Lest We Forget
Sister Johanna Vogelsang, CSJP (1915-2011)
Sister Johanna Vogelsang was born on August 23, 1915 in Muenster, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is survived by her younger sister, Clara Menz of Saskatchewan, Canada, and many nieces and nephews.
She received her BA from Western Washington University and her MA from Seattle University. She entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in Bellingham, Washington on February 15, 1936. After her novitiate she taught school in Seattle, Washington and Ketchikan, Alaska. She was appointed and served as Novice Mistress from 1949 until 1955. Johanna often reminded us that this appointment required a dispensation because she did not meet the age requirements of the time. Her novices respected her for her sense of fairness and her ability to hold confidences with integrity. Johanna was a prayerful woman and taught her novices to never let work become so important as to neglect prayer. She was Principal of Sacred Heart and St. Louise Schools in Bellevue, Washington providing leadership in the development of Catholic education in the Eastside. She was supervisor of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Fairbanks, Alaska and was Administrator of St. Mary-on-the Lake, Provincial Assistant, and Archivist. During her retirement years, Johanna created beautiful greeting cards, managed the Gift Nook and donated the proceeds to support ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace especially serving the poor and vulnerable.
Johanna attended all the sessions of the 2011 Spring Assembly on April 9 and she died on April 10. She was a Jubilarian of 75 years and as customary, she and the other Jubilarians were honored with a coursage, a special blessing and participated in a special dinner with live music that evening. Johanna relished the food, had her ice cream bar for desert, and she especially enjoyed the German music played for her by the piano accordionist. One of the songs brought tears of joy and a great big smile. Later, she joined the entertainment in the foyer. She was one of the last to leave that evening having thoroughly enjoyed the day. She died peacefully in her sleep early the next morning.
Sister Johanna touched our lives in profound ways by the example of her life. She prayed the Beatitudes daily, lived simply and joyfully. She began each day listening to “It’s a Beautiful Morning”. She accepted the pain and diminishment of the latter years with grace fully living and appreciating each precious moment.