Franciscan Sisters of Mary

Sisters' Necrologies

Sr. Louise Hirner

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
September 28, 1911 – March 1, 2008
"Called to Be Faithful"

Sr. Louise Hirner had many virtues but one in particular was perseverance. It was her desire to have a history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Maryville. Although she hadn’t written a book before, this task was a work of dedication and love for her. Called to be Faithful exemplifies Sr. Louise. Sr. Louise Hirner had many virtues but one in particular was perseverance. It was her desire to have a history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Maryville. Although she hadn’t written a book before, this task was a work of dedication and love for her. Called to be Faithful exemplifies Sr. Louise Hirner had many virtues but one in particular was perseverance. It was her desire to have a history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Maryville. Although she hadn’t written a book before, this task was a work of dedication and love for her. Called to be Faithful exemplifies Sr. Louise.

Louise Caroline Hirner was born September 28, 1911 in Ralls County, just south of Hannibal, MO; she was the fifth of seven children born to Melchior and Angelique (Becker) Hirner. Louise met the Sisters when visiting at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Hannibal, and entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1936.Louise Caroline Hirner was born September 28, 1911 in Ralls County, just south of Hannibal, MO; she was the fifth of seven children born to Melchior and Angelique (Becker) Hirner. Louise met the Sisters when visiting at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Hannibal, and entered the congregation now known Louise Caroline Hirner was born September 28, 1911 in Ralls County, just south of Hannibal, MO; she was the fifth of seven children born to Melchior and Angelique (Becker) Hirner. Louise met the Sisters when visiting at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Hannibal, and entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1936.

Sr. Mary James Krieg

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
January 23, 1926 - February 25, 2008
"My Being Proclaims Your Greatness, Oh My God"

A native of Rich Fountain, MO, Bertha Gertrude Krieg was born January 23, 1926, the middle child of five children born to George L. and Sophie (Reinkemeyer) Krieg.A native of Rich Fountain, MO, Bertha Gertrude Krieg was born January 23, 1926, the middle child of five children born to George L. and Sophie A native of Rich Fountain, MO, Bertha Gertrude Krieg was born January 23, 1926, the middle child of five children born to George L. and Sophie

Bertha entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1946. Her postulancywas a preview of her future ministry – she worked in the dietary department at the convent. Received as anovice in 1947, she was given the name Sr. Mary James, a name she requested after a dream. She professed her final vows in 1952.Bertha entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1946. Her postulancywas a preview of her future ministry – she worked in the dietary department at the convent. Received as anovice in 1947, she was given the name Sr. Mary James, a name she requested after a dream. She professed her final Bertha entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1946. Her postulancywas a preview of her future ministry – she worked in the dietary department at the convent. Received as anovice in 1947, she was given the name Sr. Mary James, a name she requested after a dream. She professed her final vows in 1952.

Sr. Florence Kremer

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
September 4, 1913 - December 29, 2007
"I Go to Prepare a Place for You"

Sr. Rosemary Reinhold

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
May 19, 1920 - September 25, 2007
"God is Faithful"

Born May 19, 1920, Rosemary Reinhold was the oldest of seven children born to Oscar and Josephine (Scharfenberger) Reinhold. She was a tomboy who enjoyed swimming, fishing and camping. Years later, after getting a job in the pharmacy at Mount St. Rose, she decided to enter the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. She entered the congregation in 1940; when she was received as a novice she was given the name Sr. Mary Tarcissa. She made her perpetual vows in 1946. (Sister resumed the use of her baptismal name after Vatican II).

Sister graduated from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1950. Already working at SSM St. Mary's Health Center, St. Louis, she continued there before her transfer to St. Francis Hospital and Health Center, Blue Island, IL. While working at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center she studied for her Master's degree, which she received in 1961. Other places of ministry in the pharmacy included St. Clare Hospital and Health Services, Baraboo, WI, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, St. Charles, St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, and St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hannibal. Sister also ministered as Activities Director at Beth Haven Shelter Care, Hannibal, and in pastoral care and activities at Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility, Jefferson City.

Sr. Mary Francesca Drees

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
October 20, 1920 - August 10, 2007
"Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"

Jeanette Amelia Drees was born October 20, 1920, in St. Louis, to Frank and Ella Louis Reichmann Drees. She was one of nine children and loved her childhood experiences. Before entering the congregation in 1940, she lived in Immaculate Conception parish in Maplewood, MO.

Jeanette, received as a novice in 1940, was given the name Sr. Mary Francesca. Two years later she made her first vows followed by final vows on September 19, 1945. Sr. Francesca enjoyed the experience of religious life and the meaningful rituals she experienced.

Sr. Helen Wyrwich

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
June 14, 1916 - February 12, 2007
"In God is my Joy."

Sr. Helen learned the value of working together when her family lost everything in a flood and the children had to find jobs to help the family survive troublesome times. God's strength was always there for her. She enjoyed challenges and was open to life's possibilities.

Helen Adele Wyrwich was born June 14, 1916, to Peter and Catherine Fetsch Wyrwich, in Rhineland, TX. She entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1936, and was given the name Sr. Mary Rose Virginia. She resumed the use of her baptismal name of Helen after Vatican II. She made her final vows in 1942.

Sr. Mary Alma Toon

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
November 26, 1921 - December 29, 2006
"I am your disciple."

Sr. Mary Alma Toon's religious life was a time of growth, love and healing as she felt the compassionate Jesus walking with her.

Mary Maude Toon, the fifth of fifteen children, was born on November 26, 1921, in Fancy Farm, KY, to Charles Kelvey and Mary Alma (Roberts) Toon. The family faced difficult times but retained a joyful, playful spirit.

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
January 16, 1913 - December 22, 2006
"How great are your works, O God, how very deep are your thoughts."

Sr. Mary Gabriel expressed her love for the congregation and our foundress, Mother Odilia, as an author and historian. She authored books, pamphlets, historical compilations, songs, and even composed skits and plays.

Philomena Margaret Henninger was born January 16, 1913 in Sharpsburg, PA, the twelfth of thirteen children born to Albert and Wilhelmina (Burkhardt) Henninger. She worked as a secretary and store clerk after she graduated from high school and at one time planned to enter college as an English and History major.

Sr. Mary Henrica Strassman

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
August 14, 1906 - November 3, 2006
"Sing a New Song."

Rose Otillia (known as Lillie Rose) Strassmann was born August 14, 1906, in Verona, WI. She was the eighth of ten children born to John Henry and Mary (Strasli) Strassmann. Although when she was younger she wanted to be a teacher, when she later met the Sisters at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI, she realized she wanted to become a nurse.

She entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in 1927, and as a novice was given the name of Sr. Mary Henrica. She professed her final vows in 1933. She became a registered nurse in 1936, with her first assignment in pediatrics at St. Mary's Health Center, St. Louis. She also ministered at St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, St. Francis Hospital and Health Center, Blue Island, Mount St. Rose, St. Louis, and St. Joseph Health Center, St. Charles. In 1967, she began to minister as a geriatric nurse at St. Mary's Ringling, Baraboo, until she retired from nursing in 1986.

Sr. Helen Marie McNamara

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
March 19, 1931 - July 31, 2006
"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord"

Helen Marie McNamara, a fraternal twin, was born to Frank and Frances (Jackson) McNamara in Madison, WI, on March 19, 1931 at St. Mary's Hospital.

She first came to know the sisters of the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary when she worked at St. Mary's Ringling Hospital in Baraboo, while she attended catholic school. Helen Marie entered the congregation in 1947 and made final vows in 1953. While in novitiate and afterwards, she ministered at St. Mary of the Angels Convent in the chapel, food service and housekeeping.

Sr. Mary Imelda Pingel

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
July 3, 1911 - July 31, 2006
"Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come."

Sr. Mary Imelda reflected light in many ways. She delighted in watching the reflection of light from a prism she had in her room. A very Franciscan light that was part of Sister was the moon and the stars which she enjoyed observing. In so many ways Sr. Mary Imelda was a light to others in her gentle, caring ways, with family, Sisters, students and colleagues. A special devotion of hers was to Mary, the mother of the Light of the World. The rosary was her favorite prayer.

Lillian Victoria Pingel was born July 13, 1911 in Crete, North Dakota to Bernard J. and Victoria (Unterreiner) Pingel, the second of five children.

Sr. Mary Monica Klubertanz

Franciscan Sisters of Mary
May 3, 1917 - July 4, 2006
"My God and My All"

The journey of Sr. Mary Monica Klubertanz began in Bristol, WI on May 3, 1917. Born Eunice Helen Klubertanz to Elmer and Florence (Pfaff) Klubertanz, she had a brother and sister who were older.

The family attended St. Joseph's Church and the children went to the parish school. After completing eight grades, she did housework at various homes until she was 18 years old, when she began working at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison as an aide.

The next step Eunice made was to enter the Sisters of St. Mary in St. Louis, MO, on November 5, 1941; June 5, 1941, she was received and became known as Sr. Mary Monica. Two years later she made her first vows and on June 5, 1946, her final vows. As a young professed Sister, her ministry was in the hospital kitchen at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis and then in the convent dormitories.

From 1961-1983, she ministered at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison where she served her Sisters in the refectory. At St. Mary's Ringling Convent in Baraboo, she worked in the dormitories and eventually began assisting with patient care.

In November 1983, she returned to St. Mary of the Angels Convent in St. Louis where she worked in the dining room, in chapel as an assistant and did a myriad of other tasks until illness slowed her down.

Sr. Monica's words of wisdom and advice were to "live one day at a time and appreciate all God's goodness." Sr. Mary Monica died in Our Lady of Victories on July 4, 2006, where she had lived for 13 years.

Sr. Therese Marie Nathe

November 27 , 1904 - January 21, 2006
God's love is everlasting

While a hearing impairment limited her communication with others, her presence has been a witness in community life. For years Sr. Therese Marie's life has been hidden in God. Perhaps she is making up for all of this as she gives vocal praise and thanks to her God for having called her to eternity.

Edmunda Cecila Nathe was born on November 27, 1904, in St. Louis, a daughter of Henry and Josephine (Orf) Nathe. The family, which included her older sister Antonia, (who became Sr. Mary Agneta), lived in Flint Hill, MO. She entered religious life in 1922, and professed her perpetual vows in 1928.

Sr. Therese Marie served primarily as a sacristan, missioned to the former St. Mary's Infirmary, St. Louis, the former St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Madison WI and at St. Mary of the Angels Convent. Serving as a sacristan, she recognized the presence of God in her life and knew God was with her always.

In her later years before her retirement, she served her sisters as a seamstress, making and mending their habits. After her retirement, Sr. Therese Marie prayed for the many needs of the congregations, her family and the world.

We can be thankful that Sister knew the peace and satisfaction of those who know and love God. For her life, we are thankful in the knowledge that God has blessed her in ways we cannot imagine.

Sr. Mary Mark Massman

November 12, 1922 - January 18, 2006
My joy is the Lord

An unknown destiny awaited Sr. Mary Mark when she intuited God's Presence to her, trusted in this Presence and left home to continue her journey of life with the congregation. Her vocation was not for herself alone but was to be a blessing for others with whom she came in contact.

Mary Gertrude (she was known as Marie) Massman was born on November 15, 1922, the seventh of eight children born to John and Anna (Weidinger) Massman. The family lived on a farm between Meta and St. Elizabeth, MO.

On July 16, 1945, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, she entered the congregation now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. Her sister, Sr. Regina, entered in 1940 and was her connection with the sisters. She professed her final vows on June 20, 1951.

Sr. Mary Mark ministered with the congregation and at SSM St. Mary's Health Center. She served in the dietary and mail room departments and also as a patient representative. In whatever task assigned, she quietly and generously gave of herself.

Sr. Mary Mark enjoyed reflective music and was an accomplished seamstress. She was a quiet and private person. Her family, especially Sr. Christine, (CSJ), was dear to her. Sr. Christine spent time with Sr. Mary Mark and companioned her in her 60th jubilee celebration in 2005. This was a special time for the two sisters.

In the early evening of January 18, 2006, Jesus welcomed Sr. Mary Mark with open arms to an eternal home.

Sr. Mary Olivet Zielinski

February 13, 1909 - December 7, 2005
I have loved you with an everlasting love.

A bookkeeper for many years, Sr. Mary Olivet kept track of many different contracts. However, she dealt with her first contract early in life when she promised God she would enter religious life at the age of twenty-one.

Leona Marie Zielinski was born in St. Louis on February 13, 1909, the sixth of eight children to Peter and Mary (Czecholewski) Zielinski. Leona attended St. Casmir's School. Shortly after graduation from elementary school, Leona began working at the Era Shirt Company. She entered the congregation in 1930, and professed her final vows in 1936.

Careful, accurate and orderly, Sr. Olivet was ideally suited for the business office. While she had no formal accounting training, she did attend classes at Saint Louis University. Sr. Olivet ministered in the St. Louis area throughout her life, serving in offices at SSM St. Mary's Health Center, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, the former hospitals St. Mary's Infimary and Mount St. Rose, and St.Mary of the Angels Convent.

An unassuming, faithful, prayerful, grateful women, Sr. Olivet enjoyed nature, good reading, and music. She was quiet by nature, had a shy smile, and eyes that twinkled during a hearty laugh.

Sr. Olivet's family and friends were blessed with her peace and happiness during their various encounters.

On December 7, 2005, God called Sr. Mary Olivet home in fulfillment of a life well-lived for 96 years, accepting the contract made many years ago, as completed.

Sr. Leo Marie Golliher

March 29, 1922 - November 30, 2005
My God and My All.

It has been said that Walter Cronkite couldn't hold a candle to Sr. Leo Marie Golliher. She was known to follow events and would give a running dissertation on everything that happened. Never at a loss for words, it would be interesting to hear Sister's account of meeting God when she was called into eternity on November 30, 2005.

A personal favorite prayer of Sr. Leo Marie that speaks of her acceptance and trust in God:

"Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.
I may be busy and forget you,
But do not Lord forget me."

Virginia Golliher, born March 29, 1922, in Murphysboro, IL, was the seventh of eleven children born to Jesse and Elizabeth Tonner. She entered the congregation in 1940, and professed her final vows in 1945.

While in the novitiate and after making vows, Sister worked in housekeeping and linen service at St. Mary of the Angels Convent. Her first mission was to St. Mary's Infirmary where she worked in the dining room and dormitories. Most of her subsequent ministry was in the convent dining room and as sacristan at St. Francis Health Center, Blue Island, IL, St. Eugene Hospital, Dillon, SC, Mount St. Rose, St. Mary's Infirmary and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's, all in St. Louis; she was also missioned to St. Marys Hospital Medical Center, Madison, WI.

Sister spent over 28 years at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. She had a heart for and loved to be around children, caring for them or helping in any way. The elderly were also favored by her. Her heart was with the poor and downtrodden and she would give someone the proverbial "shirt off her back" to be assistance to them, a most generous person with an immense heart. She enjoyed a hearty laugh and had a sense of humor, as well as a yen for dancing that is a testimony to her Irish heritage. She liked to read, pray and enjoyed the beauty of creation. She loved the rosary, her family and the members of the congregation. Sr. Mary Alma Toon was a faithful companion Sister, along with her sister, Sr. Mary Jeanne Golliher, who preceded her in death.

"Here I am Lord, I come to do you will.
I may be busy and forget you,
But do not Lord, forget me."

Certainly God received Sr. Leo Marie with open arms for her great love and faithfulness.

Sr. Mary Maxelinda Heimericks

February 25, 1903 - November 7, 2005
My Spirit Rejoices in God my Savoir

A vibrant and valiant woman, Sr. Maxelinda had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed sharing jokes and words of encouragement with others. Visiting with friends and relatives, spending holidays with them, gave her so much joy that she would light up the room with her smile. She enjoyed writing letters to her family and often would include jokes and whimsical verses to brighten their day. She would be seen getting around in her electric wheelchair that had a bicycle horn so she could alert others she was near. Sr. Maxelinda enjoyed crocheting baby afghans, peanut pillows and other items, some to be used as gifts, others to be sold in the convent gift shop.

Frances Heimericks was the oldest of seven children born to Gerhard and Caroline M. (Weber) Heimericks, in Wardsville, MO, on February 25, 1903. The family later moved to Taos, MO. Her mother died when Frances was eleven years old. She then did housework in Jefferson City to help support her family. She met the Sisters of St. Mary (now known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary) when she would visit at St. Marys Health Center, Jefferson City, and spoke with Sr. Mary Theobalda Kamper about entering the congregation. While she was concerned about entering since she was hearing impaired, she learned that silence was a part of daily life in the convent, in those days.

Frances entered the congregation in 1921, and professed her final vows in 1926. The first ministry for Sr. Maxelinda was in the laundry where she served for 38 years. She ministered at (the former) St. Mary's Infirmary, SSM St. Mary's Health Center, and (the former) Firmin Desloge Hospital, all in St. Louis; she also served at St. Marys Hospital Medical Center, Madison, WI, and St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, where she also cooked for the Sisters.

Sr. Maxelinda was one of the collecting Sisters and told of collecting funds at the St. Louis Union Station offices where the Sisters were known, and on the St. Louis riverfront.

Since 1977 Sr. Maxelinda resided at St. Mary of the Angels Convent. Living with her sisters, she gifted many by sharing herself with them, making a difference in the lives of Sisters and employees alike.

On November 7, 2005, Sr. Mary Maxelinda left her earthly home to live with her best friend, her God. Her companion Sisters and her family now know they have a pipeline to heaven who will intercede for them in their needs.

Sr. Madeline Mary Coens

February 10, 1910 - September 17, 2005
I know that my Redeemer lives.

Nature, the outdoors, God's beauties, had a special place in Sr. Madeline Mary's life; she would walk through nature whenever she could. This was a time when she was on a path, some-thing like a spiritual garden, spending time with her God, the Creator. Travel to various places also gave her a sense of enjoyment. Her hobbies included knitting and crocheting.

Madeline Mary Coens, born February 10, 1910, in Reedsburg, WI, was one of three children born to Edward and Florence M. (Van Basselaere) Coens. At the age of twenty, Madeline began working at St. Marys Hospital and Medical Center in Madison, WI, before deciding to enter the convent, joining her sister, Sr. Margaret Mary. In November, 1934, she traveled to St. Louis to enter the convent and became a postulant. She was received as a novice in June, 1935, and given the name Sr. Mary Lois; after Vatican II she resumed the use of her baptismal name. She made her perpetual vows on September 17, 1940.

In 1943 she went to St. Marys Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, WI, to become a registered nurse, graduating in 1946. After she passed her state board of nursing exam, Sister ministered in various hospitals: St. Francis Hospital and Health Center, Blue Island, IL, (the former) St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, SSM St. Mary's Health Center, Richmond Heights, MO, (the former) Mount St. Rose Hospital, St. Louis, St. Clare Hospital and Health Services and St. Mary's Ringling in Baraboo, WI. She served in central service, nursery and delivery room, general nursing, TB nursing and geriatric nursing. She found nursing a very fulfilling ministry, a place to show God's love to others.

Sr. Madeline Mary returned to St. Louis and St. Mary of the Angels Convent in 1998, and transferred to Our Lady of Victories this past August. Here her ministry was that of prayer for her family, friends, congregation and world. She knew in this time of prayer she was where God wanted her to be. Sr. Madeline Mary and her sister, Sr. Margaret Mary, enjoyed a close relationship. They gave each other strength, courage and consolation.

Sr. Madeline Mary died in Our Lady of Victories on September 17, 2005, at the age of 95. Her death, a final surrender of herself to God, occurred on the 65th anniversary of her perpetual profession. Now Sr. Madeline Mary can, once again, share with Sr. Margaret Mary, in a very special gift, that of eternal life with God.

Sr. Bernard Marie Boland

August 12, 1902 - March 18, 2005
There are people of many talents in our world: some can run with the grace of a deer, some can write beautifully, but not many can live to the age of 102 with the grace and strength of character that is incorruptible, unbending and undimmed by age or condition as Sr. Bernard Marie.

Sr. Aloysius Marie Borst

August 8, 1914- May 9, 2005
Sr. Aloysius Marie Borst lived a full life of over 90 years; she enjoyed life and everyone she encountered along her life's journey.

Sr. Mary Roberta Ellerman

June 4, 1914 - June 18, 2003
Her artistic bent, particularly for painting and card-making, was enjoyed by the sisters with whom she shared community, and the men and women who viewed her art displayed at various hospitals.

Sr. Mary Helen Gremminger

August 29, 1916 - April 21, 2003
Sister loved to talk with people as she reached out to touch, console, support and encourage. She enjoyed walking with others on their journey of life and especially appreciated her family and the good times they had together.

Sr. Mary Clara Heitman

June 6, 1915 - March 23, 2004
To know Sr. Clara was to know one who brought life to the Word and life to the world! Bringing Jesus' compassionate presence to everyone she encountered, she lightened the burdens of patients and staff at St. Anthony Hospital, and for everyone she ministered with and for during her 71 years of religious life.

Sr. Eleanor Marie Kaminski

July 31, 1914 - October 26, 2004
A beatitude that can be associated with Sr. Eleanor Marie is "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." (Matthew 5:3) Certainly Sr. Eleanor Marie was special in the eyes of God and she shared her personality and presence with others through her eyes and smile.

Sr. Victoria Martisauskas

December 23, 1914 - November 7, 2004
Sr. Victoria had a wonderful sense of humor which helped her get through some difficult days. She loved much and ministered in prayer for the needs of the congregation, her sisters, and the world.

Sr. Mary Cloud Poetz

August 15, 1914 - May 16, 2003
Happiness for Sr. Mary Cloud was caring for her patients. She was a soft-spoken woman of few words with a dry wit, who was a caring, empathetic advocate for mothers in childbirth, who introduced Lamaze classes and pushed for more progressive birth centers.

Sr. Mary Leo Schmaltz

April 12, 1908 - July 19, 2004
Her ministry was in food preparation which physically sustained many people over the years. The bread that she kneaded and baked was the bread of daily life, offered to God as gift, and in turn her life was transformed by God.

Sr. Theresa Schmidt

January 2, 1916 - April 30, 2004
In a spirit of St. Francis, Sr. Theresa enjoyed caring for her birds and talking to them; they were an important part of her life. Mousie, Vinnie and Quennie were her special pets as were the other birds at St. Mary of the Angels Convent.

Sr. Margaret Mary Vehige

March 21, 1931 - February 22, 2004
For Sr. Margaret Mary Vehige, life was worth living to the fullest, a gift never to be taken for granted. So how does one describe her? Words that come to mind are: spirited, delightful, dedicated, spiritual, committed, human, adaptable, genuine, people-orientated, friendly, hopeful and open.

Sr. Kathryn Weiss

September 24, 1903 - April 12, 2005
Sr. Kathryn's most satisfying ministry was as a bedside nurse. She was one who was happy to be with people, ministering by her presence, instead of dealing with paper-work. Yet she was grateful God gave her the gifts which she used and that enabled her to serve others during her many years of ministry.