In Loving Memory
As A New Genesis Community, we would like to share a bit about our deceased members with you. We remember them with gratitude and joy. We know their spirit remains with us today. We also promise to pray for the deceased members of all our friends and families.
Sr. Marlene Greatens
~Sr. Marita Gilsdorf, Sherwood, WI
The phrase that best describes Sister Marlene Greatens is one that I heard at her funeral. “Marlene didn’t have a mean bone in her body.” She was a gentle soul This quality endeared her to her parishioners at Saint Joseph, Kellnersville where she died in a fire. I often joined her for her service at her parish. She led her people with kindness and foresight. These same qualities were what she practiced during her career in high school teaching.
She went home to care for her aging father at the time she joined A New Genesis. I have known Sister Marlene since we were teenagers. She was an easy companion as we traveled across the country from Yellowstone to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We had season tickets to the Weidner Theater. She and her dog, Dolly, spent many Sundays at my home. Marlene enjoyed life also knowing how to accept all of it from God’s hand.
My most prized picture of Marlene is one taken at a cottage in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She is standing behind me with her hand on my shoulder. I pray that she keeps her hand on all of us as we travel through life and will eventually meet again. Marlene died on December 23.2004.
Sr. Dolores Santill
~Sr. Stephanie Spence & Carmelyn Gentrup, Appleton, WI
Dolores was courageous and determined—she belonged to two other communities previously, but her independent spirit led her to A New Genesis. She was looking for a community who shared her idea of mission and from whom she would receive support in spiritual growth.
She enjoyed teaching and working with children in any capacity. Once when she was facing difficulties at work, she enlisted Bishop Wycislo’s help to certify that she belonged to a “real” religious community. Dolores's interaction with Bishop Wycislo was one of humor, teasing and laughter. Their bantering back and forth was entertaining to witness. They were always happy to see each other.
Dolores was also a cancer survivor, She, Sr. Mary Bride and Sr. Mary Ramone found common ground in their struggle to overcome cancer. She brought her friends to meet the community, Father Doug and Sister Christine, the vocations director in Cleveland who led Dolores to us. Her laugh and her direct way of speaking were so characteristic of her. As she often exclaimed, “I say it like it is”! Dolores’ cancer returned and she died on Sept. 26 in 2004
Sr. Rose Immaculate Babiarz
~Sr. Carmelyn Gentrup, Appleon, WI
It was always a delight to see and visit with Rose each year when she faithfully came to ANG’S annual corporate meeting. She brought with her a delightful eagerness just to be with us. In conversation, she always lifted up my spirit by seeing the positive in community with a new perspective.
Music was Rose’s passion. She always had a musical part in the ANG Meetings. Rose had wonderful stories to tell about her parish choir, discovering and encouraging individuals to use their music and singing abilities, whether they be teens or seniors. And the choir loved her leadership because she involved the choir in making decisions about what songs would be appropriate for weekend Masses and special occasions. The choir was their best at Rose’s funeral Mass.
I witnessed Rose’s care for her ailing sister, Dr. Mary Hemstreet, as she patiently tended to her sister’s personal care, diet and doctor visits. She did this with patience and devotion. I went with the two of them to a doctor’s visit waiting a long time for our turn. No word of complaint or criticism was expressed. Rose provided spiritual care for her sister by bringing her the Eucharist and praying each morning and night with her. Rose died November 27, 2008.
Sr. Alice Ann Becker
Kathy Damon, Appleton, WI
Sister Alice Ann Becker… such a gem! I got to really know her well after she moved into St. Paul Villa. I called one afternoon and asked if she would like a little company. Yes, she would like company. And that was just the beginning of what became a version of Mitch Album's book, “Tuesdays with Morrie.” For me it was “Afternoons with Alice.” Her smile warmed my heart and her contagious laughter lit up the room.
Alice Ann was not quick to initiate telling stories about herself, but when asked, she delighted in sharing. I was struck by her positive attitude as it became obvious that Alice Ann was a person who turned challenges into opportunities. She looked for the good and rarely expressed regret about anything in her life. Alice Ann witnessed God through her ministry with youth and the elderly. She privileged and inspired me with her sharing. I will always hold our conversations close to my heart because she opened hers to me
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Alice Ann’s faith was her anchor and that grew even stronger as she approached death. She told me that she wanted to “Go to God” and she told another friend that “God was getting ready to take me home.” She had lived her best and anticipated eternity with God. May we all be as faith-filled as she was. I miss you, Alice Ann! Sister Alice Ann died on October 30, 2006.
