Sister Theresa Marie Schmidt, OP, died on March 17, 2011, in Siena Hall Infirmary. Born in Golconda, Illinois, on June 28, 1927, Catherine was the daughter of Henry and Mary Moehle Schmidt. Catherine entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1945, and became known as Sister Theresa Marie, professing her first vows in 1947 and final vows in 1952.
Sister Theresa Marie earned a BA in Social Studies (1955) from Webster College, St. Louis, MO. Sister completed graduate studies in the areas of religious education and pastoral care. During her professional life, Sister ministered in the Archdioceses of St. Louis and New York, and in the Dioceses of Jefferson City and Belleville. She taught at Holy Redeemer School, Webster Groves, MO; St. Kevin’s School, St. Ann, MO; St. James the Greater School, St. Louis, MO; St. Mary Magdalen, Brentwood, MO; and St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Crestwood, MO. She served in parish ministry at St. Kevin’s Parish, St. Ann, MO and taught in the religious education program in St. Norbert Parish, Florissant, MO and St. Gregory Parish, St. Ann, MO. In the Diocese of Jefferson City, MO, she taught at Holy Rosary School, Monroe City, MO. From 1985-98, she was an associate chaplain at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL, in the Diocese of Belleville. In the Archdiocese of New York, Sister Theresa Marie was a member of the staff of the Finance Office of Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY (1977-1978) and served as teacher and librarian at St. Paul School, Valley Cottage, NY (1978-1979). She retired to Dominican Convent in 2002.
We will remember Sister Theresa Marie for her faith, trust and love in the God she served. She has enriched our lives and we will remember her many kindnesses to those whose lives she has touched. She remained faithful to her commitment as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill for 66 years and we celebrate her 83 years of life. May she now rest in the company of the saints in the kingdom of God.