SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Marie Theodore Girten, OP, died Nov. 3, 2009, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa Nov. 6, 2009, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marie Theodore made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1946, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1949.
Sister Marie Theodore taught music and served as principal organist for the parishes at which she taught for 23 years. She ministered as principal organist at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, for 36 years and as an assistant in the Motherhouse pharmacy for 20 years. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Marie Theodore taught at St. Raphael, Madison, 1955-1967. She ministered as principal organist at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison, while teaching at the school and at the Motherhouse,
Sister Marie Theodore was born March 20, 1923, in Chicago, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hoss) Girten. Her parents and a brother, Theodore Girten, preceded her in death. She is survived by two sisters, Ruth Mieling and Therese Breiter; a brother, Walter Girten; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 63 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org by clicking on “Donate to Us,” then “Honors and Memorials.”