In Memoriam

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB

1935-2024

Born: October 26, 1935
Baptized: October 27, 1935
First Profession: July 11, 1956
Perpetual Profession: July 11, 1959
Entered Eternal Life: January 26, 2024

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the afternoon of January 26, 2024, on the Feast of Timothy and Titus, at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 88 years old.

Sister Theresa was the second child born to Carl Henscheid and Dorothy (Rausch) Henscheid. Twelve more children were born after Sr. Theresa to a total of 14 children. The last two were born after Sr. Theresa entered the monastery. Their names are James, Margaret (Sr. Theresa), Annette, Betty Mae, Thomas, Helen, John, Leonard, Paul, Andrew, Rose Mary, Joseph, Patricia, and Victor. Of these siblings, only James, the oldest, has died. Needless to say, there are many nieces, nephews, and beyond.

Sister Theresa was baptized in St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert, Idaho, and participated in all church activities with her family. She attended the public grade school and high school and graduated in 1954. That same summer she entered Queen of Angels Monastery, joining her three Rausch cousins – Sisters Christine, Dorothy and Regina, who had entered earlier. She made her temporary profession on July 11, 1956, and her perpetual profession on July 11, 1959. She was a Benedictine sister for 68 years.

Sister Theresa always wanted to become a nurse. Being the oldest of a large family, she was skilled naturally as she assisted in caring for her little brothers and sisters. Sister Theresa was soon assigned in 1956 to serve as a nurse’s aide in the newly established Benedictine Village Home, forerunner to the Benedictine Nursing Center. From 1960 to 1966 she continued nursing in the convent infirmary. In 1968 she attended Nursing School in Vancouver, WA. receiving her nursing degree in 1970. In 1970, she continued her service in Benedictine Nursing Center and later joined the Benedictine Home Health department from 1989-2000. She served for 40 years at the nursing center.

Sister Theresa retired from nursing, except as consultant for the monastery infirmary, where she served the sisters with tenderness and professionalism . During this time, she became grounds coordinator for the monastery. Sister Theresa also served on the Monastic Council from 2010-2015. Eventually, in 2016, Sister Theresa retired and continued to do what she enjoyed doing – taking care of the monastery flower gardens and other tasks needed to keep the grounds beautiful. Sister Theresa was always a faithful friend and steady, caring worker, ready to serve wherever she was needed. The community will always be grateful for Sister Theresa’s faithful service to her community and beyond.

Sister Theresa loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker. She and several sisters went backpacking during the summer and in winter she went cross-country skiing. One year she and a group of sisters climbed to the peak of Mt. Hood. When she was not able to climb mountains, Sister Theresa took daily walks around Mt. Angel.

Sister Theresa is predeceased by her parents and her older brother, James. She is survived by her sisters, brothers, her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel.

A vigil was celebrated by the monastic community on Wednesday, February 7 in their chapel at Orchard House. Receiving and viewing of Sister Theresa’s body will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 8 at the Queen of Angels Chapel. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m, the same day, followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. A luncheon followed in the monastic dining room.

Gifts to the Benedictine Sisters Retirement Fund are graciously accepted in memory of Sister Theresa. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.

Sister Mary Mechtilde Fennimore, OSB

1930-2024

Born: March 12, 1930
Baptized: March 16, 1930
First Profession: February 10, 1950
Perpetual Profession: February 10, 1953
Entered Eternal Life: January 25, 2024

Sister Mechtilde, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the morning of January 25, 2024, on the Feast of Conversion of Saint Paul, at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center’s Orchard House, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 93 years old. She was a Benedictine sister for 74 years.

Sister Mechtilde was born on a farm near Mt. Angel, Oregon, to Edgar Fennimore and Madeline (Gilman) Fennimore and given the name Charmaine. She was the only girl in a family of five brothers: Charles, Emmett, Gilman, Edgar, and Cyril, all of whom are deceased. There are 16 nieces and nephews and their families.

Sister Mechtilde was baptized and received the sacraments at St. Mary Church in Mt. Angel. She attended her first eight years at Thomas Public School. She continued her high school at Mt. Angel Academy, graduating in 1948. She was accepted into the Benedictine community on August 9, 1947, and became a novice on February 10, 1948. She professed her vows on February 10, 1950, taking the name Sister Mechtilde.

Sister Mechtilde has served in a variety of ministries during her monastic life. She served as kitchen manager for the monastery and the Mt. Angel College cafeteria, 1950- 1970. She was sub-prioress from 1968-1977, 2005-2007. In her early years she took care of the bee hives that we had on the property, and she oversaw the farm and garden. She served in the infirmary as the director, 1971-2001. She served on the monastic council, 2002, 2006-2012. Inn her long history of serving the monastic community, she also served as director of housing for the sisters and guests. She was monastic community’s Owner’s Representative for the renovation and building projects of 1986,1996,1998. In her last years until 2015 she was procurator, kitchen coordinator, and maintenance director. Sr. Mechtilde always served with joy and graciousness. She listened “with the ear of her heart” to all who came to her, seeking her counsel as Saint Benedict wrote in his Rule.

Sister Mechtilde was exceptionally gifted in, as she called it, “Jack-of-all-trades.” When you needed something or needed to know something about buildings or properties, you went to Sister Mechtilde. She was always able and ready to help people. The monastic community is most grateful for Sister Mechtilde’s devoted service in many areas of community life. Sister Mechtilde’s motto was “I can try, God willing!!”

Sister Mechtilde was often seen in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. She had a special devotion for the Blessed Sacrament from the time she entered and participated in Perpetual Adoration. Sister Mechtilde was a woman of prayer and a constant presence in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist.

She is survived by her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel.

A vigil was celebrated by the monastic community on January 30 in their chapel at Orchard House. Receiving and viewing of Sister Mechtilde’s body will be held in the morning of Wednesday, January 31, 9 a.m. at the Queen of Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m, the same day, followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. A luncheon follows in the monastic dining room.

Gifts to the Benedictine Sisters Retirement Fund are graciously accepted in memory of Sister Mechtilde. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.