Sr. Mary Josepha Wentworth

Sister Mary Josepha Wentworth Farwell, Michigan Sister Mary Josepha is the 11th of 18 children born to Henry and Josephine Wentworth and all were raised on a family farm in Rosebush, Michigan. Sister Mary Josepha was preceded in death by her parents and three stillborn brothers. Six brothers also preceded her in death: Howard, Earl, Edward, Robert, Andrew and Clair. Remaining brothers and sisters are: Frank, Leonard, Tom, Eugene, Mabel, Agnes, Dorothy and Fern. In August of 1953, Annabell Elizabeth entered the convent of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and received the name, Sister Mary Josepha. Sister was professed in 1957 and in her years of faithful service, God called her to minister to many people in many ways. Sister Mary Josepha served at the Motherhouse in Milwaukee and following that taught 80 children in kindergarten at St. Cyril and Methodius School, loving every minute of it. In Harbor Springs, Michigan Sister prepared meals for the staff and cared for some of the young students. Sister also served as a House Mother in a Boarding School for 24 little boys ages 5 to 12, for five and a half years and would list that ministry as being among her favorites. Sister Mary Josepha remembered the children with delight and tenderness. The School sisters of Notre Dame served in the ministry of managing the Boarding School for 110 years. Ministry to family then became a focus for Sister Mary Josepha and she first cared for her elderly mother. While engaged in this ministry, Sister became aware that God was strongly calling her to continue to serve in this ministry with the elderly. It was during this transition in ministry that Sister Mary Josepha also transitioned from the School Sisters of Notre Dame to a religious sister with private vows. Even though Sister made this transition, she continued to maintain strong ties and friendships with the Notre Dame sisters, especially with Sister Mary Eugenda, SSND. For over another 24 years, Sister Mary Josepha worked in and then managed her own Adult Foster Care Home which provided Sister the opportunity to care for many beautiful women throughout those special years. Sister Mary Josepha was blessed with many creative talents and she freely shared her abundant gifts as she cared for the women residents and their families and guests. Sister Mary Josepha was untiring in her care for all. The atmosphere in the Home, and indeed it was a warm and loving home, was filled with faith, hope, love, patience, kindness, understanding, generosity, and respect. Delicious meals were served and special days and events were celebrated joyfully. Hearts and spirits, as well as bodies, were nourished in many thoughtful ways every day and night. Eventually, Sister Mary Josepha "retired" from this ministry and then continued to volunteer her services to those in need. Throughout her many years of ministry, Sister Mary Josepha maintained close ties to all of her brothers and sisters wherever they were. She also remained close to almost countless nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews ~ always delighting in their adventures and accomplishments. Her enthusiasm and care were ever present. And in these last few years, her brother Gene and her sisters, Dorothy and Fern faithfully and caringly watched over Sister Mary Josepha as she began her journey "home". What everyone knows is that Sister Mary Josepha prayed unceasingly throughout her life; she prayed unceasingly. Sister Mary Josepha was ever mindful of the God who created her, the God who sustained her and the God who loved her and the God who would bring her to her eternal warm and loving "home". Even as her challenges with memory progressed over the last few years, Sister Mary Josepha kept her eyes on Christ who called her by name . . . and now has called her "home" to everlasting joy and peace. "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God". Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607, where her family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until the time of Mass. Rev. Fr. Andrew Booms will officiate with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Those planning on expressions of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the National Religious Retirement Fund, 3211 4th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20017-1194. Arrangements by W. L. Case & Company Funeral Directors, Saginaw.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603