Sister Mary Valerie Rajnicek
(Mary Valerine)
Born to earthly life: June 25, 1917
Religious profession: August 5, 1936
Entered eternal life: April 17, 2010
Pauline Rajnicek, the oldest of four girls, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Anna. Her parents emigrated from Czechoslovakia, so Slovak was the language they spoke at home.
Inspired by her SSND schooling at St. Stephen and St. Boniface Schools, Pauline was drawn to the convent at age 13. This was very hard on her parents who always encouraged her, despite their heartache in losing their oldest child, who received the religious name of Mary Valerine. (Later she changed it to Mary Valerie.)
Sister’s 40 years of school ministries ranged from teaching middle and upper grades, to serving as school principal and superior of the community in many different Wisconsin cities. Because of her Slovak upbringing she was asked to teach and administer at a Slovak parish school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which she did for 12 years. Through her years of teaching, Valerie developed many long-lasting relationships with students who continued to keep in grateful contact.
From 1976 on, Valerie left teaching to do a variety of things: driving the sisters, helping in the printery, acting as secretary, and tending the gift shop. In her retirement, her arthritis became so debilitating that Valerie received a motorized vehicle to give her greater mobility. Her driving experience equipped her for all the maneuvers she needed in order to execute her routes, as she cruised through buildings with the ease and adroitness of a pro.
In the eulogy at Sister Valerie’s funeral, Sister Marie Rose Van Deurzen evoked many grins as she reminded us of Valerie’s warm smile, fun-loving spirit, and words of wisdom. She characterized her as “ever-ready with a helping hand,” and having a great love for all that was beautiful in the people and things around her, including the string of pearls which became her hallmark.
Valerie loved to welcome new sisters and associates and to share her deep love for God, her family, and the community. Truly she was Eucharist to everyone; Valerie was a pearl of great price!
– Mary Catherine Dundon, SSND
Sister Mary Valerie ministered as a school educator for 40 years. Later, she worked for the congregation in various roles. In retirement, she served through her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Francis School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Leo School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Augustine School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius School, Minneapolis, Minn.
- St. John Vianney School, Brookfield, Wis.
- St. Stephen School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Leonard School, Muskego, Wis.
- St. Anne School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. John Nepomuc School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Mary School, Neillsville, Wis.
- Sacred Heart Parish, Allenton, Wis.
- Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
School Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Valerie Rajnicek (formerly Sister Mary Valerine) died in Elm Grove on April 17, 2010 at the age of 92. Sister Mary Valerie is survived by her sisters Bertha Hofer and Eleanor May, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated April 22 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.
Click here to send a memorial online.