Jubilarians of the American Province

Jubilarians of the American Province

In 1939, the Catholic Church beatified the 1st Native American saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, "Wizard of Oz" premiered in Hollywood, "Gone with the wind" premiered in Atlanta, Pope Pius XII was elected, the cost of a first-class stamp was $0.03, and a gallon of gas cost $0.10.

For the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, 1939 marked the First Profession of Vows for our five Sisters featured in this story. They, along with 12 other Sisters who have gone on before them, dedicated their lives to the service of God and professed the vows of poverty, obedience, and celibate chastity. On June 13, 2009, we will celebrate with these Sisters and our seven other Jubilarians as they recommit themselves to the service of God as a Hospital Sister of St. Francis.

Our Sisters who professed 70 years ago - “Grace Jubilarians”

(beginning left and moving clockwise)

Sister Angelus Gardiner (born 2/2/1912 in Springfield, IL) holds a bachelor’s degree from College of St. Francis and a master’s degree from DePaul University. Her ministries included serving as a teacher for more than 40 years: St. Francis High School (Motherhouse) along with its principal; Marillac College (St. Louis, MO), and English teacher of immigrant Vietnamese priests and seminarians who settled in Carthage, MO. She also served as the Director of Retirement at the Motherhouse along with responsibilities at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital (Effingham), most recently, from 1977-1994. In 1998, she began communicating via email to the staff of St. John’s Hospital – offering prayers of support that has led to our website prayer ministry.

“My greatest joy has been the opportunity to give back for what God has given me – God is never-failing, always present and asks nothing more than our love.”

Sister Janet Ebben (born 8/20/1918 in Kaukauna, WI) is a graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing and had assignments in nursing at several of the Sisters’ sponsored hospitals.

“I have found great joy in being of service to Jesus Christ to promote his healing ministry and his kingdom by prayers, sacrifices, and good acts of love and kindness to others.”

Sister Elvon Huser (born 3/20/1919 in Hanson, WI) is a graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing and received post graduate education in surgery from St. John’s Hospital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from DePaul University, Chicago. Her assignments in the Sisters’ sponsored hospitals were in nursing and pastoral care. Currently, she serves at St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan, WI in the Pastoral Care department and as a volunteer.

“I believe in the power of prayer and am grateful for the knowledge in knowing that the voice of God continues to speak to me each day.” 

Sister Miriam Joseph Bardot (born 3/17/1916 in Luebbering, MO) is a graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing and holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Quincy University. She served as the administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital (Chippewa Falls, WI) from 1956-62 followed by more than 40 years of ministry with responsibilities in accounting.

Sister Margene O’Donnell (born 1/30/1918 in Chippewa Falls, WI) is a graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing and completed post-graduate studies in pediatrics from St. John’s Hospital. For the majority of her ministry, Sister Margene served as a pediatric nurse at several of the Sisters’ sponsored hospitals.

Our Sisters who professed 60 years ago – “Diamond Jubilee”

Sister Jolinda Snyder

Sister Jonette Devlin

Sister Kenneth Wildt

Sister Rachel Jost

Our Sisters who professed 50 years ago - “Golden Jubilee”

Sister Gertrude O’Connor

Sister Helen Marie Plummer

Our Sister who professed 25 years ago - “Silver Jubilee”

Sister Rosily Menachery