Jubilarians

Picture of Sister Frances Mary

Mary Laura Funk, SSND
Professed in 1948

Sister Mary Laura Funk celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher and volunteer. Sister retired in 2003 and currently ministers through her prayer and presence.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Some special times in ministry included teaching Native American children at Holy Childhood School in Harbor Springs and working with Head Start summer programs.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
The example and kindness of another SSND member, Sister Vincent de Paul Obremski was what attracted me to religious life. I was in the sixth grade and first time attending a Catholic school – St. Mary’s in Menasha.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
I consider it to be a great blessing and privilege to be called by God to be a School Sister of Notre Dame.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are still called today to live the Gospel in the spirit of our foundress, Mother Theresa.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
As a School Sister of Notre Dame, one has both the inspiration and direction to live a life of an intimate relationship with God. At the same time to share life in mutual giving and receiving with God’s people and especially with our own sisters.

What is your current ministry?
I live at Elm Grove, our retirement home. However, a few jobs have found me. I’m happy to help wherever needed, as long as I still am blessed with good health.

Sister’s missions:
St. Michael, Chicago, IL, 1946-1947
Holy Childhood, Harbor Springs, MI, 1948-1960
St. John Baptist, Bloomer (Cooks Valley), WI, 1960-1962
St. Boniface, Milwaukee, WI, 1962-1967
St. John, Oshkosh, WI, 1967-1969
St. Mary, De Pere, WI, 1969-1974
St. Joseph Orphanage, Green Bay, WI, 1974-1976
St. Mary, Menasha, WI, 1976-1990
Care of Parents, Family Home, Menasha, WI, 1990-1993
Green Bay Diocesan Schools, Green Bay, WI, 1993-2003
Retired, SSND Residence, Menasha, WI, 2003-2004
Retired, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 2004-Present