She was born the seventh of eleven children to John Philip Born and Anna Frances Paulie in Parsons, KS on January 15, 1931 and given the name Christina Mae. St. Paul, KS was the location of her elementary and the beginning of her secondary education.
She entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph in Wichita and received the habit August 15, 1946, professing first vows July 29, 1945 and final vows July 26, 1952. With a Normal Training Certificate, her teaching ministry began with kindergarten and lower elementary grades. She then acquired a B.S. in Education from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City. Her interest in special needs children began when Bishop Mark K. Carroll asked for someone to be trained in Special Education. She then acquired a M.S. in Special Education from St. Louis University. Sister Veronice began the first Special Education Class in Wichita in one classroom at St. Anthony’s School for two years ultimately expanding space and staff to the Cathedral School. Eventually the program soon outgrew that space so the program was moved to the former Christian Academy and renamed Holy Family Center. The program also developed into helping parishes make their buildings and services accessible to all, the elderly as well as those with special needs. During this time she was also on the General Council of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was instrumental in the process of merging the CSJ Health System with St. Francis Hospital and the Health System of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. From 1992-2000, she was elected and served 8 years as President of the Congregation of St. Joseph. After leaving office she moved to Dodge City, Kansas assisting Bishop Gilmore with diocesan activities. In 2014 until present, she moved to Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, continuing her ministry to others though the prayer apostolate.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Paul, Harold, Donald, John H., sisters Loraine Cox, and Rosemary Duran.
In addition to her Sisters in her Congregation, survivors include her brothers Alban Born (Janice), William Born (Patricia), sister-in-law Jolene Born and numerous nieces and nephews.
Homecoming will be Thursday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. with the Wake/Vigil Service to follow at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be Friday December 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Resurrection Chapel at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Retirement Fund of the Sisters of St. Joseph or to Dear Neighbor Ministries, Inc. at Mt. St. Mary’s Convent, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218.
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