Sister Mary Pierre Lemanczyk
Born to earthly life: January 11, 1921
Religious profession: July 27, 1940
Entered eternal life: June 7, 2010
Sister Pierre (Lucille) Lemanczek, youngest of thirteen children, was born in Milwaukee of parents John Lemanczek and Jennie Gavin, who had emigrated from Poland in their childhood. Their last and youngest daughter’s early years before schooling were given to play. A self-confessed tomboy, Lucille hung out with her two youngest brothers nearest in age, aping their feats of climbing fences, batting balls, and shooting marbles.
When Lucille was enrolled in St. Hedwig School, her Notre Dame teachers drew an admiration from her, which stirred an early desire to be like them. She entered the candidature in the Milwaukee motherhouse in 1937, having completed her last two years of high school there.
As a young professed sister, Sister Pierre excelled in her humanities classes at Mount Mary College. This fact convinced her advisors that she should be educated for administration, in addition to classroom teaching. Her proficiency in teaching and administration in Catholic elementary schools in Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin first exhibited itself in the primary grades. She quickly moved up to the junior high level. Twice she was asked to serve as convent superior in addition to her school duties.
The 70 years from 1940 to 2010, played out mainly in the role of school principal, earned her the esteem and appreciation of pastors and parents; they knew their school was in good hands. Her warmth and fairness won her the willing cooperation of the students.
Sister Pierre brought great vitality to convent life. In the years following Vatican II, when convent living demonstrated more latitude, any community with Sister Pierre in it enjoyed her liveliness and creativity. Sisters living in community at her last three missions – Christ King, Wauwatosa; Holy Assumption, West Allis; and St. Luke, Brookfield – knew that with Sister Pierre in their midst, they could always count on fun.
When Holy Assumption School closed, Sister Pierre and her longtime friends Sisters Melmarie and Marie Gabriel Stoll, now in semi-retirement, chose to live together in a small rented home. They could now give their time to service activities such as tutoring, negotiating calls at the province switchboard, and running booths at parish festivals. More time for relaxation allowed vacationing together.
Ultimately, the pleasures of retirement at Notre Dame of Elm Grove were cut short for Sister Pierre. Sister’s longtime heart problem put her in the hospital shortly after her arrival. Within three days, God took the last of the Lemanczyk sibs, her relatives and religious sisters seeing her off to heaven.
– Francele Sherburne, SSND
Sister Mary Pierre ministered as a teacher and principal for 54 years. With semi-retirement, she worked part-time in religious education and pastoral ministry. When she came to fully retire, she still served through many volunteer activities, as well as by her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Joseph Orphanage, Green Bay, Wis.
- Maria Incoronata, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Leo, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Agnes, Butler, Wis.
- St. Benedict, Detroit, Mich.
- Christ King, Wauwatosa, Wis.
- Holy Assumption, West Allis, Wis.
- St. Luke, Brookfield, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Wis.
School Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Pierre Lemanczyk died June 7, 2010, age 89 years. Sister Mary Pierre is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated June 11 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 would be appreciated.
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