Sitzmann, Eunice Catherine "S. Faith" 1922-2009

SITZMANN, CAREL

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/14/2009 at 11:12:53

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, January 14, 2009

S. Faith Sitzmann OSB, 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Neb., after a lengthy illness. She was a member of Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, S.D.

Eunice Catherine Sitzmann was born Dec. 2, 1922, near Kingsley, the daughter of George and Mary (Carel) Sitzmann. She was the ninth in a family of 10 girls and three boys. Seven of the girls and two of the boys were to enter religious communities.

She was baptized at St. Joseph Church, Neptune. She attended a rural, one-room elementary school near the family home in Plymouth County. She then attended Mount Marty High School in Yankton, S.D., and joined the Yankton Benedictines following her graduation in 1940. She became a novice in 1941 and received the name of S. Faith. Her first profession was in June 1942 and her final profession in 1945.

S. Faith earned a B.A. degree from Mount Marty College and a M.A. degree in education administration from Loyola University in Chicago. Her ministry included teaching elementary students in Farmer, Aberdeen, Yankton and Sioux Falls, S.D., in addition to being principal at Farmer, Yankton, Little Flower School and Christ the King School in Sioux Falls. She then served as principal of Mount Marty High School. She became the first Director of Education for the Diocese of Sioux Falls in 1969. Later she served at Creighton University and Holy Ghost Parish in Omaha, Neb., at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, and at Mount Marty College.

S. Faith was a woman of quick wit who loved life and new adventures. She delighted in taking "the road less traveled."

S. Faith is survived by her Benedictine community, and three sisters: Ruth Morrissey of Kingsley, Marlys Koopman of Le Mars and and S. Rosalie Sitzmann OSB, Watertown, S.D., as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and nine siblings.

A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday in Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery.

Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial may be directed to the Sitzmann Family Scholarship at Mount Marty College, Yankton, S.D.