Sister Lourdine Ramoska
Sister Lourdine Ramoska, SSC
October 16, 1922 ─ March 5, 2024
Sister Lourdine was born on October 16, 1922, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She was given the name Matilda by her parents, Walter and Grace (Nececkas) Ramoska. Sister Lourdine had a brother John and four sisters, Mary, Aldona, Frances, and Sister Mary Philip who left home in 1940 to become a Sister of St. Casimir in Chicago. Sister Lourdine attended the primary grades at Kosciusko School in Scranton and transferred to St. Joseph School where she was taught by the Sisters of St. Casimir. She attended North Scranton Junior High and Technical Senior High School. Following the path of Sister Mary Philip, she left home in 1943 to become a Sister of St. Casimir.
While a postulant, she finished her high school education at Saint Casimir Academy (Chicago) and graduated in 1944 along with several other young women studying to become Sisters of St. Casimir. She received her BS in Education from Marywood College in 1962 followed by an Intermediate Teaching Certificate for Religion in 1972.
Sister Lourdine made her first vows on August 15, 1946, and had the joy of celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1971, Golden in 1996, Diamond (60 years) in 2006, and Diamond (75 years) in 2021− a beautiful and long life of faithful service as a Sister of St. Casimir.
Sister Lourdine’s ministry began in 1946 when she was assigned to teach 1st grade and kindergarten at St. Casimir School in Gary, IN. She continued teaching in the primary grades in five other states:
- Pennsylvania (Sacred Heart, New Philadelphia; Holy Cross, Mt. Carmel; St.
- Casimir, Philadelphia; St. Bede, Holland; St. George/Annunciation, Shenandoah;
- St. Francis of Assisi/Holy Redeemer, Minersville)
- Maryland (St. Alphonsus, Baltimore) – grades 2, 3, 4, and principal
- Illinois (Sts. Peter and Paul, Rockford; Our Lady of Vilna, Chicago; Nativity BVM,
Chicago; St. Norbert, Northbrook) - Florida (St. Clement, Fort Lauderdale)
- Minnesota (St. Vianney, St. Paul)]
While teaching full-time, she was involved in the life of the parish – teaching CCD classes and preparing children to receive their first Holy Communion. Reflecting on her life at the time of her 60th jubilee she wrote: “When I recall the many little ones I taught how to read and to know about their loving God, I rejoice, for I trust that they are in turn passing on their knowledge and helping to make the world a better place.” After Sister Lourdine retired from teaching full-time, she worked part-time in several schools as a tutor and office assistant. She enjoyed meeting parents and others while still being a help to the children who came to the office.
In 1999 when she retired from ministry in the schools she moved back to the Motherhouse. She assisted in the Treasurer’s office and volunteered in the SSC St. Elizabeth Food Pantry.
In 2014 Sister Lourdine moved to Franciscan Village where her new ministry was “prayer and presence”. She was also “her loving sister’s keeper” as she helped Sister Mary Philip who was in assisted living. Every afternoon Sister Lourdine brought coffee and other treats to her sister’s room and shared updates and stories from the past until Sister Mary Philip died in December of 2020 at the age of 100.
While Sister Lourdine was adjusting to the loss of Sister Philip she was also struggling with the loss of her eyesight. Graces still abounded in her life due to a heightened sense of hearing enabling her to recognize people by their voices and shadows, and the ability to listen to tapes for the blind. Amazingly her mind was sharp to the end. She was unable to read prayers from a book, but surely held many in her memory and used them when she prayed in the assisted living community. She had a beautiful way of making you feel welcome and appreciated. One day in a small group meeting, they listened to a song by Sister Kathy Sherman, CSJ, Have You Ever Thanked the Angels in Your Life? Sister Lourdine had more “angels” than anyone else – everyone who walked into her room and did anything for her. Each act of kindness to her was always followed by a thank you!
For her 60th Jubilee reflection she wrote: “From my life experiences I have learned that life has its ups and downs, but we have ‘Someone’ who is always available to us – God.” On reflecting with her on “Our Lady Undoer of Knots” she shared some of her life challenges that she wanted represented on a green ribbon, the color of hope.
On March 4, (feast of St. Casimir) while Sister Lourdine was dying, Sister Eleace King, IHM, SSC Pastoral Visitor, shared another related image with Sister Lourdine – God was now untying her knots and she would have no challenges as she let go and said “yes” to God’s call to her at her final moment. The next morning, while the Sisters at Franciscan Village were gathered for Mass, Sister Lourdine was called home.
Sister Lourdine was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Grace Ramoska, her sisters, Aldona Kucy, Frances Bullett, Sister Mary Philip, SSC, Helen Rojenches, and her brother, John Ramoska. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is also survived by the Sisters of St. Casimir.
Deceased members of Sister Lourdine’s Profession Class:
Sister Margaret Mary Mazgelis
Sister M. Maureen Juozapavicius
Sister M. Josine Vendzelis
Sister M. Damien Margis
Sister Ann Barbara Wilim
Sister M. Angela Balchunas
Sister M. Brunona Enceris
Funeral Services:
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Franciscan Village
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel
1270 Village Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
Wake Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m.
Visitation: 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 12:00 p.m.
Celebrant: Rev. Bob Lucas, CM
Mass will be livestreamed:
https://www.asimplestreaming.com/slramoska/
Interment: Saint Casimir Cemetery
Funeral Director: Lack and Sons
Lovingly prepared by Sister Margaret Zalot, SSC
