Sr. Laurencia Listerman, O.S.F.'s Obituary
Sr. Laurencia Listerman, age 101 of the Srs. of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the convent. Born April 25, 1913 in Cincinnati, Ohio, she is the daughter of Helena (Nee: Day) and Henry Listerman.
Sr. Laurencia entered the convent September 7, 1931 and made her final vows July 2, 1937. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Athenaeum of Ohio, a Master's degree from Xavier University and post graduate work at Marquette University, Indiana University, Indiana State University, Wabash College and Mount St. Mary's Seminary.
She taught for 50 years before returning to the Motherhouse in 1984 to minister to the retired sisters. She began as an elementary teacher which included in many cases serving as parish organist and choir director. Eventually she would teach English and Journalism in High School. Schools included St. Anthony's in Evansville, Indiana, St. Mary's at North Vernon, Indiana, St. Mary Academy and Scecina High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg, Indiana, St. Peter's in Richmond, Ohio, Our Lady of Angels in Cincinnati, Ohio and St. Francis Seraph in Kansas City, Missouri.
Sr. Laurencia welcomed the changes of Vatican II as she felt the change in ministry was a further reflection of her Franciscan values. She would retire in 1996 and nine years later was the subject of a feature article in the Batesville Herald Tribune about her religious calling and living the Franciscan life. She celebrated her centennial birthday last year recalling one of her favorite passages, Psalm 100 part of what reads: Serve the Lord with gladness, give him thanks and bless his name.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Clara Armbruster, Marie Listerman and brothers Harry and Walter Listerman. Visitation is Tuesday, November 25th, from 1 - 3 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Robert Weakley O.F.M. officiating and burial in the convent cemetery. Memorial may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
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