Obituaries

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” –1 Peter 4:10

Sister Mary Josepha Talle, 92, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on March 13, 2021, in Ross Hall at the SCL Motherhouse, Leavenworth, Kansas. Sister celebrated her 70th year anniversary as an SCL in 2016.

“Everything about being a Sister makes me happy…I am blessed to be able to enjoy life to its fullest!” —Sister Mary Sharon Verbeck

For almost 60 years, Sister Mary Sharon devoted her life to a ministry of education and school administration.

“Yours are the hands through which [God] blesses all the world.” —Saint Teresa of Ávila

Sister Josephine Bustos was known for her energetic spirit and sense of humor.

“There is real joy in being called to live a selfless life.” – Sister Bernadette Marie Teasdale

Sister Bernadette Marie Teasdale was known for her vivacious spirit and highly-extroverted nature.

“You have been told … what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Sister Jane Albert Mehrens believed that loving one’s neighbor—especially the poor and needy—was a scriptural imperative deeply rooted in the nature of a just and caring God.

“Lord, make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love.” – From the hymn version of the Prayer of Saint Francis

Sister Regina Ann Green was known for her sense of humor and her commitment to family. She loved music, playing keyboard, dance and watercolor painting. She especially valued charity as a defining characteristic of her religious community and sought to reflect this in her life and work.

“When I reflect on my life, the recurring theme is ‘blessing!’ I truly have been blessed throughout my life with family, friends, the SCL Community, the opportunities that have been given to me and the challenges I have encountered.” – Sister Roberta O’Leary

Sister Roberta O’Leary was known as a lover of college athletics, especially Notre Dame football. Though kind, she could be no-nonsense and was an able leader. Friends remember her as a funny and gifted storyteller.

“You shall speak your words in foreign lands, and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live.” —From the song, “Be not afraid,” by Bob Dufford, SJ

Sister Lucille Harrington was known for her love of nature, birdwatching, and animals. She felt that every part of creation revealed the glory of God, whether she was in her native Kanas or on the mountain ranges of South America where she ministered to the Aymara Indians.

“Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and life.” –Cardinal John Henry Newman

Sister Marie Brinkman was known as a polymath with immense curiosity. She was highly industrious and often had several projects going on at once.

“Love of [humanity] should be exceeded only by love of God. One can better love [their] neighbor if [they] know them (through history).” – Sister Rose Dolores

Sister Rose Dolores Hoffelmeyer was known as a life-long learner, an avid reader, and a strong advocate for social justice.