Sister Mary Cornelia Lange
Born to earthly life: October 13, 1920
Religious profession: July 10, 1953
Entered eternal life: January 21, 2010
Initially the Lange family had difficulty deciding on a name for their little girl born on October 13, 1920, but when her father returned from a Knights of Columbus meeting a few days later, he had the answer: “Bernadette will be her name.” The beatification of St. Bernadette had been discussed at the meeting, but it seems she was probably named after her grandfather rather than the new saint.
All five Lange children attended St. John’s School in Marshfield. The oldest of the children, Dorothy, married, and Margaret, the last child, became Sister Mary William, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. Bernadette’s two brothers, Cornelius and Robert both marched off to war and died overseas.
Growing up, Bernadette’s interests were varied. Her father encouraged reading by bringing her a book whenever he returned from a business trip. She enjoyed skiing the surrounding hills, but playing school was an even more important part of growing up. She dressed up in a black kimono, draped a dish towel around her shoulders, and put a black cloth over her head. A bell given to her by her mother regularly signaled recess.
Neither of her parents objected when she announced, at the end of ninth grade, that she intended to enter the convent. Although their reaction was, “I’ll give you two weeks,” they took her seriously and helped her prepare. She joined four other young girls on the same train going to Milwaukee for the same reason. However, because of her age, Bernadette entered the Juniorate and they went to the Candidature. The next year she followed them to the Candidature.
In July of 1938, Bernadette entered the Novitiate as Novice Cornelia, and one year later, on July 28, 1939, she was professed.
Sister Cornelia studied for an M.A. in Reading at Cardinal Stritch University, preparing her for a lifetime devoted to the education of children. After she retired to Mount Calvary, she enjoyed visiting in Marshfield, going to the library there, and returning with an armload of books to share. As a community member, Sister Cornelia was a gentle, quiet person, ready to be of service. She put the needs of others before hers. A wise woman, she thought first and spoke second.
– Marie Grellinger, SSND
Sister Cornelia ministered for 55 years as a teacher for primary grades (1-4). She served through her prayers and presence when she retired in 1994 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Convent, Mt. Calvary, Wis. and also when she came to live at Notre Dame of Elm Grove in 2006.
Sister Cornelia’s ministry locations included:
- St. Michael School, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Stephen School, Stevens Point, Wis.
- St. Joseph School, Hewitt, Wis.
- Our Lady of Peace School, Marshfield, Wis.
- Ss. Peter and Paul School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- St. John School, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
- St. John School, Marshfield, Wis.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mt. Calvary, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Cornelia is survived by friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated January 25, at Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
Click here to send a memorial online.