Topic archive
Remembrances
The prayer card for Loretto’s deceased members reads, “Gracious God, may they live forever in the splendor of your light and life in the company of all the saints.” We know that they do, but it’s good to say it. View all Obituaries.
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Eileen (formerly Sister Charles Maura) Kersgieter SL
Sister Eileen (formerly Sister Charles Maura) Kersgieter SL died early morning May 11, 2025, attended by the Loretto Living Center staff, Community members having surrounded her with care throughout recent days and weeks. Eileen, who was 94, began her Loretto life…
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Kathleen (formerly Sister Wilfrid) Vonderhaar SL
Sister Kathleen (formerly Sister Wilfrid) Vonderhaar SL died early this morning, May 7, at Loretto Motherhouse Living Center, surrounded by the prayers of the Community. Kathleen was 91 years old and in the 74th year of her Loretto life. It was Kathleen’s…
Loretto mourns Pope Francis
The Sisters of Loretto/Loretto Community join with the worldwide community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Recognizing God’s mercy and acknowledging that we depend on others are but two gifts that Pope Francis gave us. We thank God for…
Remembrance of the Life of Bernice Strawn CoL
Loretto Co-member Bernice Strawn died Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, after a short illness. She was 95 and had been a Loretto Co-member since 1977. The following obituary was provided to Loretto by one of Bernice’s children: Bernice Strawn, a celebrated Salida,…
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Rita (formerly Sister Mary Ann Frederick) Bruegenhagen SL
Sister Rita (formerly Sister Mary Ann Frederick) Bruegenhagen SL died peacefully the afternoon of March 22, 2025, at Loretto Living Center, with Loretto members, including Irene Doody, her pew partner, by her side. Rita was in the 68th year of her Loretto commitment. Rita Catherine Bruegenhagen…
Remembrance of the Life of Mary Ellen CoL
Editor’s note: The following obituary is courtesy of Compassionate Funeral Care of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: Loretto Co-member Mary Ellen, age 94, passed away peacefully Feb 2, 2025, at the Wesley Health Care Center, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Born on March 22,…
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Marie Ego SL
Sister Marie Ego SL died peacefully at Loretto Living Center Jan. 23. Marie was 86 and in the 59th year of her Loretto commitment. The following is her brief autobiography, provided by Marie for her remembrance: “My early spiritual life was nurtured by being a Girl Scout, love…
Remembrance of the Life of Rita Vigil CoL
Loretto Co-member Rita Vigil died Jan. 20, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colo. She would have turned 89 Feb. 5. Rita became a Co-member May 8, 2004. She was received into Loretto as a vowed member May 24, 1955, taking the…
Remembrance of the Life of Ann Wall Richards CoL
Loretto Co-member Ann Wall Richards died Dec. 21, 2024. Ann was a longtime friend of Loretto who was in her seventh year of co-membership. Below is her obituary, courtesy of Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations of Lakewood, Colo.: Ann Wall Richards…
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Agnes Marie (formerly Sister Mary Cordula) Hagan SL
Sister Agnes Marie (formerly Sister Mary Cordula) Hagan SL died peacefully at Loretto Living Center early morning Nov. 7, 2024. Community members gathered for prayers at her bedside. She was 92 and in the 73rd year of her Loretto commitment.…
Remembrance of the Life of Patricia ‘Pat’ McShea CoL
Loretto Co-member Patricia “Pat” (Miller) McShea died peacefully Oct. 23 at her home in Littleton, Colo. Pat’s husband, Loretto Co-member George McShea, and their daughter, Joyanne, were at her side. Pat was 90 and in the 40th year of…
Remembrance of the Life of Sister Mary Ann (formerly Sister Ann Michael) Cunningham SL
Sister Mary Ann (formerly Sister Ann Michael) Cunningham SL died Oct. 8, 2024, at Loretto Living Center on the grounds of Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. Her niece, Sister Cathy Smith SL, and Sister Donna Mattingly SL were at her…