July 3, 1915 – March 19, 2010
Sr. Winifred (Rosanna) Lorentz, OSB, 94, died peacefully on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, Idaho.
Born in Cottonwood, Idaho to Jacob and Susan (Lies) Lorentz on July 3, 1915, Sr. Winifred entered the Monastery of St. Gertrude in 1931. She was professed there on August 16, 1933, celebrated her 70th Jubilee in 2003, and served God for seven more years.
Her parents were committed to giving each of their six children the best music education possible. Sr. Winifred began piano lessons early in life and quickly displayed a gift for playing by ear. Shortly after her graduation from St. Gertrude’s Academy in Cottonwood, Sr Winifred entered the monastery and began general domestic work. In 1939 she began teaching piano and accordion, directing the choir, and playing the organ at Mass in Keuterville, ID. For the next fifty years, she shared her God-given gift of music with children and adults all over Idaho. For many years she was the community’s main chauffeur. She also provided in-home care to elderly friends of the community. 1985-1999 she delighted in entertaining the residents at the Grangeville Care Center with her piano music. In 1997 she was honored by this facility for her distinguished service. Though confined to a wheelchair since 2002, Sr. Winfred continued to participate in Prayer and Mass in the monastery chapel daily.
Family and friends will remember Sister Winifred as a woman of deep dedication to her life’s calling and to her works of service, of profound faith and trust in God’s presence and protection, and of quick wit with a love for beauty. She often expressed her gratitude for the health care required and provided in her later years. Family and friends were precious to her and with some assistance she enjoyed keeping in touch with them via the internet.
Sister Winifred is survived by her brother Ray (Bernice) Lorentz of Lewiston and brother-in-law Clifton Smith (Loretta) of Grangeville, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Max (Marie) and William (Bud) (Martha), and her sisters Helen (Bill) Gentry, and Loretta Smith.
The public is invited to join the Sisters in the Monastery Chapel for a Vigil Service on Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 p.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 pm.
Memorials may be made to Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho 83522. Arrangements are under the direction of Uhlorn Funeral Home, Cottonwood, Idaho.