Jubilarian – 2010
Anton Marie Voissem, SSND
Professed in 1950
Sister Anton Marie Voissem celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Today, her teaching ministry encompasses coaching tutors and providing literacy instruction for adults. One of her goals through the decades has been to get people hooked on reading and writing.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
I have been a teacher for 60 years and had experience teaching in all eight elementary grades during my first 25 years on mission. At that time, I was asked to take on the role of principal-teacher, which I did for four years. I told people that I was principal when I was “interrupted” while teaching!
I especially enjoyed teaching reading and English composition. Since I have been an avid reader all of my life, I feel compelled to get others hooked on reading and writing, too.
During the last 26 years, I have been involved in adult education. I taught reading and math to African-American adults at Presentation Parish on Chicago’s West Side. Some were in their 60s and 70s and had never learned to read because, when they were growing up in Mississippi, they had to be out working in the fields by the time they were seven. Working with adults at Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, I have worn many hats: site coordinator, tutor-trainer, curriculum developer and teacher. I have enjoyed working with immigrants from many countries, training wonderful volunteer tutors from all walks of life, and being part of a dedicated staff.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
I had SSNDs for teachers from first through tenth grade at my home parish of Saint Mary’s, Menasha, Wis. I enjoyed school and I liked my teachers. The Sisters and the priest-principal encouraged me to enter the convent after my sophomore year in high school. I entered in 1947, which happened to be the centenary year of the arrival of SSND in America!
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are an international congregation. We were founded to educate girls, especially poor girls who did not have opportunities to go to school. We became missionaries shortly after our foundation and have continued to teach girls, boys, men and women in many places throughout the world. Education in its broadest sense includes many other ministries. We are called and sent to help others reach the fullness of their potential. We promote justice and peace for all peoples.
In my current ministry…
I am teaching individuals and small groups at Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, helping immigrants learn to read, write and speak English. I “coach” volunteer tutors and work with my colleagues to continue the mission of serving educational needs. The School Sisters of Notre Dame and Mount Mary College, in collaboration with the Franciscans at Cardinal Stritch University and the Franciscans at Alverno College, started this program more than 25 years ago, and all three congregations and colleges continue to support the program.
I will be retiring this year, but I plan on continuing at Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services as a volunteer tutor and to do some other volunteer work as needed.
Looking back and looking ahead…
I believe that education is the KEY that can open the door of opportunity for those who are struggling to find and keep jobs. Reading skills can enable them to pursue their dreams, help their children, and also bring pleasure into their lives.
Recently, one of my adult students, a man in his 50s, had spent several weeks in Mexico with his father, who was seriously ill in a hospital. The student had taken a novel along with him, and while his father was in a coma, he read the entire book over a period of a few days. He came back to class very excited because he had read a book of 500 pages with a plot that included a love story, a mystery, adventures and “everything.” This man had NEVER gone to school as a child in Mexico and had never learned to read and write Spanish. Here he was, enjoying reading a book for the first time —in his second language!
Those who know me know that I love to read and talk about books. My library card is one of my most-prized possessions!
Sister Anton Marie’s missions: 
St. Alphonsus, Chicago, Ill.
St. James, Madison, Wis.
St. John de Nepomuc, Milwaukee, Wis.
Holy Ghost, Chippewa Falls, Wis.
St. Luke, Brookfield, Wis.
Holy Angels, West Bend, Wis.
St. Frances Cabrini, West Bend, Wis.
Immaculate Conception, Gilbertville, Iowa
St. Sebastian, Bessemer, Mich.
Holy Name Central, Escanaba, Mich.
St. John Evangelist, Goshen, Ind.
Presentation Continuing Education Center, Chicago, Ill.
Wellsprings, Glen Falls, N.Y.
Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, Wis.
Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, Milwaukee, Wis.
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.