Sr. Angela Benedict O.S.F.'s Obituary
Sr. Angela Benedict, age 104 of the Srs. of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the convent. Born December 12, 1910 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, she is the daughter of Mary (Nee: De Rosa) and Anthony Benedict.
Sr. Angela entered the convent December 27, 1929 and made her final vows July 2, 1935. An elementary teacher for over 50 years, schools included St. Vincent de Paul, St. Bonaventure, St. Joseph, St. Leo and St. Bernard's in Cincinnati, Ohio; Our Lady of Mercy in Dayton, Ohio; St. Patrick's in Minonk, Illinois, St. Anthony's in Streator, Illinois; St. Louis in Batesville, Indiana, St. Joseph in Evansville, Indiana, St. Lawrence, Holy Trinity and St. Michael's in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sr. Angela grew up in a family of nine that was proud of their rich Italian heritage which nurtured several religious vocations in her family. She noted "From my first grade in a country school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher." Contact with the Sisters at St. Bridget's School in Indianapolis greatly influenced her desire to join the Franciscan community and teach. Her success an educator was because she believed 'to teach effectively, one must love it and love children even more." She also shared her talents as a church Sacristan, visiting the sick and elderly and serving the poor. An accomplished musician, she often played violin solos at parishes where she served. It was once said, "she doesn't need her violin to make beautiful music." Her religious life, teaching and social work represents the harmony in her life. The interests and demands of her time and energy validated she was where God wanted her to be. A simple, direct philosophy governed her life allowing her to enjoy life's experiences for over 100 years.
Sr. Angela is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her siblings Joseph, Frank, Tom, Rose, Louis, Monsignor James Benedict, Monsignor Michael Benedict and an infant sibling.
Visitation is Tuesday, March 31st, from 1 - 3 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Robert Weakley O.F.M. officiating. Burial will be in the convent cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
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