In Memory of Sister Eugene Goss

June 19, 1923 – May 7, 2011

Sister Mary Eugene Goss, 87, daughter of Ambrose and Florence (Canty), was born Margaret Mary Goss on June 19, 1923, in Lawler, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in September of 1941 and professed her perpetual vows on May 16, 1947.

She received her BA from Loras College, Dubuque, IA and her MA from the University of Notre Dame. Her teaching career, spanning 52 years, took her to Waukon, Mason City, Key West, Charles City, Farley, Algona, Wahlert High School (1978-1980) Dubuque, Fort Dodge and Storm Lake, all in Iowa. Her teaching ministries included elementary, junior high, and high school students in classes of social studies and government.

Sister Eugene had a keen interest in politics and government that she attributed to her grandfather, who was a mayor in Lawler, IA. She was invited to do research during the summers of 1976 and 1994 at the Library of Congress for Senators John Culver and Tom Harkin. She encouraged some of her own students in their political careers.

Sister retired to Mount Loretto in 1996 and promoted and organized the annual American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and the Alzheimer’s Association “Memory Walk” for Mt. Loretto participants and donors for the last 15 years. She felt privileged to be of service to senior sisters by running errands, attending to chores or just sitting and praying with them. She enjoyed crafting door swags, growing plants, reading, crossword puzzles, music, prayer and community service. Grateful for each day, Sister Eugene recently commented, “Whatever God has in mind for the future, I am content with that …”

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Eugene (Ann) Goss, Joseph (Signora) Goss and her sister Madonna (George) Guenther.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dubuquepresentations.org.