Le Mars native celebrates 70th jubilee

Sister Eleanor Ann Ortmann is celebrating her 70th anniversary as a Sister of Christian Charity this year.  On Aug. 23, 1955, Eleanor Ann traveled from her hometown in LeMars to Maria Immaculata Convent, the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Wilmette, Illinois.

On Aug. 21, 1956, following a year of Postulancy, she became Sister Eleanor Ann, a novice. During the years that followed she pronounced her Temporary Vows on Aug. 21, 1958, and six years later, her Perpetual Vows on Aug. 20, 1964.
 
Sister Eleanor Ann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from De Paul University in Chicago with National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Certification. (NCATE). Sister ministered several years in elementary education.

Sister Eleanor Ann taught elementary grades from 1958 to 1969 in the following schools: St. Martha School, Morton Grove, Illinois; St. Teresa School, Chicago;   St. Theresa School in Palatine, Illinois; and  St. Boniface School in Minneapolis.
 
From 1971 to 1973,  Sister Eleanor Ann responded to God’s call to minister in the SCC sponsored  “House of Prayer” in Steger, Illinois. 

Having received Nurse’s Aide Training at Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Sister lovingly cared for our sick and elderly sisters of Christian Charity at Sacred Heart Convent, Wilmette, IL from 1973 to 1989. Since Sister Eleanor Ann was a qualified dental X - ray technician, she assisted with the dental care of the sisters. 

From 1989 to 1997, Sister Eleanor Ann resided at Josephinum Convent in Chicago where over time she ministered in various ministerial roles including Local Superior; Fourth Provincial Councilor, clerk in the Josephinum High School Office; Directress of the Sisters’ Ongoing Formation; local treasurer; and also Superior of Holy Ghost Convent from 1989 to 1998. 
 
Sister moved to Sacred Heart Convent, the SCC Retirement Community, in 1998. During this time, Sister Eleanor Ann served in various ministries including the Provincial Leadership Team, Medicare secretary and driver. 

From 2020 to 2024 Sister retired at Sacred Heart Convent and continued her joyful service while performing light duties. 

On June 11, 2024, Sister Eleanor Ann moved to Holy Spirit Convent in Northfield where she joyfully lives her religious life in prayerful presence and retirement while continuing to serve with light duties.

“As I look back over my life, I am grateful to the Lord for the many years he has given me to joyfully serve him and his people as a Sister of Christian Charity," sister Eleanor Ann said of her jubilee and years of service.
 
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