“Help me to know what is right and do what is right; and know what is wrong and avoid what is wrong.” Daily Prayer of Sister Janice Steiger
Sister Janice Steiger, 88, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 68 years, died on July 27, 2026. Born Janice Steiger on June 3, 1938, in Glenham, South Dakota, she was the fifth of 10 children of Albert and Elizabeth (née Neumiller) Steiger.
Janice spent her childhood on a family farm west of Billings, Montana, after her family relocated from South Dakota. She attended a small two-room country school and became deeply involved in 4-H, where she developed a love of learning, service, and practical skills. Even as a young girl, Janice sensed a desire to help others, imagining a future as either a teacher or a nurse. In time, God would call her to become both.
During her high school years, Janice worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, where she met Sister Mary Francine Stubbs, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth. As she discerned God’s call, Sister Mary Francine encouraged her and helped guide her through the application process. Janice later recalled that her desire to enter religious life grew from a simple wish to do what God was asking of her. Janice entered the SCL Community on August 20, 1957. She received her habit on February 20, 1958, and was given the name Sister Marie Alberta. She later returned to her baptismal name.
Sister Janice began her ministry as an elementary school teacher, serving in Missouri, Wyoming, and Montana. During those early years, she discovered a calling to healthcare while working as an activity director at St. John Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas. That experience inspired her to pursue a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Kansas, opening the door to a new chapter of ministry dedicated to helping others regain independence and dignity after illness or injury.
As a registered occupational therapist, Sister Janice spent many years at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, eventually serving as supervisor of the Occupational Therapy Department. She later brought her clinical expertise into home health through Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Missouri, where she combined professional care with compassionate accompaniment. Throughout her ministries, she believed that healing involved the whole person, working patiently with individuals to restore confidence, develop practical skills, and help them return to meaningful daily life.
Her ministry naturally evolved into pastoral service. After earning a master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Sister Janice served as RCIA coordinator, director of religious education, pastoral associate, and pastoral care minister in Missouri, Montana, Kansas, and Colorado. Whether teaching the faith, accompanying parishioners, or caring for older adults, she was known for meeting people where they were and encouraging them to recognize God’s presence in their lives.
Even after formal retirement, Sister Janice continued serving others as a personal care provider in Colorado before returning to the Mother House in Leavenworth in 2013 for volunteer ministry. In 2023, she moved to Ross Hall, where her final ministry became one of prayer and presence among the Sisters and those who cared for them.
Reflecting on her vocation during her Golden Jubilee in 2007, Sister Janice wrote that God had faithfully led her from one ministry to the next, providing opportunities for continual growth and service. She considered religious life “a continuing call” and concluded her reflection with a prayer of gratitude: “Lord Jesus, I praise and adore you for your presence and love in my life and how you have led me.”
Sister Janice is remembered for her compassionate heart, her dedication to healing and pastoral care, and her lifelong commitment to accompanying others with kindness and faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Duane, Harlin, and Roger Steiger. She is survived by her brothers, Franklin (Bonnie) Steiger of Hysham, Montana, and Larry Steiger of Pompeys Pillar, Montana; her sisters, Diana Hafner of Billings, Montana, Eileen Lackman of Billings, Montana, Elaine (Raj) Nigam of Pennington, New Jersey, and Helen (Harry) Fowler of Santa Barbara, California; and extended family, friends, and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth.
A vigil service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, in Ross Chapel at the Mother House in Leavenworth. A rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery on the Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Retirement Fund, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
