Mary Caroline Stefan was born in Maryville, Missouri on September 25, 1860. Both of her parents were born in Germany. She entered at Clyde as a postulant on September 2, 1876, coming to the convent from Maryville via lumber wagon with Dena Struck, our future Sister M. Aloysia. She was invested with the religious habit scarcely four weeks later, on September 29, and made her first vows on October 5, 1877, the feast of St. Placid, who was given as her patron. (It would seem Canon Law had not yet placed restrictions on the reception of novices and profession of vows.) The name Placid well suited her character, as did her patron, as she preserved a placid youthful spirit throughout her life. She had a sunny disposition and was well loved by everyone.

Sister M. Placid was truly a pioneer - first at Clyde, then at Chewelah and later in Tucson, though the greater part of her religious life was spent at Clyde (fifty-three years). She was superior at the orphanage from 1892 to 1895; had charge of the laundry for eight years, and was portress for two or three years. She was prefectress at the Academy for several short periods, served as Subprioress for a time at Clyde, took care of the guest house for some years, and also served the workmen's meals. The years from 1914 to 1928 were spent at Chewelah, Washington, and from 1938 to 1945 at our Tucson priory.

With the passing years it was hard for Sister to get around, but she was always at hand for any common work, such as peeling, mailing, etc. She was very faithful and conscientious in all her duties, docile and obedient to the letter. She gave much edification by her fidelity to the service of adoration and the Divine Office. When no longer able to assist at the entire office in choir, she obtained permission to substitute for Matins a short prayer from St. Gertrude’s manual, which she prayed daily.

Sister enjoyed good health all her life, but succumbed to an attack of pneumonia after an illness of twelve days. She died on the eve of her patronal feast, October 4, 1951, at the age of ninety-one years, seventy-five of which were lived as a perpetual adorer. Her sister, Mrs. Edward O'Malley of Phoenix and her nieces, Mrs. Harry Powers of Tucson and Mrs. Veronica Eckles of Maryville, were lifelong friends and benefactors of our communities.