Loretta Mary Kaiser was born at Columbus, Ohio Jan. 28, 1888 - the fourth child of the family. She graduated from the parochial school and attended an Academy in Columbus for two years. On Feb. 7, 1906 she became a postulant at Clyde, was invested with the Benedictine habit six months later, and made her first profession in July, 1907, receiving the name of Sister M. Henrietta. 

Perpetual vows were made July 5, 1913. She was one of the large group receiving the Consecration of Virgins at Clyde in 1952; celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 1957 and her Diamond Jubilee in 1967. Her younger sister Bertha entered in 1909 and became Sister M. Adelgundis.

Sister taught shorthand, typing and penmanship at St. Joseph's Academy for twenty-five years; also served as Directress of the Academy and spiritual director of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin. After taking an art course from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, she taught china painting, oils, water colors, etc., to the girls in the Academy Studio. 

For a time Sister was assistant infirmarian, and for some years, portress. She organized our first convent library and was librarian for twenty-five years; helped organize the Secular Oblates affiliated with Clyde, and served as local Councilor at Clyde for two terms. In September 1956 she was appointed Superior of the group sent to open an aspirancy at San Benito, California. After this venture failed, she became Prioress at the new foundation in San Diego. She returned to Clyde in October 1958.

Sister M. Henrietta was faithful to community life over the years and loved adoration. She suffered many illnesses during her life. In 1966 she became so ill that there seemed to be no hope of recovery. However, she revived, but remained in delicate health and spent the remainder of her years in the infirmary. While there she did much crocheting, knitting and embroidering, making lovely scarves, table-cloths, pillow-cases etc. which served as gifts for benefactors at Christmas time. She was able to attend daily Mass in the infirmary chapel in a wheel-chair.

Sister always maintained a lively interest in important current events, and was thrilled to watch the maneuvers of the astronauts on TV. She prayed much and suffered much for priests and for all the needs of the Church and the world.

Through the years Sister continued community contacts with our former Academy girls, and had the Academy and Orphanage records in her care till about a month before her death, when at her request they were sent to the Motherhouse in St. Louis for safe-keeping.

 On May 2, 1972 her condition worsened and she was taken to the Maryville hospital. She died at the hospital shortly before 11 o'clock the night of May 18, seemingly conscious to the end. She was eighty-four years old and in her 67th year of religious profession. The liturgy for her burial was beautifully prepared for the eve of Pentecost, with the Resurrection theme throughout.

To one who expressed sympathy at the loss of her dear sister, Sister M. Adelgundis replied: "Isn't this all we are here on earth for - to work for heaven? Isn't that where we all want to be?" What a consolation it would have been for her if she had known that she would follow her sister to eternity in just a little less than six months!

Sister M. Henrietta died on May 18, 1972.