“By living in the presence of God in the spirit of faith, we trust that one day we will be led to the fullness of joy when we shall see God face to face.” These words characterize well the life of Sister Mary Joseleen Hemker. On December 15, 2020 God called her to eternal joy after 75 years as a Sister of Notre Dame at age 95.
Born on January 29, 1925 and baptized Catherine Frances, she became part of a large family of twelve children who lived on a farm in Delphos, Ohio. She recalled as a child looking to the sky and thinking, “Jesus, how I want to help all kinds of people to know You and be with You in heaven!” Throughout her life that wish was fulfilled.
Sister taught primary grades in Toledo, Sandusky, and St. Michael Ridge for a dozen years. In 1958 Sister Joseleen became an Adoration Sister in the Motherhouse in Rome. During those 40 years she felt privileged to be close to the heart of the Catholic Church. She loved attending liturgical functions such as canonizations and Holy Week Services at St. Peter’s.
Sister returned to the United States in 2000 and lived at Lial Convent in Whitehouse, where she faithfully continued her ministry of prayer. As in Rome, Sister prayed many hours in the presence of the Eucharist in intercession for others. She enjoyed reading biographies and history and listening to classical music.
Sister is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Agnes (Wrasman) Hemker; brothers John, Joseph, Paul and Carl; and sister Mary. She is survived by her brothers Herman, Leo, and Ralph; and sisters Ann Baldauf, Clara Alvarado, and Ruth Liebrecht, and nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family, religious community, and friends.
A private service will be held for the Sisters and the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo. Tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 3912 Sunforest Court, Toledo.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sister Mary Joseleen Hemker, Snd, please visit our flower store.
Born on January 29, 1925 and baptized Catherine Frances, she became part of a large family of twelve children who lived on a farm in Delphos, Ohio. She recalled as a child looking to the sky and thinking, “Jesus, how I want to help all kinds of people to know You and be with You in heaven!” Throughout her life that wish was fulfilled.
Sister taught primary grades in Toledo, Sandusky, and St. Michael Ridge for a dozen years. In 1958 Sister Joseleen became an Adoration Sister in the Motherhouse in Rome. During those 40 years she felt privileged to be close to the heart of the Catholic Church. She loved attending liturgical functions such as canonizations and Holy Week Services at St. Peter’s.
Sister returned to the United States in 2000 and lived at Lial Convent in Whitehouse, where she faithfully continued her ministry of prayer. As in Rome, Sister prayed many hours in the presence of the Eucharist in intercession for others. She enjoyed reading biographies and history and listening to classical music.
Sister is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Agnes (Wrasman) Hemker; brothers John, Joseph, Paul and Carl; and sister Mary. She is survived by her brothers Herman, Leo, and Ralph; and sisters Ann Baldauf, Clara Alvarado, and Ruth Liebrecht, and nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family, religious community, and friends.
A private service will be held for the Sisters and the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo. Tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 3912 Sunforest Court, Toledo.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sister Mary Joseleen Hemker, Snd, please visit our flower store.
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