Sister Mary Dorothy Schmidt, age 75, Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, Wisconsin, under the care of the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Asera Care Hospice.
Sister Mary Dorothy was born July 27, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of the late Raymond and Gertrude (Elmer) Schmidt. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on July 16, 1953, and celebrated her First Profession on January 6, 1956. She was in her 55th year of ministry as a Holy Cross Sister.
Sister received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Alverno College and her Master of Arts degree in theology from the University of Dayton.
She began her career as an elementary school teacher and later ministered in catechetics. She served at St. John’s School, Deer Park, Ohio; St. Clement’s Catholic School, Haymarsh, North Dakota; St. Mary’s in Antigo, and St. Robert’s and St. Francis in Merrill, WI. In addition, she worked in parishes in Chelsea, Whittlesey and Westboro, WI; Office of Religious Education in the Diocese of Superior, WI; Office of Education in the Cincinnati Archdiocese; St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Ellesville, Missouri and St. Aloysius Parish in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was an avid reader and student of spirituality. Prior to her retirement in 2006, sister was librarian for the Holy Cross Sisters.
Sister is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and Associates; a brother, Roger R. (Barbara) Schmidt, St. Louis, MO; a niece, Deborah Schmidt, and a nephew, Roger A. Schmidt, both of the St Louis area; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Denice Willie.
Mass of Resurrection will be held on Thursday, June 23, 10:00 a.m., in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI, with Fr. Edward Powell officiating. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 22 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., at which time a service conducted by S. Ann Wittman will be held.
Taylor & Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, WI, is assisting with the funeral arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com