Mary Ann Berninger was born on July 8, 1892 in Anthracite, Colorado, to John and Catherine (Young) Berninger, the second oldest of 5 children. Most of her life prior to entrance at Clyde, was spent in Colorado with her family, enjoying her work as a first grade teacher.

In 1926 two of her sisters went to Mundelein for the Eucharistic Congress and brought a few remembrances home to the family. It was through one such souvenir, and the influence of her pastor, Fr. Gilbert, OSB, of Holy Cross Abbey, that the Lord called Mary Ann to Clyde. She entered on the feast of the Sacred Heart, June, 1930. She made first profession as Sister Mary Albertina on February 21, 1932, and final Profession on August 30, 1937.

Her love for peace was obvious through her 96 years and radiated from a quiet and gentle personality. Compassion and graciousness are the words that best describe our memories of her. For many years as portress, Sister's presence at the door and her voice on the telephone became a source of peace and comfort for many, reflecting a compassionate and listening heart. In her last years of illness, Sr. M. Albertina never lost her graciousness nor her peaceful smile. 

Each year, on the Feast of St. Albert the Great, Sister prayed that she might share in her patron saint's 1) love for the Blessed Sacrament, 2) love for the Blessed Mother, and 3) love for peace. Those of us who have known and lived with Sr. M. Albertina believe that her prayers were answered. Significantly her death came on the eve of Mary's Assumption, a few hours after the community had sung First Vespers of the Feast. Our dear Sister M. Albertina quietly and peacefully entered into eternal life in the stillness of the night, August 14th, 1988. She was 96 years old. The Marian Year was ending in the evening of August 15 when we were all gathered in prayer for a Wake service in her memory.