Growing up 15th in a family of 17 gave Sister Gracemarie an early start in community living.  Benedictine values of prayer, work, hospitality and stewardship seemed to be in her parents’ genes. In a rhythm of work, prayer and fun, she learned responsibility at an early age.  A high point for her came with some of the changes in Vatican II, especially praying in English instead of Latin. A trip to Ireland in 2004 touched her Irish-ness!

For 33 years in elementary education, both as teacher and administrator, coworkers praised her.  Sister Jean Schwartz, her coworker, praised her for being “so gentle and loving … always wanting the best for the students.” Sister Mary Schumer remembered her “firm yet compassionate style … sense of humor … [and] love for popcorn.” Parents respected her, including Mary Mathews, who described her as “an extremely caring administrator … a joyful spirit.”

Wherever she finds herself, be that in education, with the elders at Saint Benedict’s Senior Community and now working with the Sisters at their assisted living center, Saint Scholastica Convent, S. Gracemarie comments: “I love religious life, the opportunities given me, and especially those I work with. How they have gifted me, nurtured my life as a Benedictine—all a rich treasure!”