Sr. Anna G. Hertel

Born on May 30, 1937, the second of twelve children of Raymond and Agnes Hertel, Sister Anna has lived “in community” and displayed leadership and responsibility all her life. She attended St. Matthew Parish School and St. Mary of the Valley (now known as Valley Catholic). In preparation for her ministry, she attended Marylhurst College, Gonzaga University, Portland State University, and Lewis and Clark College.

Sr. Anna was received as a novice on August 15, 1955, and made her perpetual profession of vows on August 15, 1960.

Sr. Anna served as a teacher and/or principal in the following locations: St. Mary of the Valley, Beaverton; Sacred Heart, Tillamook; St. Peter, Spokane; Holy Cross, Portland; Christ the King, Milwaukie; St. Matthew, Hillsboro; St. Agatha, Portland; and St. Cecilia, Beaverton.

From 1985 – 1995, Sr. Anna served as the Superior General of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. During her two terms in this role, many developments occurred including: Beginning of the Associate Program and the Bethany Center Program; Opening of the Little Flower Development Center (now known as the Early Learning School); Renovation of the Motherhouse, including centralizing the library; Opening of the Priests’ Retirement Facility; Renovation of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent for formation; Changing Valley Catholic to a co-educational High School; Consolidation of Development Offices for Community and entities on campus; and, Development of a strategic plan for the campus.

After earning a Certificate in Theological Study from the Jesuit School of Theology in 1996, she served as a pastoral associate for eleven years – first at St. Monica in Coos Bay and then at St. Clare in Portland. From 2007-2010, Sr. Anna served as the Formation Director for incoming postulants and novices. When the Community began the ESOL (English Students of Other Languages) Program in 2011, she quickly became part of the program and was successful in helping several students obtain citizenship. When she could no longer teach, she became the “greeter” of the students as they arrived for classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Her last day of service in this way was December 5, 2013!

Vigil Service - Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. – Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Mass of Christian Burial – Wednesday, December 18 at 4:00 p.m. – Motherhouse Chapel

Interment – Thursday, December 19 at 9:00 a.m. – Sisters’ Cemetery

Sister Anna requested that memorial offerings be directed to the

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

May she rest in peace!

Arrangements in Care of Pegg, Paxson, & Springer Funeral Chapel in Beaverton, Oregon.