Sr. M. Damian Nowak, O.S.F.

Sister M. Damian Nowak. 94, of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis died on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 1:50 p.m. at St. Francis Convent, Springfield, Illinois. Sister M. Damian, the former Frances Agnes Nowak, was born in Beaver, Wisconsin on July 19, 1909, the daughter of Stanley and Theresa Reborchik Nowak. She entered the Congregation on February 2. 1934 and professed her religious vows on October 4, 1936. Sister Damian was a 1940 graduate of St. John's Hospital School of Nursing. She served the Community as a registered nurse at hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. She also served in the missions in Japan, worked with Native Americans in Lukachukai, Arizona, and in home nursing in Carthage, Missouri and Chicago. Illinois. She served In the Motherhouse hospital from 1975 until she retired from active duty due to failing health. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers: Daniel, Edward, Stephen, John, Augustine, and Leo Nowak; and three sisters: Sister DeCarmel Nowak, Sister Denise Nowak, and Sister Daniel Nowak. She is survived by three sisters: Rose Podoski of Pound, WI, Monica Alexander of Forestville, WI and Catherine Klepp of Crivitz, WI; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great nieces and great-great nephews; and her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for 69 years. Visitation will be held at the Motherhouse from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2003. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father David Eckelkamp, OFM on Monday, November 3, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church at the Motherhouse. Burial will be in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery. The family of Franciscan Sisters of Sr. M. Damian Nowak is being served by Kirlin-Egan-Butler Funeral Home , 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.