October 5, 1915 ~ August 14, 2017

“Be faithful to prayer and the Divine Office. And love each other.”

Sister Theresa Mary Stroeing, OSB, was born into eternal life at 11:22 a.m. on August 14, 2017, at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho. She was 101 years old and had been a Benedictine sister for 79 years. She went to God peacefully in the presence of praying sisters. Sister Theresa Mary will be remembered for her service in education and parish work, wisdom and faithfulness, and love of a good cribbage game.

She entered this world on October 5, 1915, to John and Katherine (Mayers) Stroeing in West Union, Minnesota. Her parents were the caretakers of a sheep farm owned by the Benedictine brothers at St. John’s Abbey in West Union, Minnesota. She had two aunts, a great-aunt, a great-great aunt, and several cousins who were in religious life. All her grammar and high school years she was taught by Benedictines.

Having known she would be a sister since third grade, Theresa Mary entered St. Benedict’s Convent in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where she was assigned to take care of the sisters’ turkeys. Unfortunately, the birds made her sick with a painful rash on her face and arms. Then she met Sister Johanna Uhlenkott from a convent in Cottonwood, Idaho. Within a month, Theresa was on a train bound for St. Gertrude’s. She made Profession on March 21, 1938.

She served in domestic work for 17 years which included St. Valentine’s Hospital in Wendell, Idaho, and St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington. She taught grade school for 17 years in Cottonwood, St. Maries, Grangeville, Rupert, Nampa, Lewiston, and Boise.

She also provided home care for the elderly and served in parish work at St. John’s in Boise. She retired and moved back to St. Gertrude’s in 2000 where she gardened, crafted, and served in prayer ministry. She gave this advice to her sisters: “Be faithful to prayer and the Divine Office. And love each other.”

Sister Theresa Mary had five brothers and sisters. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends — and her Benedictine sisters. The Rosary Vigil for Sister Theresa Mary Stroeing, OSB, will be held on Friday, August 18, 7:00 p.m. in the chapel at the Monastery. The funeral will be held Saturday morning, August 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at the Monastery. Memorial gifts in Sister Theresa Mary’s honor can be made to the Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road, Cottonwood, Idaho, 83522.