Sister Agatha Marie Groft, ASC died Monday, December 7 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia, Pennsylvania. She was 88 years old and had been a professed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for 68 years.
Sister Agatha Marie was the youngest of nine children and grew up in Adams County, Pennsylvania. She came to know the Adorers through summer retreats they hosted.
Sister Agatha Marie Groft earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Carlow College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a master’s in religious studies/sacred scriptures from St. Charles Seminary in Overbrook, Pennsylvania.
She also took classes in clinical pastoral education to help her in her role as coordinator of sisters at St. Anne’s Home in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
Sister Agatha Marie Groft taught elementary school for 30 years and was principal for 11 years. She served at St. Mary School in Steelton, Pennsylvania; St. Joseph in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Jerome, Assumption and St. Theodore in Chicago; St. Raphael in Greenville, North Carolina; Immaculate Conception in East Chicago, Indiana; St. Teresa in Albany, Georgia and Precious Blood School in Rochester, New York.
She served her community as director of novices and postulants and was the last leader of the former Columbia Province before three provinces converged into one region.
She served on the first U.S. Region novitiate community in Belleville, Illinois, mentored associates in the Adorers’ spirituality, and assisted the Columbia archivist. She also served on the Sisters’ Council in the Archdiocese of Chicago as well as the Immaculate Conception parish council in East Chicago, Indiana.
Sister Agatha Marie Groft, who was beloved by her community, enjoyed politics, crafting, crocheting and embroidery. She also was a serious card player.
A brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and members of her congregation survive her.
She is buried in the Columbia Center convent cemetery.