily walk.
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In the Gospel reading for the Mass of the Sacred Heart, Jesus says, `Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and you will find rest for yourselves.` Sister knew from a very young age what it meant to be burdened, but she also knew the rest provided by a mother who refused to give up on life.
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All seem to agree that she was indeed a true Sister of Humility and a wonderful example of acceptance and humility.
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Yes, Sister certainly lived the Gospel message in simplicity, humility, and joy. May that be said of all of us someday.
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I believe the writer of the book of Proverbs gives us much food for thought as we ponder Joanne’s life. In Proverbs 31:16 we read about the “valiant woman” who when she sets her mind on a field then buys it….31:17 `She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be.` Joanne was a valiant woman
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I am sure all of you can agree that she was indeed a fun nun! One of her favorite lines was "I tell everything I know and a little more besides."
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Her sense of humor lightened many a moment. Like her Irish mother, she had a humorous streak which often brought a laugh or tickled the funny bone. Her strong sense of purpose, love of nature, and introspectiveness reflected her father
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Sister seemed to be at home with all of God’s people being open to learning about them and being willing to serve wherever the Spirit led her. No one can deny that she did more than her share in building up the body of Christ.
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After receiving a MS in Library Science from the University of Iowa, she ministered as high school librarian at Gehlen High School in Le Mars, Iowa, and Dowling High School, Des Moines. She then spent eighteen years as periodical librarian at Marycrest College...The energetic sister with the jaunty step and the twinkling blue eyes will certainly be missed by her family, her CHM sisters and associates, and friends. I am certain that she greeted St. Peter as she greeted many of us each day – `How do.`
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Sister Ann was never one to be idle. When the new sister’s wing was finished at Bishop Drumm and our infirm sisters in the Care Center were moved to the facility in Johnston, Sister became the coordinator for the CHM group there. As usual she went about her work quietly taking care to get sisters to their doctor’s appointments, shopping for their needs, welcoming their relatives and friends, communicating with their relatives and praying with them – especially at the time of death
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When we think of Sister Nancy we think of music, teaching, nursing, care-taking, cleaning, gardening, gluing puzzles, and story-telling. Music was definitely a recurring theme in her life.
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Who knew when a rookie physical education teacher applied to teach at Ottumwa Heights Academy and Junior College that the CHMs would soon have a postulant from the "north country." Growing up in a family of five siblings and living in such a rugged climate probably gave her an edge in becoming a real sports enthusiast
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Sister often said of her activities; "I'm just evangelizing." She left evangelizing footprints on the soil from Chicago to Great Falls, Montana, from Peoria, to San Diego, from Des Moines to Mexico, from California to El Paso. Hundreds of people are better off as a result of her footprints, and our CHM community is richer for her having been among us for 78 years.
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… a delicate thoughtfulness, selflessness toward others, sensibility of mind and generosity of heart—all of these are precious virtues we all admire in another. But when these qualities are coupled with a gay buoyant spirit of fun, the result is a uniqueness which is difficult to emulate.”
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