BONAVENTURE (PAULINE) MONASTERSKI

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BONAVENTURE (PAULINE) MONASTERSKI O.S.B. As she lived, so she died, peacefully in the Lord. Sr. Bonaventure Monasterski went to meet her God in her sleep in the early hours of February 2, 2000 at St. Benedicts Monastery. Sr. Bonaventure was born on July 14, 1905 in Garland, MB, to Joseph and Josephine (Stinska) Monasterski, the fifth eldest of 12 children. Her Polish born parents were poor and struggled to make their homestead pay. Adversity was no stranger to this family. Sr. Bonaventure entered the Benedictine Community on September 18, 1923 and made her monastic profession on July 14, 1925. Despite many difficult circumstances in her childhood years, Sr. Bonaventure was a peaceful, prayer-filled person throughout her lifetime, serving God in simplicity, joy and with total commitment. She was an inspiration to all who met her. Throughout her 75 years of monastic profession she ministered in housekeeping in the parishes of Holy Ghost, St. John Cantius, and the Jesuit College of St. Pauls, all in Winnipeg; Mantador and Carlsrew in North Dakota; Camp Morton; and the hospitals at Gimli, Winnipegosis, Birtle and Russell, MB. Upon retirement from active duty in 1975 she continued to assist in the Health Care Centre of the Monastery, did visiting at St. Josephs Residence, and when confined to a wheelchair in her last few years, still continued to do all the mending for the Sisters in the Monasterys Health Care Centre. She was most faithful to all Community prayers and gatherings, and to her little Rosary Group with whom she met three times daily to pray the rosary. Sr. Bonaventure loved people and was the epitome of gracious hospitality. She never lost her sense of humour or capacity to talk. Her presence will be sorely missed in the Community. Sr. Bonaventure was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Josephine; four brothers, (Julian, Frank, Anthony and Michael), six sisters, (Angela, Antoinette, Rose, Patricia, Carol, and Michelle) and a sister, Mary, presumed to have died. She is survived by her niece Jan Tokamp of Redcliffe, AB, and nephew Gene Monason of Strathmore, AB; the members of her Religious Community; and her many friends. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, presided by the Prioress, Sr. Virginia Evard, OSB. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery. Presider will be Msgr. Stan Jaworski, P.H. Interment will follow in the Monastery Cemetery. The Benedictine Sisters would like to express their gratitude to all who loved, cared for, and visited Sr. Bonaventure. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Sr. Bonaventures memory to St. Benedicts Foundation, 225 Masters Ave., Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1. Cropo Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements; 586-8044. May she rest in peace

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2000