Mary Ruscha was born in Chicago on Sept. 16, 1877. Her parents were from Germany, though it would seem her father was of Russian extraction as his family name was Ruschitzka. Mary entered at Clyde in Sept. 1898 and received the religious habit on June 28, 1899. At her profession on July 12, 1900 she became Sister M. Beatrice. She lived to celebrate her golden Jubilee, and also shared the privilege of Consecration of Virgins with the large group at Clyde receiving it for the first time on Nov 16, 1952.

Sister was a very animated person, with a comely face, sparkling brown eyes and an exceptionally beautiful singing voice. She was much loved by the pupils at the Academy, where she taught home economics and served at table.

For many years Sister M. Beatrice was head server in the Clyde refectory, which was no easy task, considering the many tables to be served with individual dishes, without the convenience of rolling tables or double-deck serving wagons. In her later years she helped in the printery with stitching, mailing, assembling leaflets, etc. Sister was very neat and precise in everything she did, and expected the same of those who worked under her.

Sister was always generous in keeping the more difficult hours of adoration, especially at night, and usually took a full week at a time. Having always enjoyed good health, it was painful for her to be completely confined to bed during her last illness, of some two years' duration. She prayed much and longed for our Lord's visit in Holy Communion. If asleep when Father came, she would immediately respond: "Of course!" when asked if she wished to receive Jesus. After much suffering, patiently borne, Sister died on May 8, 1962 at the age of eighty-five.