Trying to find the right words to sum up Sister Mary Claretia’s incredible journey as a Religious Sister, so many come to mind: rugged individuality, remarkable adaptability and ingenuity, unbounded energy; quiet, no-nonsense adherence to her convictions—perhaps “old school” says it all.
Sister was a convert who, having seen “Joan of Arc” as a teenager, was moved by grace and became a Catholic. God blessed her with a calling to the religious life, and she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame to embark on her teaching mission.
Sister was already a professed in the Order when, in the early 1970’s, she heard a lecture concerning the changes coming to the Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council. Not long afterwards, she visited the newly formed CMRI community in Idaho. When she did not return to her own congregation, the School Sisters straightaway sent two of their members to talk to her. Presented with a letter addressed “Your Holiness, Paul VI,” petitioning formal severance from the community, she tore it up and told them she would write her own letter. Renewing her holy vows, Sister donned the blue habit and transitioned remarkably – remarkably, because she never gave any indication that she knew better (which she certainly did!) or was anything other than a humble and obedient Religious. From time to time, she regaled the community at recreation with edifying SSND stories and amusing anecdotes. She was always a teacher in the real sense of the word.
Sister’s abilities in this capacity, and as a nurse, were quickly put to use. She was assigned to teach (Bishop Pivarunas himself was one of her early pupils in the boys’ academy) and, with all her practical experience and know-how, was a great asset to the community as it quickly grew. Purchasing bunkbeds at the Army Surplus store, establishing “begging runs” downtown, serving as an infirmarian to the community, Sister was wonderfully versatile in her abilities. When a new mission was wanted in Canada, Sister was assigned to establish it. As a real pioneer, this “Mother Cabrini Mission” occupied her for several years. It seemed there wasn’t anything she did not know how to do!
When trouble surfaced within the community in the early 1980’s, Sister rode the storm, not blindly but circumspectly, prudent in her advice to her superior and ever watchful to help. When the CMRI established its Rule, Sister was a great help here as well, with her advice and vote as a Consulter. In time, the ideals she had formed as a religious School Sister did not align with the spirit of the CMRI community, and she chose to quietly leave the congregation. It was at this point that, ever faithful to her vows, she resumed her black habit as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Having completed her nursing degree, Sister moved to Omaha and served as a psychiatric nurse for a number of years. However, as she once confided, one cannot remain in the psych ward for any great length of time!
In the early 90’s, Sister moved to Akron, Ohio and worked with Father Leo Carley in his parish school. Visiting St Gertrude the Great Church in Sharonville from time to time, she eventually moved closer and taught school in the Cincinnati area as well.
It was around 2004 that Sister moved back to Akron to teach at Sacred Heart parish. Finally, she established herself in a little hermitage near Cambridge, Ohio, where she had a small chapel serviced by Fr. James Thielen RIP. Sister’s apostolic spirit never left her, for even then her heart went out to the souls around her, even taking them to their doctor appointments, while her teaching, catechizing, and sewing Mass vestments for traditional priests went on.
Thus passed years of dedication to the work of Holy Mother Church. Several priests in the Midwest – including Father / Bishop Daniel Dolan – benefited from Sister’s parochial assistance.
In 2022, failing health caused Sister to relocate to Blossoms Assisted Living in Mountain View, Arkansas. A stroke occurred in September 2025, which left her greatly incapacitated, and a few months later, Sister moved into White River Healthcare in Calico Rock. Her stay at this full-care nursing facility was smoothed by the very kind attentions of the administration and staff.
Sister was so very grateful to Fr Timothy Geckle of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Mountain View (another former student), who provided the Holy Sacraments and saw to her spiritual needs. She was fond of and thankful toward the dedicated staff at Blossoms – Kathy, Darcy, and those there whom she considered her friends. A special nod must be given to her sweet roommate, Caroline. Sister held them in her heart and prayers.
The Rosary will be prayed for the repose of Sister’s soul at Mountain View Funeral Service at 120 Jefferson Street at 6 pm on Thursday, March 26. The Requiem Mass will be offered at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 1245 Highway 5 South, at 10 AM on Friday, March 27. Sister’s remains will be interred at Holy Rosary Cemetery at Mount Saint Michael in Spokane, Washington.
