SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Beda Cleary died July 10, 2010, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa July 13, 2010, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Beda made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1942, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1945. She ministered in education for 46 years, teaching for 43 and serving as a tutor or aide for three. Sister Beda served as support staff at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, for four years. Her ministries took her to Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, South Dakota, California, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Beda ministered as support staff at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 1983-1985 and 1988-1990. She taught at St. Rose, Cuba City, 1985-1987, and served as an aide at St. Joseph School, Sinsinawa, 1990-1992.
Sister Beda was born May 1, 1920, in Chicago, the daughter of James and Anna (O’Brien) Cleary. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, James Cleary; cousins; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 67 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.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Beda are available online at www.ustream.tv/Sinsinawa