Submitted by: Dan Rich

Sister M. Madeleine Sophie Priester CSC

May 1, 1917 - Feb. 1, 2008

South Bend Tribune 2/3/2008
SOUTH BEND - Sister M. Madeleine Sophie (Margaret Anne Priester), CSC, 90, was born in Grandin, MO, to the late Stevan Priester and Mary (Desich) Priester. Her brothers, Steven (Margaret) Prister and Michael, are deceased as is her sister, Mary. She is survived by her brother, John (Annie Mae) Priester of North Liberty, and by her sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Michael) Priester and Margaret (Stevan) Priester of Granger. Also surviving are nephews, Patrick Priester of Oregon, Tim (Terri) Priester, Michael (Sue) Prister of Indiana and John (Jayne) Priester of Ohio. Sister's many friends will miss her.

Sister Madeleine Sophie spent her entire community life teaching in the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese where her teaching assignments covered kindergarten through college. She taught elementary grades in Michigan City, Fort Wayne, Morris and Chicago, IL, Elkhart, Evergreen Park and South Bend. Her specialty was teaching reading to children, K-12 and college students and adults on a one-to-one basis. Sister also was instrumental in beginning the Literacy Program at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Sister received numerous awards for her work with those who had difficulty reading and doing math. Sister Madeleine Sophie spent 13 years as a sacristan in the Sacred Heart Basilica, Notre Dame campus, living on campus. Moving to Saint Mary's she continued to tutor those who need help reading street signs, grocery store shelves and handling U.S. money. Sister was active in the ministry of prayer until her death. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Reception of the Body and wake services will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.