14TransitionsSr. Eleanor Marie KaminskiJuly 31, 1914 - October 26, 2004A beatitude that can be associated with Sr. Eleanor Marie is “blessedare the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3)Certainly Sr. Eleanor Marie was special in the eyes of God and sheshared her personality and presence with others through her eyes andsmile.Josephine Kaminski was born in St. Louis on July 31, 1914 to Antonand Cecelia Dreas Kaminski. Sr. Eleanor Marie professed her final vowson February 10, 1944.During her ministry at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center, RichmondHeights, she served as an assistant on the nursing divisions within thehospital. As part of her responsibilities, Sr. Eleanor Marie was known tobring the medication box to the pharmacy from 5 West and wouldexchange pleasantries in brief chats with the pharmacists.Because of illness, she became a patient at SSM St. Mary’s HealthCenter and at St. Louis State Hospital prior to living in Our Lady ofVictories from 1990 until her death.In her later years Sr. Eleanor Marie had a special relationship withthe nursing staff. Her giggles and smiles were signs of her grateful heartand she gave others joy when she smiled and waved to them as theywalked by. The smiles gave staff energy and encouragement. She alsoenjoyed sharing her mother’s photograph with others.Sr. Eleanor Marie died on October 26, 2004, just after lunch. Shewas more alert that morning and was “blowing kisses” to those whopassed by. Perhaps she knew God was coming for her and in her way wassaying goodbye. Certainly God welcomed and clothed her splendidlywith a royal robe, not of purple, but in her favorite shade of pink, anddelighted her with everlasting strength and dignity.“Blessed are the poor in spirit fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven”T R A N S I T I O N S
Sr. Victoria MartisauskasDecember 23, 1914 - November 7, 2004Born in Cleveland, OH on December 23, 1914, Victoria wasthe oldest of four children born to George and Anna NanjakaitisMartisauskas. The family moved to Collinsville, IL when herfather was offered a job in the area. Seven year-old Victoria wentto live in an orphanage in Alton that was run by the Adorers ofthe Blood of Christ of Ruma, IL, when her mother died.Victoria entered the congregation now known as theFranciscan Sisters of Mary in June, 1938, and Sr. Adele Marieprofessed her final vows in February, 1944. (Sister assumed theuse of her baptismal name again after Vatican II).During her ministry, Sr. Victoria served at St. Mary of theAngels Convent, St. Louis, Villa Marie du Lac, Ironton, St.Marys Health Center, Jefferson City, and St. Mary’s Hospital,Kansas City, all in Missouri. She also served at St. Mary’sRingling Convent, Baraboo, WI.Sr. Victoria had a wonderful sense of humor which helpedher get through some difficult days. Despite her personal healthissues, Sister was always concerned about the other sisters in OurLady of Victories and their needs, as well as the staff. She lovedmuch and ministered in prayer for the needs of the congregation,her sisters, and the world.The meaning of Sr. Victoria’s name is victory and she hashad many victories in life. She has now won the ultimate,marvelous victory for those who belong to God. Today she is thevictor, praising and thanking God for giving her victory in eternallife. She exchanged her perishable body for that which isimperishable on November 7, 2004, and now experiences theloving presence of God and the welcoming hospitality given toher, having served her God for 66 years in religious life.“My God and my all”Sr. Bernard Marie BolandAugust 12, 1902 - March 18, 2005There are people of many talents in our world: some can run withthe grace of a deer, some can write beautifully, but not many can liveto the age of 102 with the grace and strength of character that isincorruptible, unbending and undimmed by age or condition as Sr.Bernard Marie. She understood well how important it is that what yousay be said gently. When you were with her, you knew you werereally with someone special and honorable. One of her hallmarks wasthat of gratitude for everything done for her.Helen Marie Boland was born August 12, 1902, in New Haven,MO, the sixth of ten children born of William and Hendrina(Lakebrink) Boland. She entered the congregation now known as theFranciscan Sisters of Mary in 1923 and made her final vows in 1929.Sr. Bernard Marie wanted to be a nurse, even before she enteredthe congregation. She served in the following ministries: St. Mary’sInfirmary, the former Firmin Desloge, and SSM St. Mary’s HealthCenter, St. Louis; St. Marys Hospital Medical Center, Madison, WI;St. Francis Hospital and Health Center, Blue Island, IL; St. ClareHospital and Health Services, Baraboo, WI; and St. EugeneCommunity Hospital, Dillon, SC.Not until her 80th birthday did she retire from the operating andemergency rooms of St. Eugene’s, only to begin work in the cardiopulmonarydepartment. She continued to minister in that departmentuntil well past her 90th birthday.In fact at the age of 90, she developed her artistic talent – the artof making cards with pressed flowers, which she continued until theend of her life. Many people have been graced by her card-makingministry. Sr. Bernard Marie was a very good correspondent withletters and cards sent to many people. Besides her large and devotedfamily, she enjoyed the visits of her beloved friends from St. Eugene’swhen they came to visit. She held great love for the congregation; sheloved her sisters and prayed for their needs and those of the world.On the evening of March 18, 2005, her earthly life came to apeaceful close. The celebration in eternity is just beginning, withthose whom she loved and ministered to, and is greater than anycelebration she had on earth. Certainly Alleluias were sung by Sr.Bernard Marie, since it was her fervent desire that God would bringher home.“I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.”15
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