Jubilarian - 2022 Sister Rita Marie Schmitz

Sister Rita was born in St. Louis, Mo. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1961 and was received into the novitiate in 1962 as Sister Paul Noreen. She received a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Fontbonne University (then College) in 1966, a master’s degree in home economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a doctorate in family and child development from the Ohio State University in 1974.

Sister Rita was a professor of education at Fontbonne University, dedicating 43 years of her life to this service. Notably, she chaired the Education/Special Education Department from 1980 until 1995 and served on the boards of four of our five CSJ educational institutions. She currently chairs the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of Fontbonne University’s Board.

Retiring from Fontbonne in 2014, Sister Rita served her CSJ community on the Province Leadership Team until 2019. She is currently a member of St Joseph Educational Ministries, continuing to work with our five CSJ educational institutions. She is also actively involved with Fontbonne Community Connections, a philanthropic women’s organization.

Her special achievements and recognitions include several awards from Fontbonne such as the Award for Excellence in Teaching (2005), the Alumni Association Service Award (2007), Founder’s Award (2010), Recognition for Enlightened Service (2010), and the Fontbonne-Carondelet Heritage Award (2013).

Sister Rita enjoys reading, walking, Tai Chi Chih, and has volunteered for 20 years at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Click here to make a donation in honor of Sister Rita.