Sister Mary Arnolda Schieffer
Born to earthly life: December 31, 1917
Religious profession: August 3, 1937
Entered eternal Life: April 21, 2011
School Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Arnolda Schieffer died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis. on April 21, 2011 at the age of 93.
Sister Mary Arnolda is remembered by her family, the community, and her friends as a woman of joy and hospitality – she always had a smile. She lived each day with enthusiasm, loving to laugh and have fun. At NDEG, she played bingo every week, even the week before she died. Through her ministry as cook and homemaker, many enjoyed the delicious meals and the wonderful cookies, pies, and cakes that she baked.
Clara Margaret was welcomed as the third of thirteen children by her parents, John and Rose Schieffer, on December 31, 1917. Her most outstanding childhood memory was of her family and relatives cooking maple syrup in large black kettles in the fields. “We little ones got some on a stick to eat.”
Clara met the School Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Joseph’s in Appleton, Wisconsin. Although she disliked school, the thought of becoming a sister was in her mind throughout her grade school years. She entered the candidature on September 2, 1934, and was received as a novice on July 28, 1935, at which time she received the name Arnolda after her grandfather.
Serving in both large and small communities, Sister Arnolda always baked a variety of seasonal cookies for special occasions; all were decorated and had plenty of frosting.
She liked to make little surprises for the sisters and often planned games, providing prizes for the winners. In the summer she was always ready for a picnic, with a smile on her face.
In her retirement years, Sister loved to tell stories, another aspect of her welcoming spirit and gift of hospitality – which she passed on to her relatives. On special feast days, her nieces would bring something to share with the sisters in the dining room at Elm Grove.
“We know that God has moved through Sister’s life, which was based on the trust and love of God,” Sister Marie Rose Van Deurzen shared in the funeral eulogy. “She chose life and lived it fully by loving the Lord. Each meal she prepared was a feast of love. The giving of her time and talent was a gift we all shared. She felt God’s goodness and guidance as she responded to life’s challenges with her compassionate heart. We thank you, Arnolda, for everything you have been to each of us.”
How happy Sister Arnolda is now; she has spent this Easter enjoying eternal life with her Beloved Spouse, family, and friends.
– Dorothy Land, SSND
Sister Mary Arnolda ministered as a homemaker and cook for 50 years. In 1991, she retired to the Notre Dame of Elm Grove Community where she continued to serve through her prayers and presence.
Sister Mary Arnolda’s ministry locations included:
- St. Mary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- St. Mary, Detroit, Mich.
- St. Mary, Greenville, Wis.
- St. Michael, Milwaukee, Wis.
- SS. Peter & Paul, Gary, Ind.
- St. Mary, Neilsville, Wis.
- Christ King, Wauwatosa, Wis.
- Holy Trinity, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Academy of Our Lady, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Luke, Gary, Ind.
- St. Helena, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Hyacinth, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- St. John, Marshfield, Wis.
- Visitation Convent, Elm Grove, Wis.
- St. Augustine, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. John, South Milwaukee, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Mary Arnolda Schieffer, SSND died on April 21, 2011, age 93. She is survived by her brothers Francis (Violet) and Edmund (Jane), her sister Christine Franco, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. Preceded in death by her brothers, Bernard (Cathy), Marcellus (Dixie) and Jerome (Shirley), Leo and sisters, Theresa (the late Ted) Hazelberg, Julia (the late Robert) King and Leona (the late John) Schindler. A wake service was celebrated April 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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