SISTER EUSEBIA GUSTIETES

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SISTER EUSEBIA (ANNA MARGARET) GUSTIETES, O.S.B. Quite unexpectedly but peacefully, Sister Eusebia Gustietes, of St. Benedicts Monastery, in Winnipeg, passed to her eternal reward on Monday, January 7, 2002 at 8:05 p.m. after an active cheerful life of 104 years. Sister Eusebia Gustietes was born on October 10, 1897 in Boon, IA. When she was 6 months old her family moved to a homestead in the Otthon District of Canadas North-West Territories which in 1905 along with the rest of the Yorkton area, was absorbed into the Province of Saskatchewan. On June 19, 1921, Sister Eusebia entered the Benedictine community and made her Monastic profession on May 15, 1923 at the Mother house on Pritchard Avenue. All her life, she was a gracious, stately, well groomed woman with a radiant smile and a bounce to life. She was basically self taught, pursuing her innate artistic and creative talents which were expressed through her cooking and baking and through liquid embroidery, tatting, painting and cake decorating. She was renowned for her lemon pies. She never lost her love for and pride in her Lithuanian heritage. She was an avid reader and delighted in the use of big words. Her favourite compliment was to call someone a scholar. During her many years of monastic living Sister Eusebia exemplified a great love for community prayer, the common life, and the Missions. Sister Eusebia ministered faithfully as a cook and baker at many of the communitys mission sites, namely Camperville, Arborg, 317 Pritchard Ave. in Winnipeg, Russell Hospital, St. Marys Cathedral Rectory, St. Benedicts Monastery and Oaks Hospital in North Dakota. Sister Eusebia was predeceased by her parents, William and Frances (Navatsky) Gustietes; three older brothers, John, Thomas and William and her younger sister Mary Laue. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; her faithful loving friend Jackie Park; the members of her Religious Community and her many friends and acquaintances. A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, presided by the Prioress, Sister Irene Burzynski OSB. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery, presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey. Interment will follow in the Monastery cemetery. The Benedictine Sisters would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Margaret Reda and the staff of St. Benedicts Health Centre for their loving care of Sister Eusebia. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Sister Eusebias memory to St. Benedicts, Foundation, 225 Masters Ave., Winnipeg, MB R4A 2A1. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2002