Sister Michael Therese Bauer
March 20, 1932 - January 3, 2022
Faithful in prayer, never met a stranger, loved to entertain
When I think of her, I remember someone who was always pleasant and thoughtful. ... I recently read when someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Michael always was a “treasure” and will continue to be one.
-Sister Maryellen Tierney
Edward and Leona (Kappel) Bauer of Centralia, Illinois, welcomed their first and only child, Marie Joann, on March 20, 1932. During the Depression, her father lost his job and the family moved to St. Louis, living with family members until he found work. Marie attended kindergarten and first grade at Froebel, the local public school. In second grade, she attended St. Thomas of Aquin, where she first met the Sisters of St. Joseph. The next year, her family moved to Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish where she often helped the sisters after school, even carrying their things over to Carondelet. After graduation, she enrolled in Notre Dame High School. When asked if she ever considered entering the Notre Dame sisters, she replied, “Never, never. That was never in my mind.”
Marie entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on September 15, 1950. She received the habit and the name Sister Michael Therese on March 19, 1951. Her dad
died of cancer while she was in the novitiate. Fortunately, accompanied by Mother Vivian, the novice mistress, she was permitted to visit him a number of times during his illness.
Sister Michael Therese began her teaching ministry in 1953 with primary at St. Gregory in St. Louis. In 1961, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Fontbonne College. That same year, she received a very surprising call asking if she would be willing to serve in Hawaii. She taught primary at St. Joseph, Oahu
(1961); Christ the King, Maui (1963); St. Anthony, Oahu (1967) and St. Theresa, Honolulu (1970). Returning to the mainland, she taught intermediate classes at St. James in Denver, Colorado (1971), followed by St. Luke the Evangelist in St. Louis (1973).
In 1978, S. Michael began ministering in community service for the sisters at Nazareth Convent. For several months in 1983, she left that ministry to help in family care. She then returned to Nazareth until 1985 when she accepted the position of coordinator of printing and mailing services at the Carondelet Provincial House. She retired in 2008, though she continued to volunteer where needed.
Associate Van Farrington said that S. Michael Therese called her after a Linger Over Breakfast talk, asking what she thought about it. From then on, they shared their thoughts after each one.
I was sad and afraid when I first heard she was ill, but I know she'd be the first to tell me to accept and embrace God's will. I will always remember her as a warm, caring and loving human being.
S. Michael learned magic from her dad, and she delighted in it. Entertaining others brought her great joy. Along the way, she also became a member of the Trinity Clowns of Missouri (formerly Gateway Knights of Columbus Clown Club) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians
(I.B.M.) and their affiliate, St. Louis RING ONE. She dearly loved being able to bring laughter to many. Something that more or less just fell into her lap that also became dear to her heart was becoming the spiritual moderator of the Guild of the Sisters of St. Joseph (1977–2002). Originally, the Guild was a group of mothers of sisters but, as it attracted others, they also were welcome to join. Many a handmade afghan or quilt ended up as prizes for the annual Quilt Bingo.
S. Rosemary Flanigan shares, “She had a cheery personality, and you felt good after just talking with her.”
S. Paulette Gladis, also a member of the 1951 reception, says, “Whatever Michael did, she did well, and with good humor. We all will miss her.”
By Sister Helen Oates