Sister Maureen Walker
March 5, 1930 ~ August 14, 2013
Sister Maureen Walker died August 14, 2013, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born March 5, 1930, in Valley City, ND. The fourth of the five children of Eleanor Sheehan and Earl Chapman Walker, she was baptized Therese Louine and moved with her family to Fargo as a young child. In 1948 she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. After attending college for a year, she worked in medical clinics in Fargo and in California.
In 1953 she entered the Presentation Sisters and made profession of vows in 1956. From 1955 to 1968 Sister Maureen taught elementary classes in St. Anthony’s and St. Mary’s (Fargo) St. Elizabeth’s (Sykeston), and St. Alphonsus (Langdon). For six years she was director of religious education in Langdon. Along the way she earned a baccalaureate degree from the College of St. Scholastic and a graduate degree from Creighton University. From 1974-77, Sister Maureen was Director of Adult Education for the Diocese of Fargo. For many years she served her religious congregation in formation work and in administration.
In 1981 she co-founded Presentation Prayer Center and was on its staff for five years. For 18 years she was the Sponsorship Coordinator for congregational ministries. Whatever her ministry or personal circumstances, Sister Maureen’s disposition was consistently cheerful. Liturgical services at Sacred Heart Convent were enhanced by her contributions, especially as cantor and bass player. In her “retirement” she was the archivist for the congregation and it was in the archives that she finished her work on this earth and went home to God.
Her parents and her brother, James, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sisters, Sister Jane Walker (Fargo) and Annabelle (John) Van Gilder of Elm Grove, WI, her brother Thomas (Mary) of Pleasanton, CA. and the members of her religious congregation.
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Scottsdale AZ
I had the privilege of knowing and working side by side with Sister Jane at Nativity Church. She was an inspiration to me, I have never forgotten her kindness to me and so many others.
Rogers MN
– Minnesota
Sister Jane was not only a gifted teacher but a treasured friend and comrade during our years together at Shanley and thereafter.
I cherish our friendship, and trust her spirit will live on in the hearts of many. Tom
The mark of this wonderful Sister on the life’s of young women and men atShanley over her many years there cannot be overstated. Sr. Jane rest in peace.
Fargo ND
In 1964 I started my high school education at Shanley. By 1968, grad year, I had come to know Sister Jane Michael quite well. (!) Sister Jane was good to me. She didn’t let me get away with things but she did understand that I was a working teen both at school for my tuition and after school as well. I was not one of the social elite but that did not concern her. Sometimes when I was obviously tired from working late at a local theatre till 11PM she would notice and bring me into her office and let me lie down and sleep. OMG I needed sleep!
Other times I was reprimanded for ‘rebellious behaviour’ ! I sometimes failed to stick to the rules on accepted deviations to our school uniforms, most momentous was the bright red ribbons in my pigtails that a dear friend and I concocted in protest. – We were sent home. Bad girls!
Next thing I knew Sister Jane (we called her JM) was right there when I needed her.
Never having had the fortune to have Sister Jane Michael as my Home Ec instructor, my sister Mary (six years older) clued me in on Sister Jane’s pie crust recipe which elevated me to ‘pie maker officiandao’. I use this religiously. It is remarkable – not in ingredients as one would expect but in technique! Technique rules the day with Sister’s pie crust recipe! I am honored!
Sister Jane Michael carried her technique of care all through the years. She was kind and caring. Considerate to all.
Much Loved, Much Missed
Moorhead MN
I am so honored to have known Sister Jane and to have been a part of the Presentation Partners in Housing Program. She was an extraordinary woman. I enjoyed her sense of humor and her laugh.She is loved by many and will be missed.
Sandy Lake ManitobaSister Jane will always be in my heart and memory. When I worked for SENDCAA we collaborated to assist persons with housing and life issues. She was an inspired cheerleader for them. She is one of those truly rare people who live their faith. It is an honor to have known her.
Moorhead MN
Thank you, Sister Jane.
Moorhead MN
Sister Jane, you were my high school principal at Shanley High. I remember your care through the years since. Your compassion inspired many. A sincere thank you for everything you gave to the people.
Fargo N.D
.She will be missed here on earth, but I know she is smiling down on us from heaven.
Fort Totten ND
Sister Jane was not only our friend, she was family. she was always there for us, whether we needed a shoulder to cry on or just someone to listen. she was there to help my son when he needed help with his school studies, there when I needed a helping hand. she was there when the Native people of Fargo/Moorhead needed help, she stood with them on their fundraising, and their beleifs, she was always there when someone needed help, if she couldn’t help, she always referred them to someone who could. she never gave up on anyone and always made everyone who met her feel at home. we will miss and love you
sister jane forever, your with my mom, who thought the world of you, and your friends and family in Jesus’s Home.
Sr. Jane, what a fine lady! Her competence, commitment and charisma were outstanding. She touched in a positive manner many lives in her various roles. She is most probably the reason my undergraduate degree was in Home Economics. May she be afforded a very high place in Heaven.
My prayerful sympathy to all the Sisters of Sacred Heart Convent! I loved Sister Jane. I was part of Diakonia when I lived in Fargo, 1997-2000. Sr. Jane was the epitome of hospitality and gracious service. May she enjoy the gracious welcome of her loving God and Father! I know Sr. Maureen was there to welcome her as well. May she rest in peace.
sincerely, Sister Susan Lardy
mesa azsr jane embodied the love of christ in every way. she was my home ec teacher at shanley-many years ago although my husband always told her i never learned anything in her class…i also had the honor of working with her at nativity church, and considered her a friend and mentor through the years. she and her always present smile will be missed. god’s blessing on her memory and may she rest in peace after her many years od serving the lord.
sharon lepine wolf
Thank you Sr. Jane for all of your dedication and service. You truly lived the PBVM motto, “not words, but deeds.” Thank you.
Fargo ND
I was a young widow when I met Sister Jane. I am forever grateful to her for the ministry of Theos and the friendships that saw a lot of very special people through difficult times in our lives. I was also blessed by Beginning Experience both the program and the friendships. Sister Jane was an angel on earth blessing all who were touched by her ministry. As I am remembering those days many years ago I can hear her voice and see her smile. She truly was a messenger of hope to many. Blessed be her memory.
Sister Jane. When I remember her a smile comes to my face. She embodied all that was positive about being a person, a woman, a nun. She touched so many of us some maybe only once but her impact was great. I met her as a volunteer for Partners in 1996. Eventually I became the director and was lucky to have her in my life on an almost daily basis. She loved life and God and you. She was my friend and my mentor. My family and I will miss her.
Tigard ORMay Sr. Jane have eternal peace and joy with our loving God. She faithfully served the people of God as a humble servant and was an inspiration to me in many ways as a priest at Nativity. She revealed God’s love for all especially the poor and vulnerable. May her legacy live on in all the people she touched and ministered to.
Sister Jane. When I remember her I smile. She embodied all that was positive about being a person, a woman, and a nun. She touched so many of us some maybe only once but her impact was great. I met her as a volunteer for Partners in Housing Board in 1996. Eventually I became the director and was lucky enough to have her in my life on an almost daily basis. She loved life, and God and you. She was my friend and my mentor. My family and I will miss her.
Dear Sisters, I learned yesterday, Aug. 24, that your dear Sister Maureen died. I was visiting my friend in Walhalla and Marilyn Gapp, Sister Petronilla’s sister met me at Mass and as we visited she told me about Sr. Maureen died. I am saddened by that news and can only imagine how saddened you all are, especially Sr. Jane! My special prayer and heartfelt sympathy to you as you grieve her return to the Father. She was special in so many ways. I appreciated so much her gentle and gracious presence, Christ-like and attentive. May the Christ she served so faithfully welcome her now to eternal rest and peace. sincerely,
Sister Susan Lardy
Minneapolis MN
Sr. Maureen was also a great member of the Fargo Diocesan Liturgical Commission. She was always ready and willing to work at nurturing the needs of the Christian Faithful.
Jim Leith, former director of liturgy
Aberdeen SDDear Sisters, relatives and friends of Sister Maureen,
I was saddened to hear today of Maureen’s sudden death, even though I know the Holy One and the angelic choir is happy to have her join them.
I am so happy I got to hug this dear woman on July 22, 2013. Always spreading JOY and PEACE she continues to accompany us here on earth.
Love and prayers for all,
Sister Ruth Geraets and the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters.
Jamestown ND
It is with mourning that I heard of the death of Sr. Maureen.
It is a consolation of our faith that she is now nearer to us, can love us and pray for us – not before a statue or with a prayer book, but in the very Beatific Vision of God and in the total communion of Saints.
It was such a privilege and joy to be in ministry with her while we were at St. Alphonsus in Langdon. Her ability to bring a smile on people’s faces allowed many to experience the presence of God. Her enthusiasm for ministry was and is an inspiration to me.
May all in her community and family have a smile even now and enjoy God’s presence as she is enjoying the smile’s of all her loved ones in heaven.
Peace be with you,
Fr. Al Bitz
Southfield MichiganSister Maureen was my fifth grade teacher at St. Anthony’s. She was a dedicated, wonderful teacher and a very good role model for her students. She lived a life of holy service to others. Goodbye, Sister Maureen. I know you will enjoy the heaven with God you have earned. Colleen Cleary Bassett
Fargo ND
Sister Maureen served the church and her sisters well over the years and lived well the message of Christ in great way. Thank you for your service and life
Devils Lake ND
My thoughts and prayers are with Sr. Maureen’s family and community today and always. Sr. Maureen was a loving, gifted woman and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Cambridge WisconsinSister Maureen was a wonderful and joyful woman and a fine teacher.In 1956 when she taught fourth grade at St. Anthony’s I was lucky to be one of her students. I remember thinking that not only was she a great teacher but an amazing person because she could jump rope with the best of us and do so in a long black habit! We all loved her. May God bless you Sister Maureen.
Chandler ArizonaFor many years I was thankful to have Sister Maureen involved with our operation at Riverview Place. She added so much to the organization, and her greatest gift to everyone was the way she cared about people, staff, residents and friends. Louise and I so enjoyed having her involved in our lives. God bless Sister Maureen.
Fargo ND
We will miss this smiling face whenever we visit the convent. Sister Maureen was kind, caring and genuine. Heaven has a wonderful new resident. May she rest in peace.
Fargo I am so sad and shocked to hear of Sr. Maureen’s passing. She was a lovely lady. Always upbeat and pleasant and welcomed me by name everytime I saw her. She will be greatly missed. Although her earthly time is done, her legacy will endure. Thank-you for all you’ve done Sr. Maureen.
Fargo ND
Sister Maureen was my cousin…I had seen her Sunday July 14th at Prayer Service for Sister Claudia Nelson and we have a “Cousins Luncheon” planned for this Saturday at 1pm(17th) we will be remembering her…She was a Great Lady