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. Jeanette Trost
~Sr. Diane Baumann, New London, WI
Jan. 18, 1926-Aug. 24, 2023
Sr. Jeanette Trost heeded God's voice in answering the call to the Manitowoc Franciscans, and then responded to the call to be one of the founding members of A New Genesis Community forty years ago, a risk that took courage. In 2019, she celebrated her 75th jubilee.
When at The Pines she was recalling all the teaching she had done and how much she enjoyed it; she said - “I loved it.” Jeanette taught in Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Arizona – each one requiring her to adapt to the local culture. She used her excellent teaching skills, preparing young people for future learning and for life with the strong foundation she gave them
After her retirement, Jeanette was able to focus more on “feeding the hungry,” cooking and baking, especially her famous buns. Caring for ”puppy” over the years kept her busy and happy.
Jeanette's faith helped her adjust to her final move to The Pines. It was not an easy move for her, and she prayed for acceptance, asking others to pray, too. Jeanette often prayed three rosaries a day; remembering all the community and our requests for prayers.
Sr. Verna Fowler
~Sr. Kathy Carpenter, Walsenburg, Co.
July 1, 1942-Aug. 12, 2023
Living only briefly with Verna, I came to realize that I was in the presence of a very holy woman. There was nothing unusual about what she said or did, it was more how she was and saw the things. Even when dealing with the effects of chemotherapy and never once complained about the side effects or the pain. Her response always was, “It is what it is.”
Her values include harmony with nature, endurance in suffering, non-interference toward others, dedication to family, and a strong belief that people are inherently good and should be respected for their decisions. Verna would share her concern about family members, tribal members and ANG members. She never said a hurtful word about anyone. Her sharing all these stories was a way of praying for those with needs and she would lift them in prayer.
As one of the founding members of A New Genesis, Verna brought to the group her calmness and her wisdom. As a teacher, as a spirit-led woman, Verna understood the focus and direction that was needed at that time. When she went to North Dakota for her doctoral studies, she accepted this journey as vital to her work in creating the College of the Menominee Nation. Studies were never hard for her because, as she said, “This is what I am supposed to do for my People.”
A New Genesis was blessed and it richer with her vision, her guidance, and her prayerfulness. Thank you, Sister Verna.
Sr. Thea McQuinstion
~Sr. Diana Baumann
April 23, 1927-Sept. 6, 2022
Though Sr. Thea was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, she considered herself an Ohioan, having spent many years there. “Educator” was the truest word that could be assigned to her. Whether as teacher, principal, diocesan consultant or college tutor, Sr. Thea was the model of a true educator, who could elicit the best from students and faculty.
Though her focus was education, Sr. Thea was a well-rounded person. She was deeply spiritual, dedicated to Jesus, whom she called her “One and Only.” Sr. Thea was interested in sports and was a skilled golfer herself. She enjoyed writing limericks and had a great sense of humor. Her friendships were life-long, including students she had taught in first grade and members of her original Community, the Manitowoc Franciscans. Sr. Thea was committed to family relationships and was close to her nephews and nieces.
Sr. Thea was involved in Prayer Ministry for our Community. She took her role very seriously and kept the list of prayer intentions where she could see it each day and remember to keep those requests in her prayer.
As she became frailer at the end of her life, Sr. Thea was a resident at Woodside Lutheran Home. There she accepted her situation and when asked if there was anything she could use, would reply: “I have everything I need.” She was a model for us in the aging process.
Sr. Christa Debacher
~Sr. Kathy Carpenter
May 10, 1933-February 8, 2025
Sr. Christa was born in Pittsville, MA and spent most of her teaching career on the East Coast, except for the 10 years she spent in South Africa. She entered the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1953 and in 1957 was sent to teach in South Africa. The years were difficult because of the heat, heavy habits, community members who spoke German, and children who did not speak English. Her charismatic smile and laughter, her love of teaching children, and deep spiritual life brought her through and back home, never regretting any of it.
Christa taught in various States for over 30 years. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Doylestown, PA, she was the Religious Education Director of a program with over 100 catechists and several thousand children. Her deep faith, many gifts, and stamina made these years memorable. During this time, the Spirit was calling her to live a less restrictive life, to be with the People of God and with God’s children without the confines of a highly structured community. During her summer retreat at Wernersville, she met Judy Roemer, who introduced her to A New Genesis. Her prayers were answered when she found companionship and freedom in the new community, and the supportive spirituality she was seeking.
Sr. Christa discovered her love for tennis at about age 50 became a competitive tennis player in local leagues in the Savannah area. The team members are still talking about her seriousness, competitiveness, and humor! She continued playing in until she was 81.
Christa enjoyed playing team Mahjongg, and was very competitive. Her hobbies were growing roses, gardening, being outdoors, and going to the mountains with family. She dearly loved her dogs, Tikki and Honey Bear. Christa was an avid reader throughout her life. She was in love with life and the God who created it. She lived in the moment and made the most of her life.
