SINSINAWA — Sr. Arturo Cranston, OP, died April 10, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, April 20, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Arturo made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1956, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1959. She taught music for 24 years and then studied recreation and natural resources and combined all her passions as director of Camp WeHaKee (now WeHaKee Camp for Girls) in Winter, Wis., for 24 years, followed by three years of consulting. Sister Arturo dedicated herself to building up the physical camp and developing young women who were confident and compassionate. She believed a strong person was one who showed respect for others and could have honest, forthright conversations that led to a peaceful outcome. “Peace is the resolution of conflict, not the absence of conflict,” Sister Arturo said. Her last fulltime ministry was being prioress of St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green. She served in Illinois, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Arturo ministered as prioress of St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, 2007-2010. Afterward, she continued to share her musical talents at the Motherhouse, St. Dominic Villa, and other area places.
Sister Arturo was born July 4, 1934, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Arthur and Marie (Rice) Cranston. Her parents and a brother, Arthur “Scottie” Cranston, preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, James “Ray” Cranston; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 65 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Arturo are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.