January 26, 1915 - November 2, 2012

Sister Bernice Buescher, PHJC, passed away on November 2, 2012 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Frederick and Anna Marie (Bender) Buescher in Avila, Indiana on January 26, 1915. She entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 6, 1937.

Sister Bernice, then known as Sister Leo, began teaching at Angel Guardian Orphanage in 1939. She continued teaching for the next 26 years at various schools in Indiana and Illinois. When class sizes reached 60 or more children, she asked for a new ministry. In 1965 she began working as an office clerk in PHJC hospitals, in schools and in the Business Office at the PHJC Ministry Center. She retired in 1999.

Sr. Bernice celebrated her 75th Jubilee in 2012. In her Jubilee reflection she states, “The greatest enjoyment of Jubilee year will be to hope everything we do to celebrate will be pleasing to Jesus and Mary. I hope God will guide and bless the activities of the PHJC community in the U.S., Mexico, India, England, Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and Africa.”

May Sister Bernice rest in peace!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.