Sister Theresa Ann Spitz, RSM, (1930-2020)

SPITZ

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/7/2024 at 16:45:09

Sister Theresa Ann Spitz, RSM, a member of the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday morning, May 16, 2020, at Mercy Hallmar in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness.

She was born June 15, 1930, in Orchard, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Roth) Spitz. Sister attended the public elementary school in Orchard, and graduated from Osage Public High School. She entered the Cedar Rapids Mercy Community in 1948 and completed her formal education with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Education from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

For forty-four years from 1951 until 1995, Sister’s ministry was teaching in the following schools, St. Wenceslaus, Cedar Rapids, St. Matthew, Kalispell, Montana, Sacred Heart, Waterloo, Sacred Heart, Oelwein, St. Patrick, Fairfax, St. Joseph, Marion, St. Patrick, Garryowen, and St. Joseph, DeWitt. In 1995 at DeWitt, Sister started transitioning into Pastoral Ministry on a part time basis until it became her full time ministry. Sister Theresa Ann supported generations of families until her retirement in 2012. Upon moving back to Cedar Rapids, she was a faithful volunteer at Sacred Heart Convent where she devoted her life to prayer.

Visiting the homebound and residents at care centers along with love of gardening, especially plants to beautify the Sacred Heart campus were her special interest in her retirement years. Sister enjoyed playing cards and was known for her expertise when playing trivia games. In Sister’s words, "Religious life is rewarding. Each mission was the Lord’s plan. I am most grateful to those who have been companions on the journey as I became involved as a teacher, pastoral associate and Community volunteer". Her motto was Fiat Voluntas Tua, "Thy Will Be Done".

Sister Theresa Ann was a vowed member of the Mercy Community for 71 years. In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Theresa Ann is survived by her sister, Geraldine Juenger as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their extended families.

Her parents, Frank and Bertha and siblings, Donald, Clarence and Bernard preceded Sister in death.

A private service will be held May 21, 2020, with the Rev. Fr. Anthony Adawu officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. A. Memorial Mass for family, friends and extended community will be celebrated at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy 1125 Prairie Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.