Sister Mary Ellene Gajewski
Born to earthly life: January 30, 1922
Religious profession: July 29, 1943
Entered eternal life: October 19, 2009
According to her autobiography, Sister Ellene Gajewski (Rita) was born on a bleak winter day, January 30, 1922. The bleakness did not overshadow her life. Sister Marie Rose Van Deurzen’s eulogy at Sister Ellene’s funeral 87 years later painted a picture of happy simplicity and joy in Ellene’s life both growing up and in the convent.
Rita entered the candidature in 1940. Halfway through the year, her sister Emmeline, a novice at the time, became very ill and Rita was allowed to visit her for an hour. Rita tried to be cheerful and brave as Emmeline assured her, “It’s all in God’s hands.” Shortly after, she was moved to Elm Grove and allowed to make her profession of vows. Rita attended and that was the last time she saw her sister alive.
After first profession in 1943, Sister Ellene’s years of ministry began. She taught almost every grade and served as principal at times until she retired in 1996. Special joys in her ministry included preparing children for First Communion and doing church/sacristy work.
Stories during the wake service revealed Ellene’s love for fun and relationships. One of her former eighth grade students, Dawn Niederfeld-Krzeninski from St. John De Nepomuc, shared how close Sister was to their family. At report card time, when the sisters were tired, her dad would invite them over for a treat, her mother’s delicious chicken soup.
When Sister Ellene moved to Havenwood, Associate Kathy Motzko fi rst visited her because of her Polish name. They struck a happy chord in each other, noting that Kathy was born the year that Ellene started teaching. Ellene was serious about teaching Kathy a bit of Polish, beginning with “Good morning!” (Dzien dobry) and “Good night!” (Dobra noc). They always used it in meeting and departing.
Throughout the eulogy, Sister Marie Rose emphasized how important God, faith, and family were to Sister Ellene. Both Sister Marie Rose and Father Russ Tikalsky spoke of her total dedication to the works of God, thanking God for loving Sister Ellene so much, and calling us to a renewal of our own commitments.
Sister Marie Regine adds: Sister loved dainty lace and ruffles. While volunteering at Havenwood to iron the sisters’ laundry, I always knew which were Ellene’s blouses without even looking at the names. Seeing the ruffles on her blouse in the casket was no surprise. I believe Jesus smiled when he saw her coming.
– Sister Marie Regine Redig
Sister Mary Ellene professed her vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame in 1943. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis. where she majored in education and minored in English and social studies. She had further studies in theology and educational administration.
Sister Mary Ellene ministered in education for 53 years as teacher and principal. After retiring in 1996, she served through community service and by her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Cyril, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Casimir, Kenosha, Wis.
- St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- St. Hedwig, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Cyril, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. John de Nepomuc, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Vincent de Paul, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. John Kanty, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
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