- March 3, 2025 Sister Stories, Community
On Jan. 23, Sister Winifred Adelsberger, CSJ turned 100 years young and celebrated her birthday at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis. She reflects on a life dedicated to education and service.
I think you need to have a mission or a plan to do something," Sister Winifred Adelsberger observes, contemplating her century of life with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. "That makes life more interesting."
S. Winnie, (as she is known) who recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and fellow sisters, reflected on a life dedicated to education and service. "I'm working on my second century now," she says with characteristic good humor.
The celebration was grander than she expected, complete with cupcakes, gifts and an outpouring of love from her community. "I got almost 100 birthday cards," she shares, still amazed by the number. "I expected a few, but not that many!"
Born in St. Louis, S. Winnie entered religious life in 1941, beginning a journey that would span more than eight decades of service, primarily in education. Yet, when she reflects on these years, it's not the positions or accomplishments she emphasizes, but rather the deeper meaning she found in her work.
"I loved all the things about working with groups of children, working with teachers," she says, recalling the joy of seeing understanding dawn in her students' eyes. "You're explaining something, and then suddenly you look at the kids and they've got this look on their faces — they understand what you're teaching, whether it's math or reading or whatever."
This dedication to education wasn't merely a career choice but a calling that manifested early in her life. Even before entering religious life, she described how as a young girl, she would gather neighborhood children during summer breaks to teach informal classes. "Apparently I was destined to be a teacher," she reflects.
Her teaching career began in kindergarten — though that particular assignment lasted only half a day. She chuckles while sharing the story: "I was talking to a parent at the door to the classroom ... and all of a sudden somebody else was at my side and said, 'You better go in there.' Another young kid had scissors and was cutting hair!" She was quickly moved to teaching older grades, where she found her stride and then into administration.
When asked about living in religious community for over 80 years, S. Winnie emphasizes the importance of taking interest in others and praying together. "I've always found it a blessing to know so many people," she says. Her close friendship with Sister Helen Ryan, who passed away recently, spanned four decades of shared ministry and prayer.
Living in religious community has shaped her understanding of what matters most. "It gave me a way of life, of closeness to working with other people," she explains. "I think it does draw you closer to God, although I think lay people can be just as much in love with God."
Now at Nazareth Living Center, where she has lived since 2019, S. Winnie continues her ministry through prayer and presence. Despite challenges — including vision loss that limits her beloved reading — she maintains her commitment to serving others. "Life is really sort of turned upside down," she acknowledges, but emphasizes the importance of helping others and building relationships. "Just knowing that you can help offer peace, listen and talk to people — that is worth putting your effort and time into doing."
Her advice to young people reflects this emphasis on understanding and engagement. She encourages them to learn from their parents' experiences and consider their role in addressing the world's challenges. "We may be small people in it, but we should be aware of it and not just push it off," she insists. "This needs to be looked into. This needs to be thought of."
Looking back on her century of life, S. Winifred acknowledges both the joys and difficulties with characteristic thoughtfulness. "It's been a wonderful 100 years," she reflects. "There have been some hardships — I don't think I would change them, because every life has to have something."
For S. Winifred, the essence of a meaningful life lies in connection — with God and with others. "Just the opportunity to be in touch with God and with people," she says, "is really what life is all about."