Sister Dorothy Smith
(Mary Stanislaus)
Born to earthly life: June 4, 1917
Religious profession: August 5, 1956
Entered eternal Life: December 25, 2011
Sister Dorothy was gifted with 94 years – 75 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Her life was filled with miracles and blessings. She was a blessing to all whose lives she touched: in family, in community, in ministry, and with friends. She is now experiencing God’s abundant love and deep joy as she celebrates with her loving Lord. She answered God’s call faithfully till the end of her days on earth. We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the numerous ways that she shared her gifts, talents, and graces.
The graces Sister Dorothy received were gratefully shared with others. She trusted and depended on the Lord for his strength to meet the challenges of life. The past few years she had the privilege of sharing time with her sister, Esther. Each afternoon they could be found praying, visiting, and being present to God and each other. They also shared the things she liked: cookies, marshmallows, chocolate candy –especially a Hershey bar.
She was proud of her family. As a novice, Dorothy wrote in her autobiography that she was born into a large, loving and caring family, the second oldest of ten children. She was baptized on at St. Casimir Church in Milwaukee where she also attended elementary school. At age 14, she announced to her parents that she was going to the convent. Her parents considered it a privilege that she wanted to enter the convent.
After her first vows, she was sent to St. James, Belvidere, Illinois, where she taught for 13 years. Sister Dorothy taught for 51 years! When she was asked to be local leader for the SSND community in Grand Rapids, she felt God’s blessing but found it difficult to let go of family and friends in Milwaukee. Later, she was able to realize her second dream – to minister to the elderly. She wrote that on December 21, 1989 she followed the star by moving to convent hill. “It was a happy move at the Christmas season.”
Sister Dorothy’s ministry locations follow. As a candidate, her first teaching position was at St. John, Marshfield, Wis., 1934-35. After her profession, Sister Dorothy taught at St. James, Belvidere, Ill., 1936-49; Holy Assumption, West Allis, Wis., 1949-56; St. Joseph, Hewitt, Wis., 1956-61; St. Bruno, Dousman, Wis., 1961-65; St. Leonard, Muskego, Wis., 1965-66; and at St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids, Mich., 1966-69, where she also was principal. She served as the principal of St. John Vianney, Brookfield, Wis., 1969-77. She returned to teaching intermediate level students at St. Agnes, Butler, Wis., 1977-81; St. Bruno, Dousman, Wis., 1981-84; and Holy Cross, Milwaukee, 1984-87. She was the local community leader at St. Isidore, Grand Rapids, Mich., 1987-88. Sister Dorothy retired in 1989 and volunteered in ministry with the elderly at Convent Hill, Milwaukee, Wis. In 2000, she moved to Notre Dame of Elm Grove where she continued serving by her prayers and presence.
Sister Dorothy enjoyed life wherever she was sent. However, there were many challenges. Her father was killed in an automobile accident in 1952. She went through two surgeries for a perforated esophagus. Both Dorothy and Esther were struck down as pedestrians by a snow plow. Each time, after many weeks of painful suffering, she recovered. It was during those times that God’s peace, joy, love, and healing were recognized as special gifts. Sister Dorothy expressed gratitude all the days of her life.
On Christmas morning after breakfast, Sister Dorothy received the gift of her eternal reward. Sister Esther considered this a beautiful gift, as well. Sister Esther had just read this quote: “Faith is immortalizing yourself – forever”.
Let us take a moment to unwrap some of the gifts that Sister Dorothy shared.
Thank you Dorothy:
for the gifts of the love and care you gave and received,
for the gift of delighting in educating children,
for the gift of friendship you shared with others,
for the gift of humor and story-telling,
for the gift of your courage to meet what was difficult,
for the gift of hope that all would be well,
for the gift of compassion for those who are hurting ,
for the gifts of peace, acceptance, and surrender,
for the gift of happiness and joy deep down within,
for the gift of being a beautiful, grateful woman.
You found joy and peace because you lived each moment with the fullness of life!
– Sister Marie Rose Van Deurzen, SSND
Sister Dorothy Smith, SSND died on December 25, 2011, age 94. Survived by her sister, Sister Esther Smith, SSND; her brothers, Edward Smith and Robert (Colette) Smith; nieces, nephews, grand and great-grandnieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A wake service was celebrated December 29, 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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