Sister Marie Ernest Muller
Born to earthly life: December 5, 1918
Religious profession: July 28, 1938
Entered eternal life: May 22, 2011
School Sister of Notre Dame, Marie Ernest Muller died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis. on May 22, 2011 at the age of 92.
Barbara Muller was born in Phillips, Wisconsin, on December 5, 1918, one half hour after the feast of St. Barbara. On Christmas Day, the family came to St. Patrick’s Church by horse and sled to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the baptism of Barbara.
Her father, Michael, who had emigrated from Germany, passed on some of his farming skills to his growing family. Sister Marie Ernest frequently and proudly spoke of having milked cows and driven a team of horses as a little girl. She loved to pick berries and wild flowers in the woods near the family farm.
Barbara’s education began in a small rural school. During the summer of 1925, both she and her sister prepared for their First Holy Communion, frequently walking the ten-mile distance from home to the church for instructions — the happiness of that special day far surpassed the sacrifice.
The family moved from Phillips to Burlington, Wisconsin, because the parents wanted their children to receive a Catholic education. It was there, at St. Mary’s Grade School, that Barbara met the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
In September 1935, Barbara entered the Notre Dame convent in Milwaukee. As a candidate she was sent to St. Alphonsus in Chicago to help in the kitchen and laundry. When the sister in charge became ill, Barbara cooked for the 50 sisters on her own until help arrived.
Sister Marie Ernest professed her vows in 1938. Missioned as housekeeper and cook, she lovingly served her sisters. She was particularly happy to be part of opening the small community in Grosse Ile, Michigan, in 1947.
Sister also made home in larger institutions in Wisconsin — Mount Mary College, Notre Dame of the Lake in Mequon, and Mount Calvary. She loved the blessings of country life at Mount Calvary, where she lived for 28 years. There she would scout out a space that had good sun and moisture, and plant some new vegetation. She would watch it, tend it carefully, and enjoy seeing it grow.
An article written for her 70th Jubilee in 2008 describes Sister as “a homemaker whose greatest joy was surprising the sisters with cookies, or a birthday cake for Blessed Mother’s birthday.” Describing herself as a GIVER, she delighted in this art of the heart.
Her eyes sparkled and her broad smile told the story of great love and contentment in her work. “We shared. We were happy, and I loved doing what I did,” was her summation of her many years of generous service, love, and prayer.
– Sister Marie Grellinger
Sister Marie Ernest served as a homemaker for nearly 50 years. She retired while at Mount Calvary but actively helped with work in the convent community and gardens. In 1993, she moved to the Notre Dame of Elm Grove Community where she continued to serve through her prayers and presence.
Sister Marie Ernest’s ministry locations included:
- St. Alphonsus, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Augustine, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Sacred Heart, Sun Prairie, Wis.
- Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Sacred Heart, Grosse Ile, Ill.
- Sacred Heart, Marshfield, Wis.
- Holy Assumption, West Allis, Wis.
- SS. Peter and Paul, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- St. Joseph, Appleton, Wis.
- Motherhouse, Mequon, Wis.
- Mount Carmel Convent, Mt. Calvary, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Marie Ernest Muller, SSND died on May 22, 2011, age 92. She is survived by her brother Victor (Norma) Muller, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A wake service was celebrated May 27, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Holy Family Chapel at Notre Dame of Elm Grove. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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