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My life has been lived with a certain degree of ordinariness graced with the extraordinary embrace of God. – Sister Mary Clare Gappa
Sister Mary Clare Gappa, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 66 years, passed away peacefully on Jan. 22, 2023, at Ross Hall in Leavenworth, Kan.
Mary Clare Gappa was born on Dec. 8, 1938, in Moorhead, Minn., one of two children to William and Hildegarde (Lorsung) Gappa. When Hildegarde was only six years old, her mother died from the flu, leaving the family to be raised by their father and Mary Clare’s great-grandmother. This family dynamic prepared Mary Clare for a life of hard work, respect, loyalty, compassion, and strength.
When Mary Clare was two, her family moved to Mont., where William worked for many years for the Midland Coal and Lumber Company until an injury forced him to relinquish his management position. The family moved to Billings, and at a tremendous personal sacrifice, William and Hildegarde enrolled Mary Clare and her brother, Bob, in Catholic school.
While Mary Clare had religious vocations among her relatives, it wasn’t until she entered Billings Central High School that she met the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. She came to admire them and began discerning joining the Community. Mary Clare knew she had to listen to God’s call and that religious life was where she belonged. She entered the SCL Community on Aug. 19, 1956, and as Sister Clare Marie made her final vows on Aug. 22, 1964. She later returned to her baptismal name.
Sister Mary Clare knew she was destined to be a teacher from an early age. From the first grade on, she would gather the neighborhood kids at the end of each school day and “teach” them. After she entered, Sister Mary Clare taught for 24 years in schools in Kan., Ill., Mo., and her beloved Mont. She was a skilled educator with unmatched creativity and compassion for all. She had a talent for redirection and innovated teaching techniques, leaving no child behind.
Later, and after much discernment, Sister Mary Clare completed her master’s in theology and spirituality. She began her ministry as a pastoral associate at Coronation of Our Lady Parish in Grandview, Mo. One of her many responsibilities was teaching RCIA classes. For the next three decades, she would walk with adults on their conversion journey, sharing her passion and knowledge of the Catholic Church.
During her 50th Jubilee, Sister Mary Clare reflected that the theme throughout her life has been “faithfulness – to God, to family, to relationships, to Community, to ministry, to self.” Sister Mary Clare was caring, compassionate, and brave. She loved music, her family and friends, and her SCL Community. Sister Mary Clare humbly embraced her service to others and the Catholic faith. She was the epitome of faithful, making her an unforgettable companion on life’s journey.
Preceding Sister Mary Clare’s death were her parents and her deceased Sisters in the SCL Community. She is survived by her brother, Bob Gappa (Pam), Tuscan, Ariz., her extended family, and her SCL Community.
A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Jan. 31 in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 1. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. 66048. Arrangements made by R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.
I worked with Sr. Clare for 7 years at Coronation Parish. We were not only co-workers but friends. Her faith and her loving heart embraced so many parishioners.
My sympathy in death of Sr. Mary Clare Gappa….Her mother was a distant relative from MN…may she rest in peace. Will try to stream her vigil& funeral. Thanks to all who helped her in her life …may she rest in peace & blessings to all the Sister of Charity who were her friends.
StMary Clare was a distant relative. Her mom, Hildegard was a sister to my uncle, Fat Lorsung. Sr Mary Clare was a very sweet lady! Will put her in my prayers! We have Sisters of Charity nuns here in Louisville and Bardstowm, Ky🙏
So sorry to hear about Sr Mary Clare. She is a distant relative. Her mother, Hildegard was a sister to my cousin Don Lorsung’s dad. Sr was a kind and caring person. Prayers for her and family. We have Srs of Charity nuns here in Louisville, Ky and in Bardstown. My brother in law was a priest chaplain for the nuns in Bardstown.
I got to know Sister Mary Clare when she would visit her mom, Hildegard in the nursing home where I worked. Her visits were always special to her mom and staff. We corresponded for some time after her mom passed. Sister Mary Clare was a true servant of God. Blessings and prayers for her family and congregation.
We knew the Gappa family for many years in Billings Montana. Sister Clare came to Billings several times a year to visit her mother Hildegard at St Johns Nursing Home…She was always so kind and sweet. Well done good and faithful servant. May the Angels lead you into paradise…Always in our prayers…
Sincerely
Tim & Sharon Beeter
I knew Sister from my years working at St Vincent Healthcare and during the peak COVID she recognized me in the grocery store. I so admired her as such a dedicated and strong lady. May her reward in heaven be great.
I just heard of Sister Mary Clare’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind, and loving person. I always looked forward to time I spent talking with her. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends.
Thanks for the nice memory of Sr. Clare Gappa
A cousin from Alexandria, MN