Teresa Clausen was born in Canton Wallis, Switzerland on October 14, 1864. She entered the Clyde convent October 17, 1888 and was invested with the holy habit on February 10, 1889. She was professed as Sr. M. Stephania on February 10, 1890. Sister served our Lord generously and cheerfully as an Oblate sister.

Sister was a distant relative of Father Lukas Etlin, O.S.B., and worked closely with him in the embroidery department. Under his supervision she brought to greater perfection her skill in embroidery and fine needle work. Many of the loveliest designs in the vestments were the work of her hands. She made the floral wreaths formerly used for perpetual vows, for Golden Jubilees and for the deceased Sisters. She also made little pig-bristle brushes which were used in the refectory for brushing up the crumbs at table. Sister helped to serve the guests when extra help was needed, and was always ready to lend assistance wherever required.

Sister M. Stephania was a prayerful soul and endeared herself to all by her sterling qualities of mind and heart, and also by quaint little mannerisms which often provoked amused smiles. She was confined to the Clyde infirmary for many years because of poor health. She had a stroke about a week before her death and died the morning of Ember Saturday, Sept. 22, 1945, just about the time the Mass of Ordination was ending at Conception Abbey. This was significant, as Sister was greatly devoted to prayer for priests and had offered herself as a sacrifice for good and holy priests. She was eighty years old.