SINSINAWA — Sister Zita Simon, OP, died Jan. 5, 2021, at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse Jan. 15, followed by burial of the cremains in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Zita made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1965, and her perpetual profession Nov. 10, 1970. She served in the culinary arts for six years and as primary education aide for six years before teaching for 15 years and serving as principal for two years. Sister Zita worked as pastoral associate, parish administrator, and director of religious education for 25 years. Her lively banter and good fun as well as her listening ear and caring ways endeared her to many people. Sister Zita lived zestfully and encouraged people to forever rely on God (FROG). She served in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma and Alaska.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Zita served as laundry and bakery staff at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 1965-1967, and has served as pastoral minister at Good Shepherd Parish, Madison, 2006-2020.
Sister Zita was born Nov. 29, 1945, in Farmington, Minn., the daughter of Joe and Bernice (Wiederholt) Simon. Her parents; four sisters, an infant, Lois Ries, Marlene Hanson, and Betty Kleindl; and two brothers, Melvin Simon and Jerry Simon, preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Bernice Bergstrom; two brothers, James Simon and Joe Simon; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 55 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 Zita are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.