FLORA GATZEMEIER obituary

MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Flora Catherine Gatzemeier, Sister M. Clara Ann, 85, of Mishawaka, Ind., died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, due to bile duct cancer.

A Eucharistic funeral liturgy was held Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Convent. She was buried in the convent cemetery.

Flora was born to Edward and Anna Mae Gatzemeier of Rudyard on Dec. 16, 1919. The family did many things together, including working in the wheat fields and playing cards and other games. The family belonged to Our Lady of Ransom Church in Hingham. Flora attended a one-room school through seventh grade, then attended and graduated from St. Thomas Academy, a boarding school administered by the Sisters of Charity of Providence.

Flora became familiar with the Sisters of St. Francis through her aunt Sister Johanilla and joined the order at Lafayette, Ind., on Aug. 12, 1938. She received the Franciscan habit on Aug. 12, 1939. Sister Clara Ann taught elementary grades and high school business classes for two years each. She was later assigned to St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Ind., where she assumed several positions in addition to instructor. She subsequently ministered for approximately 25 years in the business office and administration in several hospitals in the community. She was superior of the Sisters in St. Elizabeth in Lafayette, St. Margaret in Hammond, Ind., and St. Anthony in Louisville.

Sister Clara Ann retired to Our Lady of Angels Convent in 1995.

Sister Clara Ann was kind and loving to others. She enjoyed cooking, reading and sewing, especially crewel work. In recent months, she crocheted many hats as a part of the community's Winter Warmth Project for the poor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; aunt, Sister Johanilla; cousins, Sister Adelindis and Sister Aquin; and uncle, Father Arsenius.

Survivors include her sisters, Martha Haag, Mary Rockwell, Helen Krejci and Hazel Gatzemeier; and brothers, Joseph and Edward.