March 20, 1932 – January 3, 2022
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Michael Therese Bauer who passed away on January 3, 2022, at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She was 89 years of age.
Sister Michael Therese Bauer, baptized Marie Joann, was born on March 20, 1932, in Centralia, Illinois, to parents Edward and Leona Anna (Kappel) Bauer. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on September 15, 1950, was received into the novitiate on March 19, 1951, and made her final profession on August 15, 1958. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne College in 1961.
Sister Michael Therese began her 25 years of teaching at St. Gregory Grade School in St. Louis (1953-61). She served the next 10 years in Hawaii teaching at St. Joseph Grade School in Oahu (1961-63), Christ the King Grade School in Maui (1963-65), St. Anthony Grade School in Oahu (1967-70) and St. Theresa Grade School in Honolulu (1970-71). She then went on to teach at St. James Grade School in Denver, Colorado (1971-73), followed by St. Luke the Evangelist Grade School in St. Louis (1973-78).
From 1978 until 1985, Sister Michael Therese’s ministry was in community service to her retired and infirmed sisters at Nazareth Convent (now known as Nazareth Living Center). Beginning in 1985, Sister Michael Therese served as coordinator of printing and mailing services at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet’s Provincial House in St. Louis for over 20 years. From 1977 to 2002, she was also the spiritual moderator of The Guild of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, a role she found very rewarding.
Sister Michael Therese retired in 2008 and was involved in volunteer service.
In her spare time, Sister Michael was a clown and a magician. She was a member of the Trinity Clowns of Missouri (formerly Gateway Knights of Columbus Clown Club) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) and their regional affiliate, St. Louis RING ONE, which brought her much fun, enjoyment and new friends. She felt blessed to be able to bring laughs, surprises and smiles to many.
Funeral Arrangements
The Funeral Mass for Sister Michael is planned for Wednesday, January 12 at the Nazareth Living Center Chapel. The wake will be held at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The service is open to sisters and family members at this time. With COVID restrictions, this is subject to change. The service will also be able to be viewed on the St. Louis CSJ Livestream channel.
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province
6400 Minnesota Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63111-2899
or you can donate to the St. Louis Province online.