Teresa was born on February 6, 1899, the youngest of 3 children born to Thomas J. Cummins and Catherine M. Kelly, in Maryville, Missouri. Both her parents came to America from Ireland. Her mother died when Teresa was but 4 yrs. old, just prior to the birth of their 4th child. The three children stayed with an aunt in Burlington Junction for two months when they were then given to the care of the Franciscan Sisters who conducted a hospital and a nearby parochial school in Maryville. Although she did not live in the environment of her own home as a young child, she nevertheless was imbued with a deep and abiding love for her family and vast relationship.

Her association with Clyde began in September 1912 when she became a student at St. Joseph's Academy at Clyde. Her schooling was interrupted briefly due to some eyesight problems, but finished the 9th grade in 1916. She entered as a Postulant on July 30, 1917. While yet a Novice she taught 7th and 8th grades in various subjects at the academy. Her areas of expertise were shorthand, typing and office training; skills which she would exercise well during her 70+ years of monastic living! Her profession of vows was on Feb. 15, 1919 when she was given the name of Sr. M. Cleopha. Final monastic Profession was on Feb. 17, 1924.

After the close of the academy in 1934, Sister transferred to Mundelein where she was to spend the next 43 years of her life, serving in the altar bread and Correspondence depts. Faith and a deep abiding sense of God and His Will in her regard was her constant gift to us. When asked how she was, she would simply say, "Just the way God wants me to be".

Sister was admitted to the hospital after a fall in our Infirmary several days ago. Though her frail bones sustained some fractures, death did not seem imminent and she was looking forward to coming home after some days of tests. But the Lord in whom she trusted and put her faith, took her to Himself. 

Sister died unexpectedly in her sleep at 12:40 AM on Sunday October 8th, having been admitted to Alexian Brothers Hospital several days before. She will be remembered for her sense of gratitude, so essential in a life of Adoration!