Born in Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 24, 1891, Bertha Kaiser was consecrated to God by her mother even before her birth. From early childhood she felt drawn to the contemplative religious life. She wanted very much to go to Clyde after her older sister (Sister M. Henrietta) had entered there, but feared it might be thought she just wanted to be with her sister. After being reassured by her confessor that this was where she belonged, she entered on Aug. 11, 1909. She received the Benedictine habit Feb. 1910; made her first vows Aug. 26, 1911 receiving the name of Sister M. Adelgundis; and perpetual vows Feb. 4, 1917. In Nov. 1952 she received Consecration of Virgins with the first group at Clyde.

During the retreat preceding her perpetual vows, the acetylene gas plant exploded, demolishing the building and shattering all the windows on the east side of the convent and chapel. In sub-zero weather this was a real catastrophe, but fortunately no one was injured as all the Sisters were at prayer in the chapel. Sister M. Adelgundis wryly remarked to a companion: "If this is a picture of our future life, we will need special graces'."

Sister began working in the printery as a postulant and remained there for twenty-eight years, much of the time as manager. She worked closely and harmoniously with Father Lukas, knowing well how to counter his austerity (sometimes feigned) with a ready wit and ingenuity. An operation for acute appendicitis in 1937, followed by a second operation two months later, necessitated her going to our Mundelein convent for a time to recuperate. Upon her return to Clyde in June, 1938, Sister continued to work in the printery until November, when she was appointed local Prioress at Clyde. At the end of her three-year term she spent six months in Tucson. Back at Clyde, she worked in the crediting room and helped read incoming mail at the correspondence department all through her remaining years. She also served as librarian for some years.

Among other hobbies, Sister collected postcard views from all over the world. Her collection filled sixteen drawers, including one devoted exclusively to Benedictine monasteries and convents. Sister also made many Agnus Dei and Sacred Heart badges, and for some years made hundreds of small crosses each year from blest palm, which she mounted and distributed with a prayer leaflet for protection of fields and crops.

Sister was always full of life and energy, had a great sense of humor and a bubbling laugh. She enjoyed being with people, and was often called upon to visit with guests, to conduct groups on tours, etc. Sometimes people expressed difficulty in pronouncing or remembering her name. Sister would say: "Just call me "Sister honest-to-goodness." In April, 1969, taking advantage of the newly granted permission for home visits, Sister took her first plane trip for her first and only home visit since her entrance at Clyde sixty years previously, to be with relatives in Florida.

In later years, when Sister M. Henrietta's health was very poor, Sister M. Adelgundis kept close to her and rendered her many services. After Sister died, Sr. M. Adelgundis remarked that her sister was keeping her busier than ever, straightening out all her affairs, answering mail, etc. Though she was always faithfully at her post of duty, Sister's heart gave her some trouble and she was urged to see a doctor. But she kept putting it off, saying she was not afraid to die and really hoped she would go quickly, etc. This wish of hers was granted, for she went home to God very quietly and unexpectedly during the night of Nov. 8, 1972, after an illness of little more than a day, which was not considered serious. Thus she rejoined her much-loved sister, who had preceded her in death just six months before. All her things were in perfect order, as if she had been expecting to go. She was in the 81st year of her life and had celebrated her Diamond Jubilee the year before.