Sister Esther Mary Atkielski
(Mary Paul Anthony)
Born to earthly life: January 21, 1927
Religious profession: August 11, 1946
Entered eternal life: December 15, 2008
Esther was the fourth of six children born to Anthony and Veronica Atkielski. Their Milwaukee home is described by Sister Esther Mary as "an ideal Catholic home." Her parents "sacrificed much to give each of us the best, morally, physically, and spiritually. That which is most treasured by all is the strong bond of love which neither war, depression, time, nor distance has been able to break."
Esther received her education from the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Mary Czestochowa elementary school, and high school at the Academy ofOur Lady in Chicago. She was received as Novice Mary Paul Anthony in 1945. Later when the opportunity was given, she changed back to her baptismal name.
After Profession in August 1946, Sister Esther Mary was missioned to Saints Peter and Paul, Wisconsin Rapids, where she taught fourth grade for three years. In her own words she wrote, "Having entered the Order to serve as a housekeeper and frequently petitioning for this privilege in succeeding years, teaching has ever remained an 'Obedience' for me."
St. Therese Mission in Chinatown, Chicago, became her first year of "mission" labor. There she taught a combined first through fourth grade and opened a kindergarten program. Then she went to Guam where she taught middle grade and junior high students for a total of seven years. Sister Esther Mary says she found her ''true home" at Mt. Carmel School, in Agat, Guam, teaching seventh through tenth grades primarily in math and science.
She completed a Bachelor of Science in Education degree at Mount Mary College and a Masters degree in Education at Marquette University. Sister served as a teacher and/or principal in several Wisconsin parishes during her career.
Embarking on a new ministry, Sister Esther Mary became a registered nurse in 1977. She served in many places in varying capacities as staff nurse or director of nursing services.
Sister Esther Mary was a no-fuss, no-frills, organized, and efficient person in both teaching and nursing. In spite of her outer toughness, she was bighearted, and confronted injustices even if it meant putting herself on the line. Coworkers, students, and patients appreciated the clarity in her communications and expectations.
Her dedication to the Blessed Mother was reflected in the funeral liturgy she had planned. She died as she wished at Notre Dame of Elm Grove.
Sister Mary Jean Paul Zagorski
Sister Esther Mary served for 31 years as a teacher and administrator and 25 years as a registered nurse. Her ministry locations included the following.
She worked as an educator at:
- SS. Peter & Paul, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
- St. Theresa (Chinatown), Chicago, Illinois
- St. Francis, Yona, Guam
- St. Francis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- St. Francis, Yona, Guam and Mt. Carmel, Agat, Guam
- Holy Redeemer, Madison, Wisconsin
- Notre Dame, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
- St. Francis Xavier, Superior, Wisconsin
- SS. Peter & Paul, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- St. Joseph, West Allis, Wisconsin
- St. Mary, Burlington, Wisconsin
- St. Peter, Port Washington, Wisconsin
- St. Cyril & Methodius, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
She worked as a nurse at:
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
- Longwood, Chicago, Illinois
- Mount Carmel Convent, Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin
- St. Ann Nursing Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Immaculata Congregational Home, Bartlett, Illinois
- Marian Franciscan Nursing Home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Luther Manor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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