In Memory of Sister Dominica Schumann
May 30, 1916 – May 9, 2010
Sister Mary Dominica Schumann, PBVM, 93, daughter of Frank and Cleo (Sloan) Schumann, was born on May 30, 1916, in Lawler, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in September 1934 and professed her perpetual vows on July 31, 1940.
She received her Bachelor of Music degrees from Loras College, Dubuque, IA and De Paul University, Chicago, IL. She further studied music and liturgy at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and attended numerous workshops. She became certified in the Orff-Schulwerk School music method. She was also a faculty member at Clarke College, Dubuque, IA for ten summers.
With her entire religious life centered on music education, her 52 year teaching career took her to Catholic schools in Ryan, Humboldt, Monona, Whittemore, Storm Lake, Charles City, Algona, Waterloo, and Waukon, all in Iowa. She also taught private piano and organ lessons, worked as parish liturgist and as adult choir director. Sister retired to Mt. Loretto in 1986 and continued to use her music skills as a musician and liturgist. In addition to prayer and community service, for many years her musical hands cared for the indoor plants throughout the motherhouse. Sister Dominica stated, “I enjoy watching a plant flourish by the simple work of my hands. The end result is always amazing to me.”
Surviving is her sister, Miriam (Robert) McKinley, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 75 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lois (Jim) Hurley, and her brother, Frank Schumann.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dubuquepresentations.org.
