February 9, 1900 – October 8, 1997
Sister Deodata (Elizabeth Mary) Latz, 97, died of pneumonia at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, ID, on Wednesday, October 8, 1997. She was born in Chicago, IL, on February 9, 1900, to Dr. Peter J. and Mathilda (Hug) Latz, and was baptized at St. Michael’s Church in Chicago.
She received five years of her education in Belgium and three in Germany. Upon returning from Europe she entered the Benedictine Convent at Clyde, Missouri, and then entered St. Gertrude’s Convent in 1926 where she made Monastic Profession as a Benedictine Sister on July 25, 1928. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee of Profession on June 30, 1988.
Sr. Deodata taught for forty years in Keuterville, Greencreek, and Cottonwood, Idaho, including more than thirty years at St. Gertrude’s Academy. Thousands of students learned French, German, and bookkeeping under her gentle guidance. She expected the best from each of her students, and wartime years in Europe and her own loving family helped shape her as a woman of kindness toward everyone. Since she retired, she has continued to help translate French and German letters and other documents.
A true and loyal friend to many, she supported them with her prayers. She loved to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament; a friend called her “a special soul called by God.” She truly lived out her name: Deodata–given by God.
A Vigil Service for her was held in the Chapel at the Monastery of St. Gertrude on October 9 at 7:00. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Monastery Chapel. The Presider was by Rev. Norbert Lemke, S.J., Chaplain at the Monastery.