Obituary of Christina, Wenger

Sr. Christina (Anna) Wenger, O.S.B. In the early morning of January 25, 2011 at St. Joseph's Residence, two days following her 100th birthday, Sr. Christina Wenger passed peacefully into everlasting life. She was in her 75th year of monastic profession. Sr. Christina was born in Probuzna, Kopyczynce, Poland on January 23, 1911 to Michael and Mary (Sereda) Wenger. She was the eldest of five children, four of whom were boys. Her father immigrated to Canada shortly after the birth of his second child Joseph and just before the outbreak of World War I. In Canada he found employment with the railroad and thus was able to purchase a farm in Kingman, Alberta. Finally by the summer of 1922, he was able to secure passage for his little family. Sr. Christina, being 11 years of age when she arrived in Canada, retained many happy memories of her childhood in Poland. She often spoke of pranks played in the surrounding garden and orchard areas. Her love of the Polish language, especially the Polish hymns, remained with her throughout her life. While Sr. Christina was very petite (4 ft. 8 inches tall) she had a large loving heart. With her ever-ready smile, gentle and willing disposition, she peacefully embraced all that life had to offer. She was deeply prayerful and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She prayed her rosary daily, alone and with her rosary group. In her later years she could inevitably be seen whispering a Hail Mary. Sr. Christina entered the Sisters of St. Benedict in Arborg, Manitoba on February 2, 1935 and made her monastic profession on October 27, 1936. She ministered mainly as a cook and housekeeper. She excelled in baking and cake decorating. Her artistic nature extended to liquid embroidery, pottery making and accordion playing. She was a very kind, welcoming person who cherished the special friendships she made while ministering in the Winnipeg convents of Pritchard Avenue and St. John Cantius, the Gimli, Birtle and Winnipegosis hospitals, Sifton, Dog Creek and Calgary, Alberta. When she retired to St. Benedict's Monastery, she happily took on volunteer visiting at St. Joseph's Residence for many years. Sr. Christina was predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary, her brothers Joseph, Peter and Steve and her nephew Tony. She is survived by her brother Stanley (Josephine) and family, numerous other nieces and nephews, special friends Olive and Ed Perreault, as well as the members of her religious community. The Vigil Service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict's Monastery Chapel presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey, P.H. with commendation by Sr. Virginia Evard, Prioress. Interment to follow in the Monastery cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Christina's memory to St. Benedict's Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R4A 2A1. The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to Drs. A. Kuffel, M. Reda, T. Babick, the late B. Gorski and the staff of St. Benedict's Health Care Centre and St. Joseph's Residence, Inc. for their loving support and care of Sr. Christina. May she rest in peace. CROPO Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044