2025 Jubilarians
Jubilee is the name given to the anniversary year of a sister’s entrance into religious life. See below for biographies of all our sisters who are celebrating Jubilee in 2025.
80 Years
Sister Kathleen Babin, CSJ
80 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Kathleen Babin (formerly Sister Regis) was born in Baton Rouge to the late Eunice Templet and Ferbos Babin. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge and entered the Congregation in New Orleans 1943. She professed first vows in 1945 and final vows in 1948. Sister Kathleen earned a B.S. in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1956, and an M.A. in Theology in 1971, and also has a strong background in
Myers-Briggs and Enneagram studies. Sister Kathleen taught in elementary schools in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Grand Coteau, Louisiana from 1945 to 1963. She was local superior and a teacher at St. Joseph Academy in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a novice director for one year and a provincial for eight years in New Orleans. Sister Kathleen worked part-time with Management Design Inc. for six years. She then served as assistant general for the founding community of Medaille for five years, as pastoral assistant at St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge for four years, and in regional and congregational administration for four years. At the St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Baton Rouge, she was involved for ten years as associate director and later as director. She is currently retired and resides in Baton Rouge, offering prayers for the many people God has put in her path over nine decades.
Sister Madeline Lammermeier, CSJ
80 years
Founding Community of Cleveland
Sister Madeline Lammermeier entered religious life on September 8, 1944, from St. Mary Parish in Brookpark, Ohio. She taught elementary school for
25 years in grades 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Assignments included St. Mary in Berea, Ohio, Our Lady of the Angels, St. Clement, St. Ignatius Elementary, St. Agnes, in Cleveland, St. Mary of the Falls, and St. Agnes, Elyria, Ohio, and St. Rose School. In 1973, Sister Madeline began a new ministry in nursing and healthcare. She worked as a nurse’s aid at St. Joseph Hall and at St. John Hospital for three years. After her graduation from Lakewood School of Nursing as an LPN, she served as a staff nurse at Fairview General Hospital for six years, as a home health provider for six years, and as a staff LPN at A New Day Adult Day Care Center for five years. She later served as an LPN staff nurse at Age Line Adult Day Care Center for twenty years until her retirement in 2019. Sister Madeline is currently retired and resides at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland where she stays active managing the St. Joseph Prayer Line and enjoys living in community with other senior sisters.
Sister Mary Rene Poirier, CSJ
80 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Mary Rene Poirier was born in Hazel Park, MI, in 1927. The family moved to Detroit where she attended St. Philip Neri High School. After graduating, she entered the Nazareth Sister of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on July 2, 1945. She also earned a BA in History from Nazareth College in 1964. From 1948 to 1989, Sister Mary Rene taught at parochial schools throughout Michigan. That year, she joined Bethany House, a shelter for abused women in Kalamazoo, where she ministered for three years. In 1992, she became a pastoral minister at Fontbonne Manor, a position she held unti8l 2004, and then transitioned to an on-call companion in the ER. Sister Mary Rene also participated in the Ministry to Ministers Program in San Antionio, TX, which prepared her to serve on the pastoral services team for our sisters at our Nazareth center. Sister Mary Rene is now retired and resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work as she is able.
Sister Anna Schellhaas, CSJ
80 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Anna Schellhaas (formerly Sister Joseph Claire) was born in New Orleans, one of nine children of the late Hilda Koelmel and George Schellhaas. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in New Orleans, Sister Anna entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans 1943. She professed first vows in 1945 and final vows in 1948. Sister Anna worked in food service at St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans from 1945 to 1955, and then at St. Joseph Provincial House from 1955 to 1968. She received a Food Service Manager Certificate from St. Louis University in 1973 and spent thirty years working in food service at Terrebonne General Hospital in Houma, Louisianna. Sister Anna retired from food service in 1998 and spent the next seventeen years visiting the sick and homebound in Houma. In 2015, Sister Anna moved to Baton Rouge to continue living in community with other sisters. She stays busy volunteering and praying for all the people she has known during her 80 years in the Congregation.
75 Years
Sister Janet Bolger, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of La Grange Park
Sister Janet Bolger (formerly Sister Mary Martin Joseph) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent much of her formative years in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was a student of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. After graduating high school from St. Margaret’s Academy in Minneapolis, MN, she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph in La Grange Park on September 7, 1949, and received her habit in 1950. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from Loyola University in Chicago, and a master’s degree in history and education from the University of Detroit. Sister Janet’s long teaching career in 1952 at Divine Infant School in Westchester, IL where she taught 5th grade. She then went on to teach at many Chicago Archdiocesan schools including St. Francis Xavier, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Margaret Mary,
St. Hugh, St. Joseph High School, and Montini High School. She also served on the administrative team at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park from
1968-1072, and as principal at St. Mary in Riverside, IL, from 1972-1976. After taking a year sabbatical at Notre Dame University from 1988-1989, Sister Janet returned home and served the La Grange Park community as a member of the general counsel until 1992. During this time, she also taught religion and served in development at Nazareth Academy from 1989-2004, and became certified in spiritual companionship in 1998. After retiring from teaching, she spent the next several years volunteering as a spiritual companion with The Well Spirituality Center and as a tutor with School on Wheels, both in La Grange Park. Sister Janet currently resides at Joseph House in La Grange Park where she stays active volunteering and in prayer ministry.
Sister Bernita Marie Gensterblum, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Bernita Marie Gensterblum was born in Portland, MI, in 1929. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on July 1, 1950, from St. Patrick Parish in Portland. She graduated high school from Nazareth Academy in 1953 and later earned a BA in English from Nazareth College in 1967. From 1952 to 1979, Sister Bernita Marie taught at parochial schools throughout Michigan and for three years, in Chicago. She then transitioned to a new ministry, serving as a physical therapist at Fontbonne Manor for 17 years. In 1996, Sister Bernita Marie came home to Nazareth to assist our sisters in their health care needs which she did until her retirement. She now resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work as she is able.
Sister Joan Hartlaub, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Joan Hartlaub (formerly Sister Marcella), a native of Cincinnati, entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Cincinnati in 1950. She graduated from Our Lady of Cincinnati College with a B.S. in Education and has an M.S. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. Sister Joan taught for 15 years in Catholic elementary schools in the Cincinnati area and served ten years as campus minister at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, and Auraria Campus in Denver, Colorado. She then served as Associate Director of Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She was a member of the General Council of the founding community of Medaille for four years and ministered in guidance and development at McNicholas High School in Cincinnati. Sister Joan is currently retired and resides at our center in Wheeling, WV, where she stays active volunteering and in prayer ministry.
Sister Mary Alice McMaster, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Mary Alice McMaster (formerly Sister Rita Catherine) entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling on August 22, 1950. She has served the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston most of her religious life through
child-care, healthcare, and parish ministries. She retired from St. Vincent
Parish in 2010. After her retirement she continued to volunteer at the parish. Sister Mary Alice currently resides at Mount St. Joseph in Wheeling where she continues to send cards and stays connected with friends. She volunteers in Center Outreach projects, participates in Group Spiritual Direction and in a variety of other center activities. Sister Mary Alice also stays active in prayer ministry.
Sister Patricia Mullen, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Patricia Mullen (formerly Sister Geralda) was born in Detroit, MI, in 1934. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on July 1, 1950, from St. James Parish, Ferndale, MI. She graduated high school from Nazareth Academy in 1952 and later earned a BA in Mathematics from Nazareth College, an MA in Education Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, and an MA in Spirituality from Loyola University in Chicago. From 1952 to 1971, Sister Pat served as a teacher or principal at parochial schools throughout Michigan. After teaching, Sister Pat served the Congregation as regional coordinator in Detroit and on the leadership team until 1989. She they entered the healthcare field and served as the first patient representative at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, MI, from 1990-1993, and as the first Vice President of Mission Integration for St. Joseph Health Systems in Tawas, MI, from 1993-2007. She then came home to again serve the Congregation for several years in administration and as Director of Centers Life until her retirement in 2011. She now resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work as she is able.
Sister Eva Marie Schlag, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Eva Marie Schlag entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling in 1950. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University and master’s degree in administration from St. John University of Cleveland. She taught in parochial schools in Clarksburg, Fairmont, Weston, Huntington, and Wheeling. She also served as principal in Clarksburg and Wheeling and provided clerical services at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling. Sister Eva Marie is currently retired and resides at Mount St. Joseph in Wheeling where she stays active volunteering and in prayer ministry.
Sister Mary Lou Sterling, CSJ
75 years
Founding Community of La Grange Park
Sister Mary Lou Sterling (formerly Sister Mary Ursula) was born in Chicago, IL, and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. She is the youngest of 8 children. She attended Old St. Pat’s High School in Chicago and after graduation, she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph in La Grange Park on September 7, 1949. She received her habit in 1950. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in education from DePaul University in Chicago. Sister Mary Lou spent more than 45 years as a teacher, 18 of those years in Chicago Archdiocesan schools including St. Anthony, St. Mary, St. Barbara, St. Leonard, Divine Infant, St. Bonaventure, St. Cletus, Our Lady of Bethlehem. Sister Mary Lou also taught for 27 years in Chicago Public Schools including Emmet, Fulton, and Oscar de Priest School. Sister Mary Lou currently resides at Joseph House in La Grange Park where she stays active volunteering and in prayer ministry.
70 Years
Sister Doreen Charest, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Doreen Charest (formerly Sister Mary Benedict) is a native of Oklee, MN, where she and her family attended St. Francis Xavier Church. After graduating high school in 1953, she entered the Sisters of St Joseph in Crookston on September 7, 1953. She professed first vows in 1955 and final vows in 1961. Sister Doreen attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, where she earned a B.A. in English/Education. She taught high school (English and Latin) at St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston for five years. Later she attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul where she earned a Master’s in secondary education in 1964 and a Master’s in secondary administration in 1965. She was then asked to be principal of the girls’ department at Brady High School in West St. Paul. In 1970, she served as assistant to the provincial and apostolic coordinator for the Sisters of St. Joseph, and from 1978 – 1982, she served as provincial. In 1983, she earned a Certificate of Pastoral Ministry from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. That year, she ministered as coordinator at
St. Benedict Center in Crookston, then transitioned to St. Bernard Parish in Thief River Falls, MN, where she served as a member of the parish team and as religious education coordinator. In 1989, she began a new ministry at
St. Joseph’s Parish in Moorhead, MN, as a member of the parish team where she served in a variety of roles including pastoral ministry, outreach ministry, RCIA, and others. She served there until 2010. She also ministered part-time with the Presentation Sisters of Fargo, ND, and at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Moorhead. Sister Doreen then became the coordinator of community support services in Woodbury, MN, until her retirement in 2015. She currently resides in Cottage Grove, MN, where she is active in parish initiatives at St. Ambrose of Woodbury, volunteer work, and prayer ministry.
Sister Carol Gonsoulin, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Carol Gonsoulin (formerly Sister Frances Cabrini) was born in Opelousas, LA, one of four children to the late Eleanor Forrester and Otis Francois Gonsoulin. After graduating from Sunset High School in Sunset, LA, she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1953 and professed first vows in 1955. She went on to earn a BS in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans, and later received two teaching certificates in Texas while ministering there. Sister Carol began her long teaching career in 1957 at St. Rose School in New Orleans and went on to teach for over 35 years in many parochial schools in Louisiana, Texas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In 1996, Sister Carol studied the art of upholstery at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College and went on to a new ministry in the textile industry in
St. Paul and Woodbury, MN, and later in New Orleans. She retired in 2009 and currently resides at our center in Wichita, KS, where she stays active in prayer ministry and volunteering as she is able.
Sister Ann Kilbane, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Cleveland
Sister Ann Kilbane (formerly Sister Jean Anthony) entered religious life on September 8, 1954, from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cleveland. She began her career as an educator, teaching at various diocesan schools including
St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Rose, Saint Joseph Academy, Our Lady of Angels, and St. Clement. In 1967, Sister Ann became treasurer of the Congregation of
St. Joseph, a position she held for 10 years. During those years she pursued her master’s degree and helped establish “Ministry in the City,” which centered around fulfilling the needs of the people in and around St. Colman Parish. She was appointed a pastoral minister at St. Colman at that time. In 1981, Sister Ann became business manager for St. Joseph Academy. After that, she served as finance coordinator for NETWORK in Washington, DC, for three years. In 1994, she returned to St. Colman where she served as finance coordinator and later as parish life coordinator for several years. In addition, Sister Ann initiated the development of Colman Court, a senior housing unit offering affordable housing to seniors on the property of St. Colman. In 2013, Sister Ann moved to St. Joseph Center where she served as Coordinator of Sisters until 2017, and then as Chapel Sacristan until 2023. Though retired, Sister Ann remains active through volunteerism and prayer.
Sister Audrey Koch, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Cleveland
Sister Audrey Koch (formerly Sister Ellen Joseph) entered religious life on September 8, 1954, from St. Rose Parish in Cleveland. She taught in elementary schools for 24 years at parochial schools throughout the diocese, including St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. John (Lorain). She also served as principal of St. Colman for four years, and taught theology at Saint Joseph Academy for five years. From 1975-2000, Sister Audrey spent her summers on staff at The Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, New Jersey, where she worked with children in the summer programs. In 1991, she embraced a new ministry as Apostolate to the blind/deaf/hard of hearing in the Catholic Charities Office of Disability at St. Augustine Parish. There, she also worked in and helped coordinate volunteers to staff the Hunger Center and ministered to people experiencing mental health issues, which led to her long involvement with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In 2003, she returned to St. Colman where she served as a pastoral associate, worked with the CYO teen programs, taught pre-school and PSR, served as a Sacristan and sang in the choir, visited the sick in hospitals and the elderly in nursing homes, and more. In 1999, Sister Audrey received the Pastoral Ministry Award from the Cleveland Catholic Blind Community, and in 2000 received the Community Partnership Award from Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare System. She currently resides at St. Joseph Center in Cleveland where she enjoys staying active through volunteerism and prayer. Her favorite Bible verse is John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Sister Evelyn Mee, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Evelyn Mee (formerly Sister Juanita Marie), was born in Tallulah, LA, one of three children to the late Juanita Boudreaux and Thomas Rupert Mee. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge in 1953, she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans, professing first vows in 1955 and final vows in 1960. She received a B.S. in Education from Loyola University New Orleans in 1966 and a M.S. in Religious Education from Notre Dame School of Theology in New Orleans in 1977. Sister Evelyn taught school from 1955 to 1990 at various schools including St. Joseph Academy in New Roads, Louisiana, Rose of Lima and St. Frances Cabrini, both in New Orleans, Sacred Heart in Baton Rouge, Guardian Angel in Cincinnati, and St. Ignatius in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, where taught from 1968-1971 and then served as principal from 1971-1975. She then taught and served as assistant principal at
St. George in Baton Rouge from 1975-1978. Sister Evelyn then went on to minister in religious education at Sacred Heart School and Parish in Baton Rouge from 1990 to 2009. She is currently retired and resides in Baton Rouge where she continues to serve through volunteer ministry and prayer.
Sister Margaret Nugent, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Margaret entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita, KS, during her third year of high school in County Cork, Ireland. After completing her high school education, she went on to earn a B.S. in Education from St. Mary of the Plains College. Sister Margaret taught grade school students in San Leandro, CA, and in Groves, TX. She then attended St. Louis University during the summer months receiving a M.S. in Counseling Education and continued to teach in various Kansas schools. Having been asked to take on the duties of a principal, she received certification from Notre Dame University during the summer months. After serving 52 years in various grade schools, she was gifted with a wonderful sabbatical experience in San Antonio, TX. She then served at Center Coordinator in our Wichita Center for many years. Sister Margaret is currently retired and resides at our Wichita center where she remains active in prayer ministry and in volunteer work.
Sister Zita Oberle, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Zita Oberle grew up on a farm near Claflin, KS. After graduating from high school, she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wichita and received the habit in 1955. She earned a BS in Education from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City and MS in Education from Creighton University in Omaha. Sister Zita ministered for thirty-one years in Catholic schools as a teacher, librarian, and principal. In 1989, Sister Zita moved to Great Bend to care for her mother and serve as the Night Shelter Manager for the Family Crisis Center. Following the death of her mother, she participated in a Sarah Sabbatical in Concordia. She then moved to Newton to begin her Companion Care ministry with the elderly. Sister Zita is currently retired and resides at our center in Wichita where she remains active in prayer ministry.
Sister Catherine Therese Paulie, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Catherine Therese Paulie entered Mount St. Mary Convent in 1953 from St. Francis Parish in St. Paul, KS, and has ministered in Kansas almost her entire religious life. She became an educator, teaching in elementary schools in Pittsburg, Lyons, and Hutchinson before pursuing higher education. After completing a doctorate in Mathematics from St Louis University in 1971, she taught and served in administration at St. Mary of the Plains College and at Wichita State University until 1989. Sister Catherine Therese then began parish ministry, serving in Logan, Ransom, Ness City, Claflin, and at St. Dominic in Garden City. From 1993-1997, she was Motherhouse coordinator in Wichita, and then served as Parish Life Coordinator in St. John, KS, for eight years before moving to Barber County to minister to the parishes of Kiowa, Sharon, and Medicine Lodge. Illness brought her back to Mount St. Mary Convent from 2016-2017, but she was able to return to active ministry in Jetmore and Hanston until her retirement in July 2022. Sister Catherine Therese currently resides at our center in Wichita where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work.
Sister Dorothy Randall, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of La Grange Park
Sister Dorothy Randall (formerly Sister Mary Vida Therese) was born in Hinsdale, IL, and was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Downers Grove, IL. After graduating high school from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 7, 1954, and received her habit in 1955. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from DePaul University in Chicago in 1966, and a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Chicago in 1973. Sister Dorothy’s career as a teacher began in 1957 at St. John Fisher School in Chicago, where she taught first grade until 1964. She then moved to St. Francis Xavier in
La Grange Park where she also taught first grade until 1967. That year, she moved to St. Cletus in La Grange Park where she taught grades 4 and 7, and served as Local Superior until 1970. Sister then transitioned into administration and served as principal of Divine Infant School in Westchester, IL, from
1970-1983. She then moved back home to our center in La Grange Park where she served as Director of Services until 1989. After several years sabbatical during which Sister Dorothy cared for her mother, she returned to education serving as principal at St. Joseph School in Downers Grove, the school she attended in her youth, from 1993-2007. In 2014, Sister Dorothy once again served the Congregation as Director of Community Life and Services at our center in La Grange Park until her retirement in 2017. Currently, she resides at Joseph House in La Grange Park where she stays active with volunteer work and prayer ministry.
Sister Mary Southard, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of La Grange Park
Sister Mary Southard (formerly Sister Mary Barbara) was born in Sparta, WI, in 1936. The family moved to Cicero, IL, and attended Mary Queen of Heaven Parish. After graduating high school from Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 7, 1954, and received her habit in 1955. She then went on to attend St. Procopius University in Lisle, IL, and Rosary College in River Forest, IL, where she earned a B.A. in Art in 1960. She later went on to earn a M.A. in Art from Notre Dame University in 1965, and a certificate for her study of art and spirituality at the Institute of Spirituality and Worship at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA, in 1981. Returning to Chicago, she taught a course in the New Cosmology at IPS of Loyola University for several years. Sister Mary began her early ministry as a teacher in several area elementary schools in the late 50s and early 60s including St. John Fisher, St. Isaac Jogues, and St. Francis Xavier. She then went on to teach art, humanities, and religion at Nazareth Academy, and was appointed to serve in the formation of sisters in temporary vows. In the 1970s, she founded the Christian Life Center in La Grange Park.
In 1975, Sister Mary served briefly as resident director for the Active Spirituality for the Global Community program based in Cincinnati. Back in La Grange Park, she served as Spiritual Life Coordinator and artist for the Liturgy Training Program for the Archdiocese of Chicago. During this time, she was hired to design and create many different pieces art and life-sized sculptures for parishes she was engaged with including Divine Providence Parish in Westchester, IL, and St. Stephen’s in Des Plaines IL. Sister Mary also helped found Christ in the Wilderness spirituality center in Galena, IL, where she helped build the first cabin and served as a contemplative artist. Back in
La Grange Park, Mary taught art part-time at Nazareth Academy, led workshops and retreats here and abroad, and began creating the popular CSJ Calendar. In 1990, Sister Mary was missioned by the congregation along with Fr. John Surette, SJ, to start a ministry for Spirituality and Ecology. They opened SpiritEarth center, first in Dover, MA, and later in Weston, MA, and served as an artist at SpiritEarth in Saugeties, NY. The work of SpiritEarth continues at The Well Spirituality Center in La Grange Park. When Alexine Chapel inside our center in La Grange Park was renovated, Sister Mary had the privilege of designing the beautiful new altar and sanctuary furniture. Sister Mary’s art has received numerous awards and recognitions including the Best of the Best award from the La Grange Park Art League Gallery, and she was inducted into Nazareth’s Academy’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame. She currently resides at Joseph House in La Grange Park where she continues to create the beautiful paintings and sculpture for which she is so well known.
Sister Martina White, CSJ
70 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Martina White first witnessed the example of the Sisters of St. Joseph while working with them in mission work in Woodward, OK. After graduating high school, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita, KS, in May, 1954. She earned a BS in English from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS in 1963 and a Master of Science Degree in Business Education from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS in 1972. After graduating, she went on to teach in various elementary school and financial ministries in colleges, hospitals, and community settings. She served as Student Financial Aid Director and Treasurer of St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS, accountant at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, KS, and in St. Joseph Hospital (later known as Via Christi) in Wichita, KS, and as accountant assistant for the community in the Wichita Center. Sister Martina is currently retired and resides at our center in Wichita where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work.
65 Years
Sister Anne Bergin, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Anne Bergin (formerly Sister Rose Mary), a native of Baton Rouge, LA, entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans in 1957. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans, with a B.A. in
Social Studies and a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas in Galveston. She received training at the Hospice Institute in Great Britain. Sister Anne spent her first ten years teaching in Catholic elementary schools in New Orleans and in Cincinnati. She then returned to school and practiced physical therapy for 28 years. Now retired, Sister Anne resides in Harahan, LA, and uses her considerable talent to teach quilting to senior citizens enrolled in People Program in New Orleans. She also enjoys vegetable gardening and continues to minister through prayer.
Sister Dianne Fanguy, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Dianne Fanguy (formerly Sister Mary Kostka), a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, LA, entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in
New Orleans in 1957. A secondary high school educator for 16 years, she graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans with a B.S. in Math/Secondary Education, and a M.A. in Theology from Notre Dame University in Indiana. While doing Congregational Formation Ministry for 5 years, she pursued further studies in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University. Later, she studied Spanish and Latin American historical-cultural formation in preparation for 31 years of mission work in Guatemala (with Maya people), in Bolivia (as pastor of a priestless Aymara parish) and in Nicaragua where she served for 22 years in community development with gender equality, spiritual formation on all levels, youth leadership training, national leadership training workshops, and spiritual accompaniment. Sister Dianne currently resides in Baton Rouge and stays active in volunteer work and in prayer ministry.
Sister Danielle Garst, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Tipton
Sister Danielle Garst was born on July 11, 1942, and lived her first 18 years on the family farm in the small town of Fortville, IN. She began to consider being a sister in the sixth grade at Holy Spirit School in Indianapolis, where the Sisters of Providence taught her and her siblings. While Sister Danielle was in the seventh grade, the family moved to Tipton, IN, where she attended St. John the Baptist School and St. Joseph Academy. It was there she met the Sisters of
St. Joseph as her teachers. After graduating, she entered the Sisters of
St. Joseph in Tipton on September 7, 1960. After teaching grades K-6 for thirty years in seven schools in the Diocese of Lafayette, Sister Danielle attended and received a Certificate in Gerontology from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. After completing classes, she remained at St. Mary-of-the-Woods for 12 years to minister as a nursing assistant and receptionist for the Sisters of Providence. In 2012, Sister Danielle moved to Kalamazoo, MI, where she currently resides at our Nazareth center and stays active in prayer ministry.
Sister Barbara Kupchak, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Barbara Kupchak (formerly Sister Pauline) entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling in 1960. She earned a diploma in nursing from Wheeling Hospital School of Nursing in 1966, after which she practiced nursing at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston and St. Mary’s Hospital in Clarksburg. In 1969, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago, and in 1974, earned a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. After graduation, she returned to Wheeling to work as a counselor/therapist for children at Catholic Charities. After 4 years, she was invited to teach at the newly established nursing education program at Wheeling Jesuit College, a four-year BSN program established by Sister Mary Byrne, CSJ. During this time, she began her PhD in Nursing at the University of Texas in Austin and received her PhD in Psych/Mental Health Nursing with a focus in Geriatrics in 1987. In 1985, while still a student in the PhD program, Sister Barb was invited to teach at West Virginia University’s Master’s in Nursing program where she helped create a master’s program for Family Nurse Practitioner’s. While at WVU, she was given the opportunity to teach for a semester as a visiting Professor of Nursing at Zhejhaing University, Hangzhou, China. In 1998, she was invited to present workshops and teach a course in Rural Health Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing, Melbourne, Australia. While a teacher at WVU, Sister Barbara was honored to be given the designation of a Distinguished Practitioner of Nursing and made a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice. After 30 years, she retired from West Virginia University as a Professor Emeritus. Sister Barb currently resides at Mount St. Joseph in Wheeling where she stays active in prayer ministry and volunteer work.
Sister Jane Frances Mannion, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Tipton
Sister Jane Frances Mannion entered religious life February 2, 1960. She taught in Catholic schools in several cities in Indiana including Portland, South Bend, Tipton, Carmel, Marion, and Kokomo. She also served as Principal for several years. After leaving the teaching ministry, Sister Jane Frances embraced the ministry of Pastoral Care at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.
She also served as Pastoral Associate at Immaculate Heart of Mary and
St. Luke the Evangelist Parishes in Indianapolis. During many of these same years, she served on the Leadership Team in Tipton. Sister Jane Frances retired from parish ministry in 2009 but has stayed active with CSJ Associates in the Tipton area. She also enjoys spending time with family and continues to correspond with many friends whose friendships have expanded through her ministry years. Sister Jane Frances enjoys her flower gardens and attends annual alumnae gatherings of the former St. Joseph Academy in Tipton.
Sister Marguerite O’Brien, CSJ
65 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Marguerite O’Brien entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling, WV, in 1960. Her formal education includes Masters degrees in Clinical Chemistry from The Ohio State University and in Liturgy from Notre Dame University. Her earliest ministry was as a science teacher in Huntington, WV. She then entered the health care field as a medical technologist and as director of medical technology programs at Fairmont State College and Wheeling Jesuit University where was also a resident counselor for many years. In 1989, she embraced leadership responsibilities for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling and later served on the leadership team for the Congregation of St. Joseph from 2007-2018. From 2017-2018, she also served as Interim CEO of the Congregation’s senior living company, CSJ Initiatives. Currently, Sister Marguerite enjoys Congregational committee work and volunteer ministry. “My life in community is so blessed,” said Sister Marguerite. “How can I begin to thank our loving God for all the opportunities that I have experienced. It has been such a privilege to share life and dreams with such a loving and dedicated group of women.”
60 Years
Sister Marjorie Bassett, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Marjorie Bassett was born in Port Huron, MI, in 1947. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on August 25, 1965, from St. Christopher Parish in Marysville, MI. She graduated high school from Port Huron Catholic School and later earned a BA in English from Nazareth College, and a MA in Elementary Education from Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI. From 1969 to 1986, Sister Marjorie served as a teacher at parochial schools throughout Michigan. She then moved to Phoenix, AZ and served at Saints Simon and Jude School as a fourth grade teacher from 1986 – 2002. During her last few years in Phoenix, she also served as assistant principal working with teachers in grades K to 5. She then returned to Kalamazoo to teach at St. Augustine for two years until 2004. Later that year, she transitioned to serving the Congregation as part of the Nazareth Ministry Team which worked with Sisters at Nazareth, Fontbonne, and the nursing home. After many years there, she was appointed to continue serving the Congregation as Director of Community Life at Nazareth. She retired in March of 2020 and has participated in a number of volunteer services with the community and the Diocese of Kalamazoo since then. Currently, she visits and brings communion to the sisters and a few lay men and women who live at the nursing home. She is also part of the Diocesan Bible Study Team that visits the county jail in Kalamazoo.
Sister Molly Bauer, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Molly Bauer (formerly Sister Helen Marie) entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling on September 8, 1965, from her home parish of
St. Joseph Cathedral in Wheeling. She attended St. Alphonsus Elementary School, Corpus Christi Elementary School and Central Catholic High School, in Wheeling, and graduated in 1965. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Liberty State College in 1973, and
a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton in 1990. Sister Molly began her career as a teacher in 1968 at Blessed Sacrament School in South Charleston, WV, where she stayed for two years. She then taught at St. Patrick School in Weston, WV, from 1973-1978, Blessed Trinity School in Wheeling from 1978-1981, and St. Agnes Grade School in Charleston from 1981-1983. Sister Molly then felt called to pastoral ministry, serving as a pastoral minister at Tucker County Parish & Missions (St, Thomas Parish, and St. Veronica and Our Lady of Mercy Missions) residing in Parsons, WV, from 1983-1988, Work Study Program in Atlanta, GA, from 1988-1990, and at All Saints Parish in Bridgeport, WV, from 1990-1991. She then served as a pastoral associate at St. Michael’s Mission in Burnsville, WV, from 1991-1992, Monroe County Catholic Parishes in Union-Peterstown-Sweet Springs, WV, from 1992-2000, and at Sts. Andrew’s Mission/Catherine Parish/Louis Mission residing in Union, WV, from 2000-2004. While in southern West Virginia, she helped initiate the Monroe County Coalition for Children and Families and Court-Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. In 2004, Sister Molly became Program Director of the Health Ministry Initiative of the Sisters Health Foundation (formerly Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund) in Parkersburg, WV; she assumed the role of Senior Program Officer in 2013 until her retirement in 2023. She currently resides in Vienna, WV. Sr. Molly is a member of
St. Margaret Mary Parish where she serves as lector. She leads a weekly Centering Prayer group, is active with the Parkersburg area CSJ Associates, and is a board member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action. She is also chair of the Congregational Gift Committee and a member of the Congregational Integral Ecology Working Group.
Sister Patricia Dillon, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Patricia Dillon was born in Detroit, MI, in 1946. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on August 25, 1965, from St. Margaret Mary Parish in Detroit. She graduated high school from St. Bernard in Detroit and later earned a BA in English from Nazareth College. From 1970-1987, Sister Patricia served as a teacher at parochial schools throughout Michigan. That year, she transitioned to young ministry at St. Casimir Parish in Lansing, MI. She then spent two years studying and working at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago. She then served as a prison chaplain from 2000-2005. Sister Patricia is currently retired and resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work.
Sister Jacklyn Duncan, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Wichita
After graduating in 1964 from high school at Antlers High School (in Antlers, Oklahoma), Sister Jacklyn entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita. She completed a canonical year then took classes through St. Mary of the Plains College and attended Sacred Heart (Newman University). After earning a degree in elementary education, she began teaching in Dodge City and taught until the 1970’s. In the summers she attended the University of Dayton where she earned certification as an elementary administrator. For the next 10 years, she ministered as a principal. She retired from active ministry and returned to the Wichita Center where she ministers in the library and remains active in the prayer ministry and other volunteer work. “All for the honor and glory of God”
Sister Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Wheeling
Sister Rose Ann Hefner entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wheeling on September 8, 1965, from her home parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Ronceverte, WV. She attended Lewisburg Elementary School and Lewisburg High School, graduating in 1965. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wheeling College in 1971, and a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College of Baltimore. Sister Rose Ann began her ministry as a teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School in Wheeling in 1971. She then felt called to pastoral and prison ministry and served as a Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick Parish in Hinton, WV, and Federal Correctional Institution for Women in Alderson, WV from 1972-1981. She then served as Director of a prison project of the West Virginia Council of Churches at the State Prison for Women in Pence Springs. In 1982, she began a four-year term in pastoral ministry serving the Outreach Mission in East Kermit, WV. In 1989, she became a pastoral minister at St. John Parish in Harrisville, WV, where she served until 1996. During that time, she also worked as the Director and the Co-Director of Wheeling SWSJ Associate Program. She then served as a pastoral counselor at Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center in Charleston for over 20 years. In 2010, Sister Rosie began serving the Congregation as a Candidate Mentor on the Formation Team for five years, and then as Assistant Novitiate Director for several years. In 2020 she began working with the American Friends Service Committee as a Restorative Justice Practitioner. Currently, Sister Rose Ann resides in Charleston, WV, where she works as a Spiritual Director, and is in involved with several justice initiatives including serving on the Board of the newly formed West Virginia Restorative Justice Project.
Sister Barbara Kaufman, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Barbara Kaufman (formerly Sister Arlene Marie) was born in Minneapolis, MN, and after graduating from Holy Angels Academy in 1962, she entered religious life that same year. She received her habit in 1965 and professed final vows in 1970. She went on to earn a B.S. in Education from Viterbo College in La Crosse, WI, in 1969, and later a M.A. in Special Education from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN, in 1984. Sister Barbara taught elementary school at several parochial schools in Minnesota including St. Joan of Arc School in Minneapolis, St. Canice School in Kilkenny, Catholic Elementary School in Crookston, and Bridge View School in St. Paul, where she was a special education teacher. She also taught in Wisconsin at St. Louis School in Superior and St. Anne’s School in Somerset. At this time, Sister Barbara felt called to chaplaincy work and served in that capacity for several years in a number of healthcare facilities including Bethesda Rehab Hospital, Regional Acute Trauma Hospital, and Healtheast Marian Center, all in St. Paul, MN. In the early 2000s, Sister Barb moved to Chicago and served as a chaplain at Misericordia, Adventis, Memorial Hospital, Bethlehem Woods, and for our sisters at our center in La Grange Park. She is currently retired and resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo, MI, where she is active in volunteer work and prayer ministry.
Sister Diane Poynot, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Medaille
Sister Diane Poynot (formerly Sister Jeanette) was born in New Orleans, one of five children to the late Jeanne Ganucheau and Oscar Francis Poynot. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans in 1962, she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in New Orleans that year, professed first vows in 1965, and final vows in 1973. She attended St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans and received a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Southwestern in Lafayette, LA. Beginning in 1969, Sister Diane ministered as an R.N. at Terrebonne General Hospital in Houma, LA, where she served for ten years. She was instrumental in starting the first Home Health Agency in the Houma/Thibodaux Diocese – a Branch of the Metropolitan Home Health in New Orleans – where she served for 4 years. In 1980, she went to St. Joseph Parish in Chauvin, LA, where she served in Home Health Care and Parish Ministry for 35 years. Sister Diane is now retired and resides in Houma, LA, where she serves and is engaged with our Houma area CSJ Associates, as a Congregational Health Care Coordinator for the New Orleans sisters, and as a caregiver for family and friends. She also volunteers and is active in prayer ministry.
Sister Mildred Werner, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Mildred Werner was born in Detroit, MI, in 1940. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on August 25, 1965, from Assumption Grotto Parish, in Detroit. She graduated from St. Anthony High School in Detroit. Prior to entering the Congregation, Sister Mildred completed a two-year program in Radiologic Technology at Detroit Memorial Hospital and was certified by the National Registry of Radiologic Technologists in 1962. Following graduation, she was employed for three years at Detroit Memorial Hospital. She also earned a BS in Biology from Nazareth College, and a MA in Pastoral Theology from Loyola University in Chicago. In 1985 she returned to Healthcare Ministry as a staff chaplain at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Ml and was certified as a chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) in 1986. After several years as a staff chaplain, Sister Mildred was named Director of Spiritual Care. While serving full-time in Spiritual Care, she lived with her aged mother and uncle for ten years and assisted with their daily needs along with dedicated caregivers until God called them home. After twenty-two years of service at St. John Hospital and at the time of the foundation of the Congregation of St. Joseph in 2007, she was appointed as the Healthcare Coordinator for Nazareth Sisters not living at the Center in Nazareth, Ml. She served in this position for eight years until her retirement in 2015. Sister Mildred currently resides at our Nazareth center in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry and volunteer work as she is able.
Sister Patricia Whalen, CSJ
60 years
Founding Community of Nazareth
Sister Patricia Whalen (formerly Sister Mary Virigina Ann) was born in Highland Park, MI, in 1947. She entered the Nazareth Sisters of St. Joseph in Kalamazoo on August 25, 1965 from St. Philip Neri Parish in Detroit, where she also attended high school. She went on to earn a BS in Biology from Nazareth College in 1970. From 1969-2005, Sister Patricia served as a teacher at parochial schools throughout Michigan including St. Mary School in Williamston, Scudiere School in Detroit, St. Veronica School in Eastpointe, St. Catherine School in Algonac, and St. Paul School in Grosse Pointe. After teaching, Sister Patricia served as worship coordinator from 2005-2014 at St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore, MI, and later at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren, MI. Sister Patricia is currently retired and resides at Villa at Borgess Place in Kalamazoo where she remains active in prayer ministry.
50 Years
Sister Ursula Fotovich, CSJ
50 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Ursula Fotovich was first introduced to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita in December, 1973, while she was attending Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, KS. She came to Wichita to visit with Sister Madeline Waner, the Formation Director at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent. She earned her degree in education in May, 1974, and entered as a postulant on August 18, 1974. She taught at Holy Family Center during her postulancy. After completing her postulancy, she became a novice July 31, 1975. When her two years of novitiate were completed, she began her teaching ministry in the community. She taught at several elementary schools and also served as a principal. She served as the Congregational Secretary for the Wichita Congregation for three years and went back to teaching for a few years. She then served as Director of Missions for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita for twelve years. She then was asked to serve the Congregation in the archives at the Wichita Center and is still the Local Historian of the Wichita Center. Even though she has retired from active ministry outside the Congregation, she is still very active within the Congregation. Along with being Local Historian, she does Community Service Ministry and other activities as they arise. She also does volunteer work outside the Congregation. Sister Ursula currently resides at the Wichita Center.
Sister Maria Dolores Ohno, CSJ
50 years
Founding Community of Wichita
Sister Maria Dolores Ohno wanted to be a sister since she was a child in kindergarten, when she saw two sisters walking down the street and thought she would like to be like them. Though she grew up in a non-Christian family in Japan, she met a young woman who introduced her to God while she was still an elementary school student. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1975 and has ministered with children both in kindergarten and at Special Needs School.