Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis
"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. "(St. Francis of Assisi)
On Tuesday, October 4, 2002, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Sister Death came to Sister Rachel at 7:25 p.m. Sister Marilyn McCormick and several staff members were with Sister when she died. Sister Rachel was privileged to have a visit from her sister Mary Jane and her brother in-law Tom Thompson on Tuesday afternoon.
Sister Rachel, the former Mildred Louise Jost, was born in Haubstadt, IN, on April 25, 1927, the daughter of Daniel and Oliva Schiller Jost. She entered the Congregation on September 8, 1946 and professed her religious vows on June 13, 1949.
Sister Rachel was a graduate of St. John's School of Radiologic Technology, and St. John's School of Medical Technology, Springfield, IL. Later, Sister Rachel took an X-Ray Refresher Course at St. John's, Springfield, IL.
Sister served as an X-Ray and Lab Technician at HSHS hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, and at the Information Desk at HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan. She also served in the Health Office at St. Francis Convent and as a sacristan at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
Sister Rachel was a very hard-working and cheerful person who was always willing to help others in any way she could. She was known as a quiet, timid, and shy Sister but it did not take long after seeing the twinkle in her eyes and her Mona Lisa smile for everyone knew that her shyness was just a front. She loved to tease as well as to be teased. No doubt that Sister Rachel preached by her quiet nature!
Sister Rachel was a woman of many talents. One of her unique talents was painting and drawing. Sister painted or drew many images of Mary and Jesus and gifted them to others for special occasions.
Sister Rachel often said that she had to be tough growing up with her five brothers; however, she was grateful to have a sister so that she could be gentle as well. Sister Rachel treasured the mutual relationship with her family. Whenever possible, the family came to visit her to the Motherhouse when she was not able to make travel to visit them.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: William, Marvin, and Oscar Jost. She is survived by two brothers: Donald, Haubstadt, IN, and John, Salt Lake City, UT, and one sister, Mary Jane Thompson, Haubstadt, IN; two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law; several nieces and nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. We offer Sister Rachel's family and friends our sincere condolences and the prayerful support of the Christian community.
Visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent. Burial will be in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery.
May Sister Rachel enjoy her full reward from the Lord and intercede for us from Heaven!