Sister Mary Bodwin

Sister Mary Bodwin, age 98, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, passed away on November 10, 2023, at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.

The former Jeanne Myrtle Bodwin, Sister Mary Richard Bodwin, was born on October 21, 1925, in Rhinelander, daughter of the late Joseph and Myrtle (McLaughlin) Bodwin. She entered the convent in 1942 and professed her vows in 1945. Sister Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Holy Family College, Manitowoc and a Master of Arts in History from Notre Dame University, Indiana.

Sister Mary ministered as an elementary teacher at Holy Rosary, Kewaunee; St. Anthony, Oconto Falls; St. Andrew, Manitowoc; St. Philip, Green Bay; Holy Rosary, New Holstein, all in Wisconsin and St. Benedict, Cambridge, Ohio. Sister Mary was principal at St. Mary, Delaware, Ohio and St. Philip, Green Bay. 

She also taught high school at St. Willibrord, Chicago, Illinois and Bishop Amat High School, West Covina, California. Sister Mary was on the faculty at Holy Family College/Silver Lake College, Manitowoc. She assisted with office work at St. Agnes, Green Bay and worked in the Vocation Office at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. Sister Mary was a member of the Community’s Prayer Apostolate and performed various tasks while at St. Francis Convent and Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.

Since 2021 she had been a resident of St. Rita Health Center, Manitowoc. 

Survivors include the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, sister-in-law Jennifer Bodwin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Myrtle (McLaughlin) Bodwin; brothers (sisters-in-law): Bernard (Leone) Bodwin; Kenneth (Ruth) Bodwin; Richard Bodwin; Wayne Bodwin; sisters (brothers-in-law): Dorothy (Vernon) Montgomery and Noreen (Harvey) McLaughlin.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Holy Family Convent Chapel, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass was the Rev. Gerald Prusakowski, OFM. Burial followed at the Holy Family Convent Cemetery. 

The family greeted relatives and friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. A prayer service was held at 7 p.m. at the Holy Family Convent Chapel. Visitation continued Monday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to support retired Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, in care of FSCC Retirement Fund, Holy Family Convent, 2409 S. Alverno Rd., Manitowoc, WI 54220.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.