SINSINAWA — Sister Mary Rita Kendergan, OP, died Oct. 31, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Nov. 12, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Mary Rita made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1943, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1946. She taught for 30 years and served as parish visitor for nine years; library aid for 13 years; and librarian for five years. Sister Mary Rita lived her Dominican life faithfully and, despite being a quiet person, was known for her great sense of humor, quick wit, and warm smile.
She served in Illinois, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Wisconsin, South Dakota, California and Iowa.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Mary Rita taught at St. Dennis, Madison, 1968-1969, and volunteered as library aid at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, with the Dominican Education Center, 1985-1986, and in the library, 2002-2004.
Sister Mary Rita was born Sept. 30, 1923, in Milwaukee, the daughter of John and Agnes (Norton) Kendergan. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 78 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 Mary Rita are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.