Born Helen Wojtysiak to Stanislaus Wojtysiak and Marianna Kaminski Wojtysiak in Terre Coupe, IN.

Helen Wojtysiak became Sister Mary Rita once she entered the convent.

Sister Mary Rita.
Sister Mary Rita, a native of South Bend, died Sunday in St. Mary's of Nazareth Hospital, Chicago.
She had been a member of the Sisters of Nazareth order for over 60 years and had taught here for two years in St. Stanislaus School.
Prior to entering the order, Sister Rita was Helen Wojtysiak. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Mary Putz, 614 Euclid Ave.; Mrs. Sarah Hart (Kalamaja), Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Nettie Nunn, of Kentucky. Services and burial will take place Wednesday in Chicago.

South Bend Tribune 21 Sep 1959 page 26

Necrology

Sister M. Rita of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Helen Wojtysiak - died September 20, 1959)

Sister Rita entered the Sisters of the Holy Nazareth from St. Casimir's Parish, South Bend, IN, at the age of 15. After 60 years in faithful and fruitful service in the congregation, she was called home to her eternal reward.

Sister Rita taught in parish schools most of her religious life and was devoted to the children who were entrusted to her care. When it was time to transfer her, Sister Rita felt this pain of separation from a ministry of love she knew for so long.

Sister Rita was loved and respected by the students whom she taught and the co-workers/teachers with whom she taught. She possessed a magnetism which attracted everyone who met her and was long remembered. Even after a passage of time whenever her name was brought up the inquiry followed of "How is Sister Rita?"

In her later years Sister Rita's health began to fail. She was transferred to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent (Park Ridge, IL) where she offered to help wherever she could, especially, in handcrafting items. She was also responsible for the books by Rev. L. Pyzalski but because of physical weakness she had to give up this responsibility. In 1958 she requested of the Mother Provincial to transfer her because of her health, and she was transferred to Colorado Springs. She weakened more and was transported to Bethania Hospital in Wichita Falls, TX.
She spent some weeks there but it became necessary to transfer Sister Rita to Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago.
She stayed there for four weeks and requested to return to Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent in Park Ridge where she felt most comfortable. Her heart weakened and she became seriously sick.
The doctor was called in and prepared a place for her in the hospital (Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital) where she was assigned to the floor with other sick Sisters, participated in communal activities where she was able, and remained there till her death.

Sister Rita's death came most unexpectedly one day. That morning, although feeling ill, she attended three Masses. She did not come to lunch with the Sisters but did ask for a bowl of soup to be brought to her in her room. She had eaten a bit of a snack mid-afternoon, but it was evident she was seriously sick. Dr. Concepcion was notified and momentarily she passed away. The sisters encircled her and offered prayers for a happy death. Sister Rita was terribly afraid of dying and God was truly merciful to take her quickly.

Sister Rita left behind many pleasant memories of her religious life. She was a most grateful, pious, and had a great devotion to God which inspired others to this love of God because she strongly believed you can ask God for everything. Sister Rita deeply cared about the flourishing of this religious community and its many concerns.
Now that Sister Rita is with the Lord, she will intercede in our behalf for the many graces that are needed.

O good Jesus, our Lord, give her eternal rest!