Sister Ethel Widhalm (formerly Sister Beatine) entered into her eternal life and resurrected glory on Thursday, November 26 at 10:15pm at Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center where she lived since July of 2014. She died peacefully having lived a full earthly life and the beauty of 98 years.
Sister Ethel (Ethel Theresia) was born on May 6, 1922 in Cornlea, Nebraska to Jacob and Katherine (Zuerlein) Widhalm. Seven brothers and six sisters made for one happy industrious farm family. Sister is survived by a brother Earl and loving and supportive nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Six brothers and six sisters preceded her in death, also cousins Sisters Luella Schaefer and Helen Frances Widhalm of the Saint Joseph Province, Rev. Alban Sueper, SSC and Bro. Florence Sueper, OMI, aunts Sisters Germaine and Agnetis Widhalm of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Mishawaka, Indiana.
Sister Ethel received the Franciscan habit on August 12, 1938 and professed final vows on August 12, 1945 in Lafayette, Indiana.
Sister Ethel was a teacher and principal at our schools in New Mexico, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas for 35 years. In 1972-1983 Sister Ethel and Sister Richardis ventured forth as Directors of Religious Education at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Arvada, Colorado. Remaining full of hope and promise Sister Ethel served as Chaplain for 13 years at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She had a charism of service, volunteering at Saint Anthony Hospital (Central) in Denver, Colorado prior to her returning to the Mount in 1999. For five years she provided Spiritual Services at Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center ministering as organist.
Music, assorted crafts, crossword puzzles, reading and travel were among Sister Ethel’s interests. In her memories she noted travels to Europe, including Olpe, Germany, and the shrine at Medjugorje. Travels to Quebec, Canada took her to the Oratory of Saint Joseph and the Shrine of Saint Ann Beaupre. Her traveling companion was her cousin Rev. Alban Sueper, who as a Columbian Missionary was a seasoned and experienced companion.
Sister Ethel, thank you and we love you for 72 years of ministry as a Sister of Saint Francis!
A private Vesper and Wake Service will be held in Canticle Chapel at Mount Saint Francis Convent at 5:15pm on Monday, November 30th with the Mass of Resurrection celebrated on Tuesday, December 1st at 10:30am in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, followed by burial in the Mount Saint Francis Cemetery.
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