Sister Mary Meinrad Pickner
Born to earthly life: August 15, 1907
Religious profession: July 30, 1933
Entered eternal life: February 1, 2009
Sister Mary Meinrad's 101 years of life were celebrated with joy at her wake and funeral service on February 4.
Sister Meinrad was born in Starcevo, Austria-Hungary, now known as Yugoslavia, on August 15, 1907, and was named Mary. There were six children in the family, three boys and three girls. The firstborn were twin girls who died in infancy. The three boys were 10, 12, and 15 when Mary was born.
When she was two years old, the family emigrated to America and settled on a sugar-beet farm near Caro, Michigan. Later the family moved to Detroit, where her parents and brothers were employed at the Ford Motor Company. Mary worked at the Michigan Bell Telephone Company until she entered the candidature at the age of 21.
Sister Mary Meinrad pronounced her first vows on July 30, 1933 and a few days later received an obedience to St. Philip School in Rudolph, Wisconsin. She taught students in grades four, five, and six. She was also given responsibility for "church work" and the training of altar boys.
In her autobiography she writes of her ministry in education, remarking that she was always assigned to the upper grades, "and of course, the altar boys." She was legendary for that particular responsibility.
Sister Meinrad spent eighteen years at various missions in Indiana as superior, principal, and teacher of upper grades. She continued her education ministry in Grand Rapids and Shepherd, Michigan.
During her wake service, she was remembered gratefully as a leader who was gentle, gracious, professional, warmhearted, and who had a delightful sense of humor.
She and Sister Bernice Krejci were in charge of "Blue Heron Lodge," a vacation place in Trufant, Michigan, where many SSNDs came for relaxation. She was known as the perfect hostess who loved life to the fullest.
She was also involved in the religious education program and spent many summers with the Native American children on Sugar Island.
After retiring from teaching in 1978, Sister Meinrad served in Frankenmuth, Michigan, as a parish minister and companion to Sister Frances Marie Bochniak, who was director of the faith formation program. In 1987 she moved to Sacred Heart, Grand Rapids and was a volunteer in the school and community, especially since she was the only chauffeur!
In her autobiography she writes, "I retired to Elm Grove in June, 1996. I thank God every day for allowing me to live here, as well as for a God-fulfilled vocation."
– Sister Mary Luke Baldwin
Sister Mary Meinrad served for over 40 years as a teacher and administrator. In later years, she worked in parish ministry. In 1996, she retired to Notre Dame of Elm Grove where she ministered through her prayers and presence.
Sister Mary Meinrad's ministry locations were:
- St. Mary, Menasha, Wisconsin
- St. Philip, Rudolph, Wisconsin
- St. Anthony, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- St. Joseph, Logansport, Indiana
- St. Michael, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- St. John Evangelist, Goshen, Indiana
- Holy Childhood, Harbor Springs, Michigan
- St. Patrick, Chesterton, Indiana
- St. Isidore, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- St. Vincent de Paul, Shepherd, Michigan
- Blessed Trinity, Frankenmuth, Michigan
- Sacred Heart, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Retired, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
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