Sister Mary Carol Ann Kleefisch
Born to earthly life: April 17, 1925
Religious profession: August 9, 1945
Entered eternal life: May 2, 2010
Preceded by four brothers and one sister, Anna Marie was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the “sixth addition to the Kleefisch family.” She gladly passed the title of “baby of the family” on to her new little brother eight years later. Anna Marie couldn’t wait until she could go to the “Sisters’ school” with her brothers and sister. She enrolled in Holy Name School, where she was taught by SSNDs. She attended North High Public School for three years and finished her senior year in the candidature of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
After her religious profession on August 9, 1945, now Sister Mary Carol Ann, she was sent to St. Joseph Home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as teacher of second grade and organist. There she soon developed “a genuine love for the place, the sisters, and the children.”
Carol Ann’s next obedience sent her to Holy Assumption, West Allis, Wisconsin, as fourth grade teacher. That was followed by ten years at St. James, Belvidere, Illinois, where she taught grades five and six. She wrote, “I now had my taste of a small mission and all that it implies: forgetfulness of self and thoughtfulness of others, and also the need to become the proverbial ‘Jack of all trades.’” Sisters who lived with her recall how she pored over maintenance manuals every time a new appliance or machine was bought.
“The greatest shock of my life came during the summer of 1960, when I received the appointment as superior of St. Mary’s, Galena, Illinois.” This was in addition to being principal, music teacher, organist, and teacher of grades seven and eight. Her nephews remember their visits with Sister Carol Ann in Galena because of the fire escape slides on the school which they were allowed to try out.
Her following assignments were varied: teacher of upper grades, executive housekeeper at the Health Care Center in Elm Grove; coordinator of home ministries at St. John’s in South Milwaukee; leadership team member for operational management for Visitation, Elm Grove; retired volunteer for helping and visiting our sisters at the nursing homes; and finally, just retired. Sister Carol Ann was gentle, quiet, easy to be with, and had a good sense of humor. She was open to new experiences and always shared her deep love and trust in God.
– Jean Paul Zagorski, SSND
Sister Mary Carol Ann ministered for over 50 years as a teacher, school administrator, community superior and pastoral minister. In retirement, she served through her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Joseph’s Home, Green Bay, Wis.
- Holy Assumption School, West Allis, Wis.
- St. James School, Belvidere, Ill.
- St. Mary School, Galena, Ill.
- St. Patrick, Menasha, Wis.
- SS. Peter & Paul School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. John Parish, South Milwaukee, Wis.
- Visitation, Elm Grove, Wis.
- Marian Catholic and St. Mary’s Nursing Homes, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Aloysius, West Allis, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
School Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Carol Ann Kleefisch died on May 2, 2010 in Elm Grove at the age of 85. Sister Mary Carol Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Reverend Charles Kleefisch and her sister, Magdalene Meyer. Survived by her brothers, Arthur Kleefisch, Leo Kleefisch, Joseph (Joyce) Kleefisch and Raymond (Dolores) Kleefisch, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated May 6 at Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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