Sister Helen was born Louisa Benedicta Backes, the daughter of John and Gertrude (Willenbring) Backes. She was born August 27, 1913 in Foxholm, ND and was the youngest of 8 children, six boys and two girls. She attended grade school in a country school near her farm home near Foxholm, ND. She attended high school and was a boarder at Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, ND. She later graduated from St. Catherine’s Catholic School in Valley City, ND. She professed her vows as a Sister of Mary of the Presentation on September 3, 1931 in Broons, France. After her novitiate in France, she then returned to United States and began nurses training in Illinois. She received her RN degree and later a graduated degree in Obstetrics in Peoria, IL. She worked in hospitals (mostly the night shift) sponsored by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in Bottineau, ND, Harvey, ND, Rolla, ND and Spring Valley, IL. In 1980, she moved to Maryvale Convent where she took care of the elderly and sick Sisters for 16 years. She retired in May, 1996 at Maryvale Convent.
Sister Helen is survived by her Religious Community, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation and several nieces and nephews.
Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.
Sister Helen enjoyed good health and was very active until shortly before her death.
Sister Helen was born Louisa Benedicta Backes, the daughter of John and Gertrude (Willenbring) Backes. She was born August 27, 1913 in Foxholm, ND and was the youngest of 8 children, six boys and two girls. She attended grade school in a country school near her farm home near Foxholm, ND. She attended high school and was a boarder at Notre Dame Academy in Willow City, ND. She later graduated from St. Catherine’s Catholic School in Valley City, ND. She professed her vows as a Sister of Mary of the Presentation on September 3, 1931 in Broons, France. After her novitiate in France, she then returned to United States and began nurses training in Illinois. She received her RN degree and later a graduated degree in Obstetrics in Peoria, IL. She worked in hospitals (mostly the night shift) sponsored by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation in Bottineau, ND, Harvey, ND, Rolla, ND and Spring Valley, IL. In 1980, she moved to Maryvale Convent where she took care of the elderly and sick Sisters for 16 years. She retired in May, 1996 at Maryvale Convent.
Sister Helen is survived by her Religious Community, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation and several nieces and nephews.
Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.
Sister Helen enjoyed good health and was very active until shortly before her death.
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