May 27, 1923 – June 20, 2023
Maria June Wilson, CSJ, was a quiet, thoughtful and creative woman who loved family, photography and all things in God’s creation.
One of five daughters, June Lorraine, was born to Clarence and Victoria (Koneazny) Wilson, in Ogema, Wisconsin, on May 27, 1923, and died peacefully at Carondelet Village in St. Paul on June 20, 2023. She entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1942, where she was given the name Maria.
Her educational background was extensive with a bachelor’s degree in art from the then College of St. Catherine, in St. Paul in 1959, a bachelor’s of fine art in sculpture from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1969 and a master’s of fine art in art education from the Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York in 1971.
The first 20 years of Sister Maria’s ministry were in elementary education at many Twin City Catholic schools. In 1971, Sister Maria began her career as a professor in the art department at the College of St. Catherine. During her tenure, she taught three-dimensional design and art education, developed a photography program and served as department chair from 1984 to 1988.
Sister Maria’s artistic creations have been enjoyed by so many: from the wall murals in the pediatric wing of St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul to the beautifully designed windows depicting saints at St. John the Baptist Church in Hugo, Minnesota to the more than 35 years of art shows and exhibits in and around the Twin Cities. Sister Maria had always hoped that her ceramics, sculptures and photographs could evoke in the viewer pause for meditation, contemplation and wonder.
Sister Maria is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Mary Wilson, CSJ, Catherine Dickinson, and Shirley Moe. She is survived by her sister Helen Eckrich; many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and nephews; dear friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and consociates.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue in St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials are preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation.
Dear Maria, rest in love and peace.
Rue