Our dear Sr. M. Albina Lohmer was quietly called home to our God at 3:20 PM, on Wednesday, June 13th, 1990. Just that morning, we had gathered to pray with her as she was anointed. As an introduction to the rite, Father Jim McEnroe mentioned that we were going to pray for grace, strength and healing, but not necessarily in that order. God himself knew the plans he had for her!

Mary was born on March 25, 1899, one of 11 children born to Josephine Jesse and Peter Lohmer, in Stillwater, Minnesota. Something her Mother once said made a lasting impression on her: "When you are with other little girls, do not speak unkindly of another." She undoubtedly had ample opportunity to put this maxim into practice in her large family, and later in Community! She attributes her vocation to the Blessed Mother, her dear parents and our publication Tabernacle and Purgatory, which had been coming to her home since she was a child. It was her mother who asked her if she would like to join the Sisters later when she would be old enough.

Mary entered Clyde on April 9th, 1923, and was professed on August 14th, 1925, receiving the name, Sr. M. Albina. Of this event Sister writes: "My brother, Father Francis, OSB, ordained less than two weeks before my profession, had the joy of celebrating his first Solemn Mass with me."

Sisters' years of monastic life were full and yet ordinary. "Obedience," it is said, was a practice dear to her heart. Work in the Correspondence department, the Vestry, and 3 years as Novice Director, were among her assignments. She says of herself; "One of my privileges during my years in the convent was to be one of the pioneers who started our convents in Kansas City and San Diego. For me it is a great joy to be with the community, as we live, work, and pray together and are blessed with the nearness of Jesus in the Eucharist."

Due to her failing health, Sister went to St. Benedict Health Care Center in December of 1987. It became apparent these last couple of weeks that Sister was visibly weaker. On the morning of her anointing, she was heard to say "I'm not sick." Perhaps she was as surprised as we were, at the swiftness of her call to eternal life! Sister is survived by 2 sisters and 3 brothers.