Remembering Sister Diane Hunker, CSJ

August 22, 1937 – July 29, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Diane Hunker, CSJ, who died on July 29, 2026, in St. Paul. She was 89 years old.

Sister (M. Julie) Diane was born on August 22, 1937, to Julia McDonald and James Edward Hunker in Superior, Wisconsin. She entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Superior on September 8, 1952, and professed final vows May 1, 1960. When the Superior congregation closed in 1986, Sister Diane transferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.

Sister Diane received a license in practical nursing from the Vocational School of Superior, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University). She also earned a clinical pastoral education certificate from St. Mary Medical Center as well as two certificates in spiritual direction.

Sister Diane taught in several elementary schools in Wisconsin, including St. Bridget in River Falls and St. John in Glenwood City. She ministered as an LPN at St. Mary and Holy Family Hospital in New Richmond and St. Patrick and St. Francis Nursing Home in Superior. She worked as an assistant vocation director and admissions counselor at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota. After coming to St. Paul, she worked in sister care and also served as a chaplain and pastoral associate at St. Mary’s Hospital and Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, Minnesota; St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin; and Holy Spirit Parish in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1880 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. Mass will be livestreamed here.

Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.

July 13, 1926 – July 15, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Kathleen Martin, CSJ, who died peacefully on July 15, 2026 at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles. She had celebrated her 100th birthday just two days before.

Kathleen was born in San Diego, California on July 13, 1926, as the third of five children. She once said, that where she grew up, “everything revolved around church and school. My home life was simple, happy and secure. My childhood memories are happy ones. I was proud to be a ‘Martin.’”

Kathleen received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in March 1945 and was given the name Sister Mary Nicholas in honor of her father.

For 27 years, Kathleen ministered in elementary education and administration. She also planned for the House of Prayer in the former Los Angeles Province, and served as a staff member. After retiring to Holy Family Community, she attended activities as her energy and interest allowed, always a welcome member of any group. She volunteered her pastoral skills for Vitas Hospice and the CalVet residents.

Over the years, as her spirituality deepened, she came to realize anew God’s desire to be in loving relationship with his beloved Kathleen.

Funeral services for Sister Kathleen will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel at Carondelet Center, 11999 Chalon Rd. in Los Angeles. Watch via livestream.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los Angeles Province, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 or donate online.

May she rest in peace.

“When we move toward our own creativity, we move toward our Creator. When we seek to become more spiritual, we find ourselves becoming more creative. Our creativity and our spirituality are so closely interconnected they are in effect one and the same thing. Speaking of God, we often use the words ‘Maker’ or ‘Creator’ without recognizing that those terms are there for ‘artist.’ God is the Great Artist. We are creations and we are intended, in turn, to be creative ourselves.”

Julia Cameron

Many sisters in the congregation have used their creative talents to bring art into the world for others to enjoy. Whether it be art, music, literature or other artistic pursuits, they use their gifts to deepen their spirituality and bring others closer to God.

One such sister was the late Donna Gibbs, CSJ.

Sister Donna spent 30 years as an elementary school teacher before earning a master’s degree in Earth literacy and a master’s degree in art therapy. A turning point in her life, this educational background opened many doors for her to share her passion for ecology and justice. She especially wanted to create something that would teach children about stewardship and reverence for the Earth.

Combining her gifts as a teacher and artist, she wrote and illustrated two children’s books with ecological themes. Sister Donna’s books help parents and educators bring forth a new wisdom in our children, since they inherit the ability to influence everything that happens to the living Earth.

Her first book, published in 2016, is The Seamless Universe: A Discovery Guide through Our Great Universe. An origin narrative that honors the connection between humans and the Earth, The Seamless Universe reveals a “planetary wisdom” to guide us into our future. Beautifully illustrated with Sister Donna’s vivid paintings, the book tells the story of the Earth and universe in a way that appeals to children of all ages and teaches how they are able to influence what happens on the Earth because they are a part of it.

Sister Donna’s second book, The Quilter and the Quail, was published two years later. Highlighting the wisdom of wild places, The Quilter and the Quail tells the story of a quilter who raises some orphaned quail chicks. A tender, beautifully illustrated story, the book illuminates how humanity is linked with wild nature and offers a gentle lesson about stewardship. An artist like the quilter in the story, Sister Donna made sure to demonstrate the importance of creativity to good stewardship.

Sister Donna Gibbs left behind a great legacy in her art, writing and teaching. Her creativity and spirituality continue to inspire and teach all who encounter them.

January 21, 1931 – July 6, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Catherine “Cate” Agnes Wagner, CSJ, who passed away on July 6, 2026, at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis. She was 95 years of age.

Sister Catherine Agnes Wagner, baptized Jeanette Colleen, was born on January 21, 1932, in Atchison, Kansas, to parents Matthias L. and Catherine M. (Schuele) Wagner. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1949 and was received into the novitiate in 1950. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Teresa (now Avila University) in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1955 and a master’s degree in nursing education from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1969.

In 1952, Sister Cate taught in St. Louis at St. Mary Magdalen and St. Edward grade schools.

Later that same year, she began a career in nursing that spanned 30 years. In 1955, she was a nursing supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She was then a clinical education/supervising nurse at St. Joseph Community Hospital in Hancock, Michigan, from 1956 to 1966.

In 1969, after earning her master’s degree, she was a nursing school instructor at Avila College, now Avila University, in Kansas City. The following year, she was a team member on the patient care improvement project at St. Mary Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 1971, she served as the patient care improvement project coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, Missouri, for a year. She then provided home health care service for her CSJ community in St. Louis. In 1973, she moved to Houghton, Michigan, where she was a nursing educator/program developer at Michigan Tech University.

Sister Cate returned to St. Louis a year later and served as a nurse at Incarnate Word Hospital (1974-75) and Mount St. Rose Hospital (1975-83). She also served as a visiting nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association for a year.

In 1985, she attended Vaughn Richards Academy of Beauty in Ballwin, Missouri, Sister Cate was a cosmetologist in St. Louis at Nazareth Living Center and at CSJ Cosmetology Service until 1996.

From 1998 to 2002, she cared for family in Atchison, Kansas.

Sister Cate moved to Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis in 2004, where she carried out her ministry of prayer and presence.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, July 22 at 10 a.m. at Nazareth Living Center Chapel, 2 Nazareth Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129. The visitation will be at 9 a.m. CT, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial is at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111-2899 or donate online.

In June, 450 guests gathered at the Fairmont Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of St. Joseph Center.

St. Joseph Center, founded by Sisters Louise Bernstein, CSJ and Marilyn Rudy, CSJ, supports individuals, youth, and families experiencing homelessness and poverty through healing-centered services, deep partnerships, and bold advocacy that advance human dignity and ensure all people and communities can thrive.

At the anniversary gala, Dr. Ryan Smith, the President and CEO, shared the story of the founding. In 1976, Sisters Louise and Marilyn collected donations in a little red truck, rented a storefront in Venice and partnered with others to identify the needs of individuals and families in the area. They named it St. Joseph Center, grounded in the belief that we belong to one another and must uplift our dear neighbors.

Today, the administration, staff, board and volunteers continue the mission, “dividing the city” and responding to new and ever-growing challenges, always creating an atmosphere of love, dignity and respect. After a standing ovation, our sisters were honored and thanked for responding to the needs of the dear neighbor 50 years ago and leaving a legacy that still continues today.

December 17, 1927 – June 17, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Ellen Roach, CSJ, who passed away on June 17, 2026 at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis. She was 98 years of age.

Sister Ellen, baptized Agnes Rita, was born on December 17, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Patrick Joseph and Ellen (Lyons) Roach. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in February 1949 and was received into the novitiate a few months later in August as Sister Ellen Joseph. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Fontbonne College in 1962 and a master’s degree in English from St. Louis University in 1968.

Sister Ellen was a teacher for her first 22 years of ministry. She taught at Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School in University City, Missouri (1951-1954); St. Paul High School in Negaunee, Michigan (1954-1958); St. Mary Magdalen Grade School in St. Louis (1958-1962); Reicher Catholic High School in Waco, Texas (1962-1965); Little Flower High School in Chicago (1965-1970); and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florissant, Missouri (1970-1973).

In 1973, Sister Ellen became the campus minister at the University of Missouri, Rolla. Two years later, she went on to serve as the assistant director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Montgomery in Alabama for five years while also teaching English at Auburn University. Staying down south, Sister Ellen served as the pastoral assistant at St. John Evangelist Parish in Valdosta, Georgia, from 1980 to 1989.

The following year, Sister Ellen continued to grow in her education as a student at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Beginning in 1990, Sister Ellen served the next 25 years in Colorado. She was the adult education coordinator at St. Mary Parish in Littleton (1990-2001) and an ESL tutor at Front Range Community College in Westminster (2003-2012). She retired in 2012.

Sister Ellen moved to Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis in 2015, where she carried out her ministry of prayer and presence.

A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. at Nazareth Living Center, 2 Nazareth Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129 or watch on livestream.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111-2899 or donate online.

January 16, 1929 – June 15, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Rosalind Gefre, CSJ, who died peacefully on June 15, 2026 in St. Paul. She was a friend, colleague, food service worker, Bethany aide, LPN, founder of Massage and Wellness Centers, Massage Schools and Clinics, provider of massage therapy at the St. Paul Saints baseball games, skydiver (once) and a strong follower of Jesus’ example that “through touch the body, mind and spirit are healed”.

Sister Rosalind was born Margaret Mary on January 16, 1929, to Elizabeth Zacher and Carl Gefre at Hague, North Dakota. She entered the novitiate on February 2, 1948, and professed final vows on August 15, 1953.

The eighth of thirteen children raised on the rural plains of North Dakota during the Great Depression, young Margaret learned early the values of resilience, responsibility, and faith. After losing her father at age six, she and her siblings tended the land and livestock while walking a mile each way to attend a one-room schoolhouse. Inspired by the Sisters of Service that came each summer to teach religion, 10-year-old Margaret decided she wanted to become “a sister and a saint.”

She completed her high school equivalency exam and completed a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing from the Hastings School of Nursing (Hastings, Minnesota). She spent 20 years of service in various convent kitchens before returning to school to pursue education in nursing. After she graduated from nursing school, she practiced nursing at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Sister Rosalind’s first introduction to therapeutic massage came in the early 1970s when she was caring for her dying mother. She discovered the power of healing touch as she witnessed her mother’s relief during a massage, setting her on a path that would guide her for the rest of her life. She studied reflexology and took hands-on massage training. In 1973, she completed 600 hours of massage therapy coursework from the Dakota Anderson School of Scientific Massage (Princeton, Illinois). She had more than 1,000 hours of training from various institutions across the country. She passed the North Dakota Massage Therapist state board exam and stated working at the YMCA in Fargo.

In 1983, she moved back to St. Paul and started her own practice. She learned that the City of St. Paul ordinances regarding massage therapy were outdated, so she worked to get them updated so that she could operate her business. She was an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Minnesota Therapeutic Massage Network. She was chosen as the recipient of the 1986 Health Citizen of the Year Achievement Award. In 1984, she opened her first school of Professional Massage in St. Paul, and, in 1995, expanded to Rochester, Minnesota. The massage centers she operated provide training and placement for graduates of the schools. Her schools are accredited by appropriate agencies.

In May 1989, Sister Rosalind was among a group of specialists invited by the China Association for Science and Technology to share their expertise on massage with the Chinese medical community. The group, called the People to People Massage Therapy Delegation, was the first invited to tour the People’s Republic of China. Sister Rosalind was nationally recognized as a pioneer in the art of therapeutic massage. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognized her as one of the Twin Cities’ leading women in business, and in 2005 and 2008 she received St. Paul’s “Woman Changemaker” Award.

Until she retired, she spent much of her time at various speaking engagements promoting massage and educating the public. She and her staff have provided on-site massage for various organizations including the St. Paul Saints Baseball Team, which honored her with a bobblehead figure.

Sister Rosalind was best known for her lavish greetings, often accompanied by a kiss on the hand, an intentional hug, and a warm smile. Through it all, Sister Rosalind remained grateful and deeply faithful to God for the call to be a Sister of St. Joseph and the call to be a minister of healing touch.

Sister Rosalind is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Catherine, Maggie, Caroline, Rose, and Bernice; her brothers Adam, John, Peter, Markus, and Lawrence. She is survived by her sisters Angeline and Rose, dear friends, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul. Mass will be livestreamed here.

Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.

Dear Rosalind, rest in love and peace.

July 25, 1926 – May 9, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Ann Albrecht, CSJ, who passed away on May 9, 2026, at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis. She was 99 years of age.

Sister Ann was born on July 25, 1926, in St. Louis to parents Walter Thomas and Anna A. (Au) Albrecht.  She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1945, was received as Sister Thomas Borgia in 1946, and made her final profession on August 15, 1951.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Fontbonne College in 1963 and a master’s degree in library science from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, Illinois, in 1969.

Sister Ann’s 80 years of service as a Sister of St. Joseph was dedicated to education and deaf ministry. Her first 26 years were served in Catholic schools. From 1948 to 1960, Sister Ann taught at Holy Cross Grade School in Champaign, Illinois. In the 1960s, she taught in St. Louis and in Kansas City, Missouri. She was principal and teacher at St. John the Evangelist Grade School in Valdosta, Georgia, then librarian at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City (1969-1974).

Born of deaf parents, Sister Ann long desired to serve that community. Her extensive service in deaf ministry began in 1974 when she became the first full-time deaf minister in the Kansas City area, a ministry that stretched nearly 40 years and extended far beyond diocesan/Catholic boundaries. She headed the Kansas City, Kansas, Archdiocesan Office of Ministry to the Deaf from 1974 to 2001. For the next 14 years, she continued serving that community as a volunteer.

In 2005, Sister Ann was awarded the “Person of the Year Award” by the National Catholic Office of the Deaf in recognition for the ways she encouraged those too often forgotten to use their many gifts in service of the church.

Sister Ann retired in 2015 and lived at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis, where she continued to carry out her ministry of prayer and presence.

Sister Ann donated her body to science. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Nazareth Living Center, 2 Nazareth Lane, St. Louis, MO 63129.  The Memorial Mass will be available to view on the St. Louis Province’s livestream channel at https://video.ibm.com/channel/csjsl-general.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111-2899 or donate online.

February 2, 1932 – April 30, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Justina Overultz, CSJ, who died peacefully on April 30, 2026, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sister Justina was known for her courage, meticulous organization, and generous caregiving, as she selflessly served wherever she was needed.

She was born Leota Mae Overhultz on February 2, 1932, to parents Frank and Marion (Brandon) Overhultz, in La Fontaine, Indiana. She was raised Lutheran, and in her junior year of high school, while working as an aid at Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco, Washington, a Sister of St. Joseph-sponsored facility, she bravely chose to become Catholic. In that same year, she entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los Angeles Province (1951), where she spent her senior year at St. Mary’s Academy, Los Angeles (1952).

She was first missioned to teach at a children’s home on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Slickpoo, Idaho. Her summers were spent at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles, where she earned a bachelor of arts in history and English in 1969. Over the next decade, she served as an elementary teacher at inner-city schools sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods.

At 40, Justina resolutely returned to school, fulfilling a lifelong dream to become a nurse. In 1973, she earned an associate’s degree from Lewis & Clark State in Lewiston, Idaho, and subsequent licensing in Idaho, Arizona and California. This new career path brought her to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lewiston, Idaho; St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona; and Carondelet, Holy Family Retirement Wing, Los Angeles.

In 1981, Justina marked another chapter by making the move to the St. Paul Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. There she worked as nursing supervisor at Catholic Eldercare, in Minneapolis, until retirement. Even after retiring, she graciously volunteered to help sisters shop, get to appointments, and faithfully served as sacristan for daily Masses.

Justina loved mystery novels, Thanksgiving dinners and her four-legged sidekick, Abby. Her lighthearted smile and subtle twinkle in her eye will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Justina is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Bonnie Otter. She is survived by her brother Chuck (Linda) Overhultz, dear friends, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, in St. Paul, Minnesota, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN.

Memorials are preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund.

Dear Justina, rest in love and peace.

May 13, 1936 – April 26, 2026

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Barbara Krick, formerly Sister Janet Emily, who died at the Teresian House in Albany, New York, on April 26, 2026. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 71 years.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Leonard and Katherine Krick. Educated in both elementary and secondary schools in Syracuse, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.

Following her many years as an elementary school teacher, Sister Barbara’s diverse talents led her to parish ministry, coordinating the family life program in the Syracuse diocese and as a therapist in the Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center.

Even when she ‘retired’ she volunteered as the manager of the Carondelet Gift Shoppe at the Provincial House in Latham. In her spare time, she was also a gifted poet. In all her ministries, Sister Barbara was known for her kindness, generosity and dedication.

Sister Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Bernard and her sister, Janet. She will be missed by her relatives, her many friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Sister Barbara’s wake will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, in the Chapel of Saint Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated in the Provincial House Chapel at 10:30 a.m. that same day.

Contributions in Sister Barbara’s memory may be made to: Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or donate online.