Sister Helen (Mary Ethel) Kiefer, ASC, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Benedictine Living Center, Belleville, Illinois, died peacefully July 12, 2022. She was 90 years old and was professed for 73 years.
She was one of eight children born to the late Theodore and Bernardine (Eftink) Kiefer in Oran, Missouri, on March 29, 1932. She made her first profession on July 1, 1949, and final vows on July 1, 1954.
Sister Helen’s higher education accomplishments began with a Certificate in Childcare from St. Louis University in 1951. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Kansas Newman College (now Newman University) in Wichita, Kansas in 1971. She became certified in Pastoral Care in 1973 and earned her master’s in Elementary Education in 1975, both from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She also held teaching certificates for the states of Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Theodore, Jr. and Paul, her sisters Adele (Buford) Trost, Ethel (Bill) Massmann, Rita (Urban) Hinkebein, Sister Mary Jane Kiefer, OSF, and Mary Emma Kiefer.
She is survived by nieces and nephews and members of the ASC Community.
Arrangements for Sister Helen: July 18, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Bellville, Illinois.
Visitation from 12:30-2:00 p.m. with a Prayer of Welcome and Sharing of Memories at 1:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. followed by burial at the Convent Cemetery, Ruma, Illinois.
Masks are required for all residents and visitors at the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine.
I was so blessed to have her as a 5th and 6th grade teacher.