Obituaries
For family and friends unable to attend in-person funeral celebrations, FSPA offers live streaming. For anyone unable to join the live stream, a recording of the sister's funeral will be added to their obituary below.
Sister Nancy Lafferty, FSPA
Watch Sister Nancy's celebration of life.
Nancy graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in Carroll in 1949. She then attended St. Angela Academy where she graduated in 1953. Then, Nancy attended Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. During her junior year of college, she decided to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and entered St. Rose Convent in La Crosse. She was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Cathrina. She later went back to her baptismal name. On Aug. 12, 1958 she made her first profession of vows.
Sister Nancy excelled in academics, both as a student and a professional. She graduated from Viterbo College with a BA in sociology and minors in history and English. She then went on to the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where she earned a master's degree in sociology. A few years later, Sister Nancy went to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where she earned another master's degree, this one in social work. That was quickly followed by a PhD from Washington University in interdisciplinary studies: social work, sociology and education.
Sister Nancy started her teaching career in secondary schools in La Crosse (Aquinas), New Vienna, Iowa (St. Boniface) and Carroll, Iowa (Kuemper). For 25 years, “Dr. Lafferty,” as she was known by her college and university students, taught at Viterbo University, Washington University, University of St. Louis, St. Ambrose University, Morningside College, Briarcliff College, Western Iowa Tech Community College and Wayne State College. For one year, she served as principal at Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Mississippi. From 1995 to 2001, Sister Nancy served as the director of the ESL Bilingual Education program at Cathedral Parish in Sioux City. She then served as director for the Dorothy Day Retreat Center in Sioux City until 2006. At that time, she moved to La Crosse where she volunteered in various ministries at the Franciscan Spirituality Center until 2015 when she retired to St. Rose Convent.
Community members, friends, family and colleagues remember Sister Nancy as someone continuously interested in helping others. There was always a twinkle in her eye. Quiet in her demeanor, she had a wide array of peace and justice interests. She had a special place in her heart for the Vietnamese and Hispanic communities, especially in Sioux City. Sister Nancy was arrested several times for protesting against the Vietnam War and U.S. military spending. Two of her arrests were for praying the Prayer of St. Francis at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois and at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. Sister Nancy also participated in several educational mission trips teaching in Taiwan, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, Tanzania, Mexico and Nicaragua.
Sister Fran Morrissey, FSPA
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When there were nine children, her father bought them all uniforms, including the baby, since they had enough for a baseball team. Growing up in a large Catholic family, the rosary and Mass were important daily rituals. Fran remembered getting a penny each week for being good and helping with chores. She and her siblings would pool their money together to buy their parents Christmas presents.
Fran entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1957 and was given the name Sister Mary Malachy. She later went back to her baptismal name. She made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1959. Sister Fran’s early ministry centered on serving the community of sisters where she lived as a homemaker. She ministered in various convents in Iowa (Spencer, West Bend, Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Milford) and Wisconsin (Stanley, Menomonie, Marathon) for 25 years. During that time, she occasionally taught music and served as the school librarian.
From 1985 to1987, she attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and participated in Credo, a spiritual renewal program. Sister Fran returned to the Midwest and ministered as a seamstress and driver at Villa St. Joseph in La Crosse, a position she held for 25 years. In 2012, she retired to St. Rose Convent where she continued to volunteer, using her sewing skills and praying. She moved back to Villa St. Joseph in 2019 when her health began to fail. In 2022, she returned to St. Rose Convent.
Community members, family and friends, remember Sister Fran as always happy and ready with a good story. Her smile was as big as her heart. She could be counted on to help with any project, regardless of its magnitude. As a practical joker, she was constantly pulling tricks on someone. She loved a good party and participating in any craft project or activity while she was able. And her exquisite sewing kept the gift shops at Villa St. Joseph and St. Rose Convent well-supplied with lovely items.
Sister Marcella Steffes, FSPA
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Sister Marcella Steffes, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 97, died on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventy-fifth year of her religious profession. Marcella Ann was born on Jan. 1, 1927, to John A and Anna (Halbur) Steffes in Roselle, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm, just outside of Roselle. Marcella Ann was one of 13 children, three of whom died within six months of their birth (one being baby Marcella, for whom she was named). She, herself, was quite sick at age four, but as she said, “The Lord spared me for something special.”
She attended Holy Angels Elementary School in Roselle and wanted to enter the St. Angela Academy in Carroll, Iowa after elementary school, but her mother needed her help at home with her seven younger brothers and sisters. A common family recreation was gathering together to play music and sing. They even had their “own little orchestra,” with Marcella directing the group of six while playing the violin. After staying home from school for four years, she began thinking more seriously about her future — pursuing her interest in music or becoming a sister. At that time, she didn’t know that her life’s ministry would include both. She entered St. Angela Academy for three years, then joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and completed her senior year at St. Rose High School in La Crosse. She was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1948, and given the name Sister Ignatia. She later returned to her baptismal name. She made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1950 and her final profession on Aug. 9, 1956.
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in music education with applied cello from Viterbo College in La Crosse, a master’s degree in music theory from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and a master of fine arts degree in cello from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Sister Marcella served as a music teacher and offered private lessons in elementary schools in Wisconsin (La Crosse, Menomonie and Fountain City) for 16 years. From 1970 to 2010 she was on the Viterbo College music department faculty. As part of Viterbo’s Preparatory School of the Arts, Sister Marcella was known as an outstanding Suzuki cello and violin teacher. For 34 years she played cello with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, serving as principal cellist for several of those years.
Community members, family, colleagues and students remember Sister Marcella as a dedicated musician, both as a teacher and a performer. Over the years she frequently played the cello for community celebrations at St. Rose Convent. Her students often came back to visit her to share their musical experiences. Aside from her music, Sister Marcella was keenly aware of justice matters, signing many petitions and writing hundreds of letters.
Sister Eileen Neumann, FSPA
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Having completed grade and high school in Panama, Eileen planned to study medical laboratory technology in the States. On July 11, 1947, her family boarded the SS Panama and arrived in New York five days later. Eileen learned about Viterbo College when they drove to Wisconsin to visit relatives in La Crosse. After exploring the possibility, her and her parents determined it was just what they were looking for in a school. Eileen stayed in La Crosse, found a part-time job at St. Francis Hospital and began her studies. One of her catechism teachers, who was also a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, had such an influence on her that she entered St. Rose Convent the following August.
Sister Eileen was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1949, and was given the name Sister Mary Dominic. She later returned to her baptismal name. She made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1951, and her final profession on Aug. 9, 1957. Sister Eileen received a B.S. in Medical Technology from Viterbo College and a Certificate in Cytotechnology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Most of her ministry was as a medical technologist and cytotechnologist in Wisconsin, Idaho, Iowa, Arizona, Louisiana, South Dakota and Washington. In 1983, after a year at the University of Seattle in their CORPUS program, Sister Eileen served in prison/jail ministry in Las Vegas, Nevada (1983-85), San Francisco, California (1985-87) and Palo Alto, California (1994-1996). In 1996, she moved to Spokane, Washington where she assisted at Clare Spirituality Center and served as the master gardener. She made her home at St. Rose Convent in 2009 where she ministered in prayer and hospitality.
Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Eileen as someone who was always interested in the marginalized. She could keep people entertained with stories from her time as a lab tech and in jail ministry, always seeing both the positive and funny sides of situations. Sister Eileen could often be found working on a jigsaw puzzle, and her Panamanian upbringing was evident in the practice of having Tabasco sauce as a regular part of her diet. Her love for the community, both in La Crosse and out west, was evident in her conversations with others and her love of Jesus.
Sister Maris Kerwin, FSPA
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Sister Maris Kerwin, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 89, died on Oct. 25, 2024, at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the sixty-fifth year of her religious profession. Sister Maris was born on July 3, 1935, to Thomas and Lillian (Foley) Kerwin in Carroll, Iowa. At her baptism, she was given the name Anna Marie but was known as Ann. She, her sister and her brother attended St. Joseph School in Carroll. When she graduated from eighth grade, she crossed the street to attend St. Angela Academy, staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. There her interest in science and mathematics began—along with plays and proms. Her summers were spent detasseling corn (a loyal Iowan) and working at the Country Club. Each year, the students at the academy held a retreat. Ann started to ask the question, “What is my vocation?”—never thinking religious life would be the answer for her. She graduated from the academy with a science award and began nursing training at St. Anthony Hospital Nursing School in Carroll, where she was active in the sodality, vice-president of her class and on the student council. During her junior year, she attended the Summer School of Catholic Action in Chicago. At that point, she realized that God was calling her to something special.
After graduating with a nursing degree from St. Anthony’s Nursing School, she entered St. Rose Convent and was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1957. She was given the name Sister Maris and made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1959. While at St. Rose Convent, Sister Maris attended Viterbo College and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in nursing. She then began her long career in the field of healthcare. She ministered in a variety of nursing positions in FSPA-sponsored hospitals including St. Francis Medical Center [Mayo Clinic Health System] in La Crosse, St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta, Wisconsin, St. Joseph Hospital in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho and St. Anthony Regional Hospital. She also spent time in Salt Lake City, Utah where she was introduced to intensive care units—a specialization that she helped establish in the Idaho Falls hospital.
In the spring of 1984, her life changed from health care to sister care as she was elected FSPA vice-president. Her ten years in congregational leadership provided her the opportunity to not only become more deeply aware of the life and work of the FSPA but also allowed her to touch the lives and challenges of society, the Church and religious women everywhere. After a year’s sabbatical in 1994 at Sangre de Cristo Retreat Center in New Mexico, along with participation in a Franciscan program at the Tau Center in Winona, Minnesota, she was ready for another challenge; she was appointed administrator of Villa St. Joseph, FSPA’s skilled-care retirement home. She continued in that position for 13 years until she “retired” to St. Rose Convent and became the FSPA Heritage Curator from 2008 to 2022, at which time she retired to a ministry of prayer and hospitality.
Community members, family and friends remember Sister Maris as kind, quiet and always involved with others—and very proud of her Irish heritage. Many of the relationships she made over the years at her various ministries stayed strong. At St. Rose Convent, everyone knew Sister Maris, as she was interested in getting to know every employee, as well as each sister. She always had an idea to share on how to make something better for someone else. She continued to serve in healthcare for years. After retiring, she continued as an active and contributing board member at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS) and St. Anthony Hospital, even serving as chair of the board. Sister Maris received numerous awards in recognition of her service to the healthcare field, some of which included the Spheres of Influence Award from the St. Francis Foundation, the RSVP President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from RSVP and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Catholic Health Association.
Sister Rosalia Bauer, FSPA
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In 1947 she followed her aunt, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Ritalina Danzinger, and entered St. Rose Convent. Rosalia was received into the novitiate in 1948 and given the name Sister Mary Ambrose. She later went back to her baptismal name and made her profession of first vows on Aug. 12, 1950. Always wanting to be a nurse, Sister Rosalia became an RN, graduating from St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa; then going on to receive a BSN from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa; an MSN from the University of Washington, Seattle and eventually became a family nurse practitioner through Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Sister Rosalia ministered as a nurse in nine states and Thailand, in large and small hospitals, nursing homes, home care, university clinics, county clinics, public health centers, a migrant camp and a refugee camp. She saw nursing as “a doorknob allowing entrance into people’s homes and hearts.” Her varied experiences, especially with the migrants in Virginia and refugees in Thailand, gave her a deep appreciation of cultural differences, the miracles of medicine and the resilience of people. In 1992, a new passion was born for Sister Rosalia when she was invited to become part of the pro-life movement through Pro-Life Wisconsin. She continued her pro-life commitment for the rest of her years, even into retirement.
Sister Rosalia is remembered for her determination and love of life. She was a great storyteller. Her eyes would light up when talking about her ministry in the migrant camp in Virginia or with the refugees in Thailand. She was a pro-life activist to the very core and was passionate about sharing conversations that supported all forms of life, particularly that of the unborn. She loved her FSPA community and her family, and participated in as many activities as she could.
Sister LaVerne Ramaeker, FSPA
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On Aug. 12, 1949, she entered St. Rose Convent and was received into the FSPA novitiate on Aug. 12, 1950, where she was given the name, Sister Carmencita. She later returned to her baptismal name and made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1952. Sister LaVerne began her tertiary studies at Viterbo College (University) in La Crosse and was soon transferred to St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse where she earned a certificate as a radiologic technologist. She served as a radiologic technologist at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta, Wisconsin and St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll for two years. From there she became program director of the School of Radiologic Technology and chief technologist at Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She also received a Bachelor of Science in radiologic technology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Returning to La Crosse, Sister LaVerne became program director at the St. Francis School of Radiologic Technology. She later earned a Master of Science in education and evaluation from the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York. For the next nine years, she was on the faculty and served as department chair of Radiologic Sciences at the Chicago Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. Later, after receiving an EdD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sister LaVerne moved to the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois and served as department chair for the Allied Health Degree Completion Program. For the next 10 years, she continued serving in the health field as chairperson and coordinator of various allied health and radiologic programs at Indiana University in Gary, Indiana. Sister LaVerne retired in 1996 to Waukegan, Illinois, where she provided volunteer support as a grant researcher, advisory committee member, fundraiser and driver for ElderCare at Christ Episcopal Church. In 2020, she retired to La Crosse and moved to St. Rose Convent in 2023.
Sister LaVerne is remembered by her FSPA community members, family and friends as a dedicated educator and radiologist. Her many years of service in the health field touched thousands of individuals as students, patients and colleagues. She was loyal to her family and friends, especially Kay Shriver, always adding a thoughtful touch to special occasions with something unique for each individual. Her energy and care for others continued all through her life. She loved her FSPA community and rarely missed a community gathering, even when she was ministering at a distance. She took up woodworking before she retired and loved making décor for people’s homes.
Sister Dorothy Dunbar, FSPA
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On June 13, 1955, Sister Dorothy was received into the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and was given the name Sister Mary Dorothy. She made her first profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1956. Teaching was Sister Dorothy’s primary ministry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English, with a minor in mathematics from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, a master’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Chicago in Illinois and a master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University in Chicago. Sister Dorothy taught upper grades and high school in Wisconsin, Ohio, Nebraska and Illinois. After Vatican II, realizing that change was happening all around her and in many parts of her life, but not in her religious community, she became restless.
In the summer of 1990, Sister Dorothy began the transfer process from the Manitowoc community. She first responded to an invitation from the Wheaton Franciscans in Illinois, but by October 1993, she had discerned a call to join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse. She was fully incorporated as an FSPA in Sept. 1996. As part of the FSPA community, Sister Dorothy continued her educational career serving as a basic skills instructor in inner city Chicago in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood. From 1999 to 2011, Sister Dorothy ministered as FSPA’s Membership Office Assistant. When her health began to deteriorate, she moved to St. Rose Convent. In 2014, she moved to Villa St. Joseph and in 2023, back to St. Rose.
Community members, family and friends remember Sister Dorothy as a “sparkplug” who was known to be a fearless risk-taker motivated by tenacity and determination. She was passionate about those in need. Her ministry in inner-city Chicago and academic advising at Loyola University were very enriching for her and those she served. Her ability to integrate her own life journey was invaluable as she worked with others who were exploring religious life. She was always interested in what was happening in the community and had a quick-witted explanation for almost any problem or challenge that arose.