Sr. Mary Henry Schiff

Sr. Mary Henry Schiff (formerly Gertrude Madeline) died at St. Paul Hermitage on May 18, 2010. She was 94 years old. Sr. Mary Henry was one of seven daughters born to Fred and Theresa Schiff in Johnston City, Illinois in 1915. She entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana in 1930 and made her Perpetual Monastic Profession in 1937. She was a founding member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery. She received a BS Degree in education from St. Benedict College, Ferdinand, Indiana and a MS Degree in education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sr. Mary Henry began her illustrious teaching career in 1934 and taught at various Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Evansville and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. In 1981, after 47 years in the classroom, she became the receptionist and secretary at St. Anthony Rectory, Clarksville, Indiana and then at St. Paul Hermitage from 1984 – 1993. She retired to Our Lady of Grace in 1994 and also served as a receptionist for the monastery. Viewing will be on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at St. Paul Hermitage, from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM. Reception of the body will take place at Our Lady of Grace Monastery at 4:00 PM with viewing until 8:00 PM. A wake service will take place at 7:00 PM. Her funeral will be on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM with viewing from 2:00 PM until the funeral. Her parents and four sisters preceded her in death. Her sisters, Madeline Fletchall of Poseyville, Indiana; Pauline Nelson of Muskegon, Michigan, several nieces and nephews and her religious community survive her. Contributions in memory of Sr. Mary Henry may be made to Sister’s Retirement Fund, c/o Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107. Little and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements.