Sr. Bernice Marie Hertel '46

1928-2010

Sister Bernice Marie Hertel was born on Dec. 29, 1928 in Roy, Oregon. She attended St. Francis Grade School in Roy, Hillsboro Union High School for two years and graduated from St. Mary of the Valley. Shortly after graduation in 1946, she entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

Sister Bernice Marie pursued a degree in Education and earned her Bachelor Degree from Marylhurst College in 1953. She taught mostly grades 3, 4 or 5, but also served as principal at Visitation School in Verboort for three years. She taught at the following locations: St. Mary of the Valley, St. Mary’s Home for Boys, St. John the Baptist in Milwaukie, Sacred Heart in Gervais, St. Stephen, Our Lady of Sorrows in Portland, St. Michael in Grande Ronde, St. Matthew in Hillsboro, St. Mary in Stayton, St. Boniface in Sublimity, St. Cecilia and Holy Trinity in Beaverton, Visitation in Verboort, and St. Francis in Roy.

During her 40 years as a classroom teacher, she was known for dedication to both the students and their families. To this work she brought her faith and love for God’s people along with her strong work ethic, perseverance and the quest for more knowledge.

In 1989 Sister Bernice Marie transitioned from her teaching ministry to ministering to the senior citizens at Holy Cross Parish in North Portland. In 1998, she became a resident at the Alzheimer’s Unit at Maryville Nursing Home, and later transferred back to the Infirmary of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Convent, where she died on Thursday, August 12, 2010.

Sister is preceded in death by her brothers Raymond, Paul, and Joseph Hertel; and by sisters, Rena Herb and Viola Danley. She is survived by her brother Francis Hertel of Cornelius, her sister Helen Fessler of Portland, and her sister Gertrude Duyck of Hillsboro. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces, including Sr. Anna Hertel, SSMO, Sr. Catherine Hertel, SSMO, and Sr. Mary Peter Duyck, OSF.

Vigil Service:  Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. – Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Mass of Christian Burial:  Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. – Motherhouse Chapel
Interment:  Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. – Sisters’ Cemetery

Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Retirement Fund.

May she rest in God’s embrace!

Pass this date and time on to everyone you know.

Saturday, Aug. 21
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
At the Old Gym and Play Court areas in the center of campus, behind the Convent

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
4440 SW 148th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97007

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS

Sister Anna Evers was born in Verboort, Ore. on April 20, 1919. Her parents were Antone and Petronella Evers. She had eight siblings. She attended Visitation Elementary School in Verboort and Forest Grove Union High School in Forest Grove. She entered the community of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Oregon in August 1940. She attended Marylhurst College where she earned a BS in Education. Later she received her Masters in Education from Portland State University. She has been a primary teacher for 50 years. Sister taught at numerous schools in Oregon and Washington and at times she was also the school Principal and House Superior. These include St. Mary of the Valley Grade School (Beaverton) St. Stephen, Holy Cross, St. Agatha, St. Pius and St Andrew (Portland), St. Peter (Spokane, Wash.), St. John (Milwaukie), Sacred Heart (Gervais), St. Boniface (Sublimity), Visitation (Verboort), and St. Francis (Roy). Sister continues to use her gifts of sewing and quilting by creating crafts to sell.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

Sister Rose Mary Heineck was born of Benjamin and Josephine Heineck, Dec. 5, 1931 in Bend, Ore. She has six siblings, one of which was her twin sister. She attended grade school at St. Matthew in Hillsboro and graduated from high school in 1950 from St. Mary of the Valley. She earned her B.S. in Education from Marylhurst College, Marylhurst, Ore., and a Masters in Religious Education from Fort Wright College, Spokane, Wash. Sister taught primary at the following schools: Visitation (Verboort), St. Matthew (Hillsboro), St. Francis (Roy), Sacred Heart (Gervais), St. Agatha, Our Lady of Sorrows (Portland), St. Mary (Stayton), St. Mary (Spokane), St. Cecilia (Beaverton), St. Mary of the Valley (Beaverton), and St. Paul (St. Paul). In her retirement, Sister gives input to a Spirituality Committee and a Vocation Formation Committee at St. Mary’s. She also creates art work for the Community’s special liturgies and décor for Community celebrations.

Sister Noreen Orazio was born of Helen and George Orazio in Portland, Ore. She has eight siblings. She attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Portland. She entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1950. She went on to earn a B.S. in Education from Marylhurst College; an Administrative Certificate from Portland State University; a Masters in Education from the University of Oregon; and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark. She taught 7th and 8th grades and was principal in several of the following schools: St. Cecilia (Beaverton), Our Lady of Sorrows, Holy Cross, St. Agatha (Portland); St. Mary (Stayton); Sacred Heart (Tillamook); St. John (Milwaukie); Holy Trinity (Beaverton) Our Lady of Guadalupe (Seattle). Sister now serves as a counselor on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus.

Sister Theresa Hathaway was born of Stanley Patrick Hathaway and Mary Evelyn Fegel March 30, 1933 in Cushing, Okla. Her one sister is also a Sister of St. Mary, Sister Mary Ann. She attended grade school in Oklahoma and St. Ignatius in Portland, Ore. She entered the Sisters of St. Mary in 1950 and subsequently completed her high school credits to graduate from St. Mary of the Valley. Throughout her teaching years, she earned her teaching degree and librarian certification. She attended summer extension courses as well as attended Marylhurst College (Marylhurst, Ore.), Gonzaga University (Spokane, Wash.), St. Mary (Moraga, Calif.), Portland State, University of Portland (Portland, Ore.). Sister has served at times as a teacher, principal, secretary and a librarian in the following schools: St. Mary of the Valley (Beaverton), St. Agatha, Our Lady of Sorrows, Holy Cross (Portland), St. John the Baptist (Milwaukie), St. Boniface (Sublimity), Visitation (Verboort) and St. Francis (Roy). Sister is now serving as the Director of the Convent Library. She also embroiders many beautiful designs on dishtowels and has made innumerable rosaries to promote the praying of Our Lady’s rosary.

Sister Elizabeth Sohler was born of Henry and Dora Sohler in North Plains, Ore. She is sixth in a family of seven children. Sister attended Columbia Academy Grade School. Sister graduated from St. Mary of the Valley in 1950. She attended Marylhurst College and earned her degree in Education from Portland State University. She taught at St. Agatha, Our Lady of Sorrows (Portland) and at St. Francis (Roy). After Maryville Nursing Home was established, Sister worked in the Business Office in Payroll and Accounts Receivable. Currently Sister Elizabeth assists with the Chapel duties at the nursing home on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Sister Joyce Barsotti, daughter of Bruno and Catherine Barsotti, was born in Portland, Ore., one of 10 brothers and sisters. Sister graduated from St. Mary of the Valley in 1958. She and her five other sisters all attended St. Mary of the Valley for all 12 years of their basic education!

After attending Gonzaga University (Spokane) for a year, Sister was received into the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon convent and professed her vows in 1962. She then completed her Bachelor of Science in Education at Marylhurst College (Marylhurst, Ore.). For 25 years, Sister was a teacher in the following elementary schools: St. Mary’s (Spokane, Wash.), St. Mary’s (Stayton, Ore.), Sacred Heart (Tillamook,Ore.) and St. Cecilia (Beaverton, Ore.).
Sister then went on to receive an MA in Theology from Mt. Angel Seminary and in 1990 she did post-graduate work in spirituality at the Institute of Religious Formation (St. Louis, Mo.). This prepared her to take the position of Director of Initial Formation and Co-Director of Ongoing Formation for her religious community.

Most recently, she has worked as Pastoral Associate at St. Vincent Parish (Salem, Ore.), serving as Director of the RCIA and Sacramental program, welcoming new members and facilitating the sharing of gifts among the members of the parish. She has supported the pastoral work of the parish, particularly with the Pastoral Council and its works.

Since 1983, Sister Joyce has assisted in planning and directing the Annual Summer Conference, a week-long, family-oriented, experience of church and formation at Mt. Angel Seminary and now on the campus of University of Portland. She returned to the Motherhouse this June to begin her service as a Council Member on the Sisters’ Leadership Team.

COMMEMORATION OF DECEASED

• Sister Sybil Graves (1969)
• Sister Helen Johnston (1983)
• Sister Barbara Ann Klapperich (1999)
  

Sr. Noreen with Provincial Minister Fr. John Hardin, OFM

The Friars of the Province of Saint Barbara gave a luncheon in May to honor our own Sister Noreen Orazio, SSMO, with The Franciscan Service Award.

This award was presented to Sr. Noreen by Father John Hardin, OFM, Provincial Minister of the Province of Saint Barbara at the House of the Transfiguration Formation Community at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in SE Portland.

Sr. Noreen and Sr. Michael Francine in class with Franciscan novices

The Franciscan Service Award is given in recognition of those individuals who have lived and worked with the friars and have shared in their life and works for an extended period of time for 10 years or more.

Sr. Noreen has been teaching a class to Franciscan novices twice a month for the last 21 years that serves as an integral piece in their formation journey as new members in a religious order.

Sister’s class is an integral element in the pre-novitiate program for the Franciscan Friars. The program assists men in their future ministry through a review of themselves and their lives. Developmental and personal growth issues are explored while preparing for final profession as a Franciscan.

The Franciscan Service Award

May the Lord bless you,
May the Lord keep you,
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn to you His countenance and give you peace.

The Blessing of Saint Francis+

The annual event is the only fundraiser to support their Bethany Center ministry — an outreach in adult education to the greater community. Established by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1992, the Bethany Center provides lifelong learning opportunities, personal and social transformation, and deepens the understanding of the word of God and the implication of the gospel in our world today. Bethany Center is a place of hospitality, spiritual refreshment and learning, and a catalyst for mission.

Click on each image to see a larger version.

The Sisters prepare their famous "tea" sandwiches in the dining room the day before.	These red-hatted women, known as "The Chrysanthemums" are the first to RSVP each year.
These lovebirds were hand-carved from apples by Sr. Theresa Lan Nguyen in preparation for the event.	The tables are set and ready for guests!

This SSMO Commitment Statement will provide a focus and direction for the Congregation for the next five years:

Responding to Jesus’ mandate to love one another
and prompted by our charism,
we commit to using our gifts, skills and resources
to work for justice
as we journey in solidarity with the vulnerable, particularly the immigrant,
and as we care for God’s creation through sustainable practices.

The Catholic Sentinel recently published biographies for each member of the new Leadership Team for 2010-2015.

THE NEW SSMO LEADERSHIP TEAM WILL SERVE THE CONGREGATION JUNE 20, 2010 THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 2015
	Superior General	Sister Charlene Herinckx
	Vicar General & Council Member	Sister Catherine Hertel
	Council Member	Sister Krista vonBorstel
	Council Member	Sister Joyce Barsotti

If you missed it, you may watch her presentation on www.valleycatholictv.com. Look for the videos titled Washington County Museum Parts 1 and 2.

Memorial Information:

Vigil Service – November 10 at 7:00 p.m. – Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Mass of Christian Burial – November 11 at 4:00 p.m. – Motherhouse Chapel

Interment – November 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the Sisters’ Cemetery

Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation for the Valley Catholic Elementary School Scholarship Fund.


Obituary:

Sister M. Fidelis (Helen Marie) Kreutzer was born on October 4, 1925, in Sheridan, Oregon where she attended public elementary school before attending St. Mary of the Valley High School (now known as Valley Catholic).

Sister was received as a novice by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1942 and became known as Sister M. Fidelis. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Marylhurst in 1952, a Master’s Degree in Education from Gonzaga University in 1958, and a PhD in Education Administration and Supervision in 1965 from Loyola University, Chicago.

Her love for the education of youth was displayed in these locations beginning in 1944: St. Mary, Stayton; St. Andrew, Portland; St. John, Milwaukie; Our Lady of Sorrows, Portland; and St. Mary of the Valley Elementary School where she served as teacher, vice-principal and principal for twenty-nine years. Her doctoral studies served the education world well as she ministered in these areas: Marylhurst Education Department, Education Supervisor for the SSMO Community; and the Archdiocesan Education Office.

Sister M. Fidelis’ leadership within the Community was graciously and generously manifested during the three terms during which she served on the Sisters’ Council and the two terms (1976-1985) she ministered as the Superior General. Her last service to the Community was as archivist, from 1996 to the day before she died!

Her boundless energy enabled her to engage in other areas of interest and service: Charter Member of the Archdiocesan Board of Education, serving as secretary; Chair of the Education Committee, Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce; Secretary-Treasurer of LCWR Region XV; Member of the Board of Directors for Cox-Cable of Washington County; Secretary for Northwest Association of Bishops and Religious Superiors; Member of the Board of Oregon Catholic Press; Member of the Board of Central Catholic High School; Member of the Board of Directors for Maryville Nursing Home; and Member of the Archbishop’s Task Force on “Education for Chastity”.

In 1993, Sister Fidelis received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifica medal given by the Pope in recognition of outstanding service to the Church.

Sister died at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on November 5, 2009. May she rest in peace.

You can read the Oregonian article here.