By Molly Butler Interchange Online Loretto rallied among the hundreds of Earth-loving Kentuckians and friends that mobilized on February 12th for the ninth annual “I Love Mountains Day.” It was a chilly afternoon in Frankfort, Kentucky but the sun shone…
December 7, 1927 — February 17, 2014
Marita Woodruff was the second of five children of Albert and Ruth Donahue Michenfelder. Baptized Ann Ruth, she attended elementary school at Our Holy Redeemer, just down the street from the family home. Ann graduated from Webster Groves High School and then from Webster College, both also very near the Michenfelder home. According to her sister, Mary Phelan, Marita loved theatre, “She used to give neighborhood plays, and she did theater all through high school and college.”
November 11, 1925—February 16, 2014
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Leo James and Mary Sonefeld White, the daughter who would become Sister Ann White was baptized Mary Inez. In an autobiographical sketch written in the late 1980s, Ann called herself “a first generation Kentuckian, since my parents were transferred to Louisville from Grand Rapids, Michigan.” Little Inez began elementary school at St. Vincent DePaul parish, but moved with her family after just one month to Louisville’s west end, where she was enrolled at Christ the King School even though her family lived outside the parish bounds.
April 29, 1920-January 31, 2014
Virginia was born April 29, 1920 in Lodgepople, South Dakota. She and six siblings learned much growing up on their South Dakota farm. Their mother died when Virginia, the youngest child, was 13; but Virginia had been gifted with a depth of compassion and wisdom she took with her throughout her life.
July 31, 1920 - November 29, 2013
I have never been in a place that I haven’t fallen in love with, have never had any living experiences except happy ones. I have continued to LOVE the sisters. When choices became ours to make, I chose Santa Clara, then I chose Denver and now I am basking in my last choice, life once again at Loretto in Kentucky. This just might be the second-best choice of my life. Second, because going to Loretto in 1942 was my first, best choice.
December 29, 1932 - October 29, 2013
“I still share my nursing a little with older sisters. Since returning to the Motherhouse, I have added pastoral care to my experience. As part of a team, I take communion to the sisters in our infirmary. I pray with two groups. To others I offer some time of presence with them.” Serving the people of God was always Julia’s goal. Loretto joins many others in saying Thank you, Sister Julia Anne, for your many years of faithful service.
April 28, 1915—September 10, 2013
"Her lust for life was catching – to Frank, everything and every day was an adventure! Her love of family and the neighbors was legendary and there was never a closed door when a stray animal happened to be lucky enough to stop by her door ...When she arrived on God’s doorstep, I’m sure there was great rejoicing at the return of one of God’s finest."
April 13, 1915—August 29, 2013
“When Alice Eugene celebrated her 75th anniversary in 2008, she invited all of her former students..Many played and gave tribute to Alice Eugene, naming all the life lessons she had taught them along with the music. They said what a reflection of God she was for them.”
November 11, 1921—August 11, 2013
Agnes Marie enjoyed a forty-year career as an elementary school teacher and principal, beginning with a year in St. Louis, then serving almost entirely in the West. She completed her very active career as a volunteer for the Spirituality Center and as sacristan for the Denver Center community.
July 23, 1920 - April 30, 2013
Her gracious optimism and encouragement and her concern for the poor and the disadvantaged are as much a part of her as the joy she emanates when she speaks of Loretto, her classmates, her communities through the years, her associations, her memories.
August 20, 1933 – April 23, 2013
A noted liturgist, teacher and school and parish administrator, Sister Georgeann “was ‘our good company,’ as she contributed not only her liturgical gifts, but also her deep dedication to Loretto and to all that the Community values and loves.”
September 28, 1936—February 23, 2013
“Charity, generosity, understanding (never judgmental) always anticipating the needs of others before her own, were typical of her personality. I can hear God saying ‘Well done, oh good and faithful servant; now enter into My kingdom.'"