October 29, 1925 – August 18, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Agatha Grossman, CSJ, who died peacefully at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota, on August 18, 2026.
Agatha Grossman, CSJ, was a humble, quietly reflective, generous lover of family, friends and fun, who devoted her life to meeting the needs of the dear neighbor. She was born the youngest of eight on October 29, 1925, to John and Anne (Leuthard) Grossman. Having been raised on a farm, Agatha learned at an early age to appreciate and care for the land, forming a lifelong relationship with the Earth.
After graduation, Agatha followed her sister Marie and entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1945, where she was given the name Ann Fredrick.
She was missioned to the field of health care and in 1951 graduated from the CSJ School of Nursing in Fargo, North Dakota. Agatha later received a bachelor of science degree in nursing education from St. Louis University (1954), and a master of science degree in nursing education from the University of Minnesota (1963). In response to community needs, she served as nurse, educator and administrator at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul (1951), St. Micheal’s Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota (1954) and St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis (1963).
In 1970, Agatha was missioned to Peru, where she was immediately struck by the extreme poverty of the Peruvian people. A devastating earthquake struck shortly before her arrival, killing over 50,000 and leaving millions without homes. After quickly learning Spanish, Agatha dedicated 18 years to serving and walking with the poor and abandoned ones in Lima, Moho, Chimbote, Casma and San José de Lourdes. Agatha believed it necessary to have this first-hand experience in order to see, understand, be changed and be neighbor.
With a deepened sense of mission, Agatha returned home to serve in Jonestown, Mississippi (1991), and at the age of 71 began a ministry with her sister Marie, in Gaylord, Minnesota. Together, they quickly immersed themselves in the life and needs of the entire community. For this amazing work they received the Gaylord Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary International “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Agatha was a serious, passion-filled justice seeker. who also loved a good laugh and a great card game.
Agatha is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Isabel Tobin, Martha Summer and Marie Grossman, CSJ; her brothers Vincent, Joe, Clarence and Primus Grossman. She is survived by many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews; dear friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.
A Celebration of Life will take place Wednesday, September 16 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota. Memorials in her honor are preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Agatha, rest in love and peace.