Sr. Patricia Bietsch O.S.F.'s Obituary
Sr. Patricia Bietsch, formerly Sr. Mary Martha, age 74 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, died suddenly Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Tohatchi, New Mexico due to complications with cancer. Born Patricia Ann on April 26, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio, she is the daughter of Audrey (Nee: Kramer) and Russell Bietsch.
She began her elementary education in Ironton, Ohio. The family moved back to Cincinnati where she finished her primary schooling before moving on to Oldenburg Academy where she entered their novitiate program. She entered the Franciscan community in 1963 and professed final vows in 1968. Following Vatican II, she returned to her Baptismal name and was known as Sr. Pat.
She earned degrees at Marian University in Indianapolis, Xavier University in Cincinnati, and accreditations at Xavier University in New Orleans and Loyola University in Chicago. Sr. Pat taught in Catholic schools and missions in Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Montana and New Mexico.
As an educator, Sr. Pat was passionate about ensuring every student being given the opportunity to learn. She pioneered religion classes for the handicapped students at St. Mary Mission in New Mexico. Over time the program evolved into four groups of Special Religious Education Development, or SPRED, with students coming from Gallup and Tohatchi for lessons, crafts, prayer and fellowship. Her gracious heart and welcoming smile made her a favorite among students throughout her life.
As an environmentalist. she was a proponent of solar power and served on the Gallup Solar board, overseeing the transition to solar power for the greater Gallup area by collaborating with communities, elected representatives, utilities and industry to bring solar power to the area. She spearheaded efforts to ensure that the St. Mary Mission in Tohatchi moved in an earth-friendly direction by adding solar panels and an organic garden and greenhouse.
As a resident director at the former Prayer Lodge on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana, Sr. Pat and Sr. Marya Grathwohl offered Native American hospitality, retreats, eco-spirituality and compassion as they primarily served members of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes. April Martin-Chalfant, director at the Wild Rose Center spoke fondly of Sr. Pat as she learned of her passing and commented, “She had a love for Native people in New Mexico and here in Cheyenne and Crow country. Her sense of humor and life will be missed on the hill where she served with such grace.”
Classmate Sr. Peg Maher shared, “Pat didn't get back to Indiana very often, but she always made sure she touched base with everyone she knew. She was a Community person. She reached out to others and people felt comfortable in her presence. She wanted to know what others thought and felt but would share her ideas freely. You could always count on a little laughter whenever she saw around.”
Classmate, Sr. Carol Ann Mause noted, “When Pat returned to Oldenburg earlier this year to recuperate from her cancer treatments, she couldn’t thank us enough for the care and concern she received, yet she was so anxious to return to ‘her people’ in Tohatchi. She loved the people in her ministry, and they loved her in return.”
Her beautiful life was abundant yet finite. “Sr. Pat’s mortality is unimaginable”, said Liz Sumida, PhD, dear friend since age 16 when Liz came to St. Mary’s to volunteer one summer and the two remained confidantes.
As in life, she entertained until God said to Pat, “you faithful servant, you may rest now as you are mine.” Her niece, Stephanie Schuckman noted, “Rest in peace dearly beloved Sr Pat, Patsy, Martha, Aunt Pat - your legacy will be celebrated through the ages as we will commemorate your work at the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Catholic Church on the Navajo Reservation in Tohatchi, Naschitti and Coyote Canyon, New Mexico.”
She is survived by siblings Tom (Vicki) Bietsch and Peggy Schuckman. She is preceded in death by parents. In her native journey, she gained another sister in April Martin-Chalfant (Jed) and a brother in John (Laverne) Buffalo. Through all these enduring relationships, and so many more close friends, youth groups and community members, Pat enjoyed many nieces, nephews, and grands in addition to her sisterhood and religious family.
Visitation in Oldenburg will be Monday, November 25 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Robert Ross, S.J. officiating and burial will follow in the convent cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
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