Submitted by: Dan Rich

Sister M. Stephanie Hvizdos, OSF

June 13, 1907 - Aug. 6, 1997

South Bend Tribune 8/8/1997

MISHAWAKA - Sister M. Stephanie (Stephanina) Hvizdos OSF, 90, of Mishawaka, Ind., died at 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, at Our Lady of Angels Convent. Sr. Stephanie was born on June 13, 1907, in Edenborn, Pa.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration on October 3, 1927, and received her habit on June 29, 1928. Sr. M. Stephanie served as a pharmacist, administrator, superior and Director of Health Care for the various hospitals in our province. Sister also served in provincial leadership for the Sisters. Sr. M. Stephanie was elected to the Provincial Council from 1953 to 1956, Vicar Provincial from 1959 to 1962, Provincial Council from 1962 to 1965, and Provincial Superior from 1965 to 1974. From 1974 to 1986 she served as Director of Health Care. Sr. M. Stephanie was a conscientious, faithful leader and administrator, admired by those whom she served. Her deep prayer and faith life was reflected in her daily witness.

Sr. M. Stephanie retired to Our Lady of Angels Convent in 1990. She suffered from a neuromuscular degenerative disease which made her bedfast for the past several years. She bravely bore and accepted this cross which was the cause of her death. Sister died peacefully at 11:45 p.m. amidst the presence of several Sisters. Sr. M. Stephanie is survived by her brother, Stephan of Detroit, Mich.; a sister, Margaret Rudziensky of New Salem, Pa.; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Paul Hvizdos of Frazier, Mich. A priest brother, Rev. Bernadine Hvizdos, O.F.M., preceded her in death.

The wake will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at St. Francis Convent. There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. The Eucharistic Sacrifice will be offered for Sr. M. Stephanie at 11 a.m. on Saturday, after which she will be laid to rest in the convent cemetery. May she rest in eternal joy and peace.