Sister Mary Loretto

Sister Mary Loretto         ND 3876            ⇒PDF Download
Bertha WILKINS

Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Covington, Kentucky, USA

Date and Place of Birth         May 10, 1923          Covington, KY
Date and Place of Profession  August 12, 1943      Covington, KY
Date and Place of Death        March 3, 2014        Covington, KY
Date and Place of Funeral      March 7, 2014         Covington, KY
Date and Place of Burial        March 8, 2014        Convent Cemetery, Covington, KY

Bertha Wilkins was the youngest of the seven children of Louis and Anna Roach Wilkins.  As a child she was practically alone with her mother all day until, in her fifth year, she attended kindergarten. From little on her mother instilled in her the love of Jesus and his blessed Mother.  She attended St. John Elementary School and Notre Dame Academy, both taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame.  When she was in the eighth grade she lost “one of the greatest treasures I ever possessed, a treasure I will never forget, my mother.”  Her desire to reunite with her mother remained with her throughout her life.

Sister Mary Loretto joined the Sisters of Notre Dame, making her profession of vows on August 12, 1943.  In 1953, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Biology, and French from Villa Madonna College.  Sister taught in several elementary schools in Ohio and Kentucky and also taught languages and biology at Notre Dame Academy and Bishop Brossart High School.  She excelled in Spanish and French, and enjoyed teaching these languages at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Sister continued to teach Spanish to the sisters even in her retirement years.

Sister Mary Loretto lived many years at the provincial house in community service.  She spent much time in prayer and liked to talk about Jesus and her prayer life.  She prepared for her Jubilees by meeting weekly with a sister Jubilarian to discuss ways to know God better or to talk about a book she had been reading.  Reading was a favorite pastime for Sister.  Her room was full of books. She enjoyed sharing about them, which made for good conversation at table.

Artistic and musical talents came naturally to Sister Mary Loretto.  She had a beautiful soprano voice and was accomplished also in art.  During her later years in the infirmary, she participated in the many activities provided, especially enjoying the painting classes and musical programs.

Sister Mary Loretto loved to be with people and to relate stories about the past.  She developed strong relationships with lay staff, and several friends were very faithful in visiting with Sister, even watching at her bedside during her final days.

A special joy for Sister was the celebration of her 70^th Jubilee in 2013.  She delighted in ”dressing up” for the occasion and prepared herself spiritually for the event.  During her long life Sister Mary Loretto’s great desire was to join her mother in heaven. As her last days approached, she spoke to her visitors about going to heaven.  Finally on March 3, 2014, she quietly slipped into the arms of her Beloved and hopefully into the arms of her loving mother.

May God continue to be her joy forever.