Elizabeth Conway was born at Oberlin, Kansas on May 10, 1887, but grew up in the vicinity of Clyde and attended our Academy as a day pupil; then took teachers' training at Maryville College. She was a cousin of Sister M. Regina Archer. Elizabeth entered our community at Clyde in 1905, was invested Nov. 13, 1905 and professed as Sister M. Baptista on Jan. 20, 1907. Perpetual vows were made on July 5, 1913.

From the beginning of her religious life, Sister M. Baptista taught in surrounding district schools then staffed by our Sisters. She was outstanding in ability to impart knowledge in a gentle and kind way, from her own fund of knowledge and not from what might be acquired day by day. She was Principal of the Academy for some years and though a strict disciplinarian, was kind and well loved by the pupils. She had a genuine administrative ability and made changes highly acceptable to both students and teachers.

Sister had a gracious Irish wit and humor and was always ready to help with community work, whether this meant going to the laundry at the orphanage in foul weather or fair, shocking grain, or other hard labor. She was a fervent adorer and usually took the difficult hour from 4:00 - 5:00 a.m., which was immediately followed by Lauds, some of the Short Hours, Holy Mass and Benediction.

Sister enjoyed good health until the last few years of her life. Because of an eye affliction that would not yield to medical treatment she was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where it was discovered that there was a malignancy and the eye was removed. Some years later the disease developed in other parts of her system, particularly in the liver, and caused intense suffering. During her terminal illness she drew consolation and strength from contemplating a large picture of the Madonna and Child near her bedside.

Death came to Sister on the feast of Saints Lucy and Odilia, patrons of the eyes, Dec. 13, 1923, at the age of Thirty-six.