In Memory of Sister Bernard Mauss
August 18, 1925 – December 14, 2014
Sister Bernard, daughter of Joe and Julia (Blake) Mauss, was born Mary Eva Mauss on August 18, 1925, in Waukon, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in June of 1945 and professed her perpetual vows on May 3, 1951.
She received a BA from Loras College, Dubuque, IA, and an MA from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA. Her Presentation journey, spanning 56 years, took her to Placid, Algona, Elkader, Mason City, Lawler, Clare, Dubuque (St. Columbkille 1976-1978), Sheldon, and Dayton, all in Iowa, Winner, SD and Oak Lawn, IL. Her ministries included elementary and middle school teacher, principal, and parish visitor.
Sister Bernard loved teaching and made an effort to teach her students “proper behavior.” She felt it was important to challenge them to modify their own behavior rather than impose rules on them. Sister retired to Mt. Loretto in 2001 and enjoyed reading, puzzles, and being able to spend more time in prayer. She loved visiting and entertaining family and friends when they were able to visit her. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2006 and reflecting, she said, “I have enjoyed every bit of my life.”
Surviving are her sisters, Dorothy (Merle, deceased) Welper, Joan (Harold, deceased) Welper, Shirley (Harold) Colsch, Bernadette (Aloysius, deceased) Becker, and Maureen (Orville) Strothman. Brothers, John (Mary Lou) Mauss, James (Carol) Mauss, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Elizabeth (Ray) Burke and Kathleen (Joe) Becker.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dbqpbvms.org.
