Obituaries

“I am grateful that somehow in the mystery of God’s providence, I was drawn to this Holy Ground…to become part of the SCL Community.”

In this reflection shared on her induction into the Saint Mary College Athletic Hall of Fame…

“I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” —John 16:22

Separated by different mission assignments for several years, Sister Catherine Rose Grimm reunited with her SCL twin…

“Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name  of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” —Colossians 3:17

Over almost 69 years as a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, Sister Susan Pryor served faithfully in diverse ministries in the name of Jesus…

“I have set before you life and death … Choose life …” —Deuteronomy 30:19

Sister Marianna Bauder consistently and persistently chose life and lived life to the fullest. Despite facing many serious health challenges over the years, she possessed tremendous drive and energy. She was a beloved leader and a positive presence to those she served and with whom she served…

“The poor, my lords, are who we all must be.” —St. Vincent de Paul

In her Golden Jubilee reflection, Sister Mary Patricia Kielty referenced this quote. She also shared that learning to work with the poor in Peru and Bolivia was the most challenging, satisfying and wonderful experience that deepened her faith in God…

“Christ leads us to go out from ourselves more
and more, to give ourselves and to serve others.”
Pope Francis

In this Spirit of Christ, Sister Roberta Furey gave continuously of herself — to her family, to the SCL Community, to her friends, and to the staff and many youth she cared for at Mount Saint Vincent, Denver. Generosity was her hallmark; she had love in her heart for everyone. . .

“Whatever you do, do from
the heart, as for the Lord …”
Colossians 3:23

Whatever she did, Sister Jean Highberger did it from and with her heart for the Lord and in his Spirit, for others. Matters of the heart were important to her. Following a holy hour before the Sacred Heart shrine as a college student, she knew that she wanted to join the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. . .

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control. … If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.”
Galatians 5: 22-23, 25

In her life and ministry, Sister Mary Ellen Beyhan modeled many of the traits identified by St. Paul as the outcomes of living in and following the Spirit. Students of all ages — from first-grade through college — benefitted from her gifts as a talented and versatile teacher. Friends, faculty. . .

“Does anybody realize what life is while
they’re living it — every, every minute?”
Thornton Wilder, “Our Town”

In response to this question posed in a play that she treasured, Sister Margaret Marie Mitchell seemed to value the minutes and the minutiae of life and was able to weave them well into the unified whole of her ministry and service. She was an SCL for 71 years — an educator par excellence, and a pastoral minister in parishes and a healthcare facility. . .

“This was a very different religious life than I had
expected, but, in so many ways, what a wonderful life it has been …”
From Sister Pat’s Golden Jubilee remembrance, 2001

Faith, family, friends and caring concern for others were constants in the life of Sister Patricia Connolly, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 66 years. Sister Pat, 85, transitioned to eternal life on Feb. 5, 2018. . .