SINSINAWA — Sister Marion Hangsterfer, OP, died June 18, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Francisca. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 26, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marion made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1958, and her perpetual profession Aug. 8, 1961. Her ministry was devoted to education, serving 36 years as teacher, 16 years as principal, two years as assistant in the Development Office, and six years as literacy volunteer. Sister Marion was a peaceful presence and was adept at guiding school staff. Parents and students showed great love for her, even amid language barriers. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, California, Texas and Florida.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Marion taught at St. Mary, Portage, 1964-1969.
Sister Marion was born March 8, 1934, in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Marion (Grahan) Hangsterfer. Her parents; two sisters, Mary Curran and Kathryn “Kay” Dee; and four brothers, Charles Hangsterfer, Francis Hangsterfer, Robert Hangsterfer, and Gahan Hangsterfer, preceded her in death. She is survived by nieces, nephews and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 61 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Marion are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live
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