Sister M. Josetta Konopka, OSF

SR. M. JOSETTA KONOPKA, OSF 1926 - 2021

Sister M. Josetta Konopka died at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio on August 22, 2021. The daughter of Anthony and Stella Konopka came to the convent from St. Cunegunda Parish in Detroit, Michigan in June of 1941 to become a Sister of St. Francis. She followed her older sister, Sister M. Edwardine, who inspired her to enter the Sylvania Franciscans. She came from a family of seven siblings, four of whom served the Church; her sister, Anne, her brother, Edward who became a priest; and her brother, Leonard who became a Marist Brother. Sister Josetta’s death closes the chapter of her immediate family members. Sister Josetta began her 75 years in religious life as an elementary school teacher. Over the years she taught in Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland and Texas. Her bubbly personality, ready smile and great sense of humor helped her meet the many challenges of those busy years. She was a woman of boundless energy and in her mid-life she fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a missionary. After raising money for the Love Patrol in Aquin, Haiti, she inspired her students to help raise enough money to send her to work for the Love Patrol, where she spent three months working with three year- old children, encouraging them to eat and play. She saw how their wounds were healed just by her encouragement and love and considered this experience one of the richest experiences in her life as a Sister. In the evening of her life, Sister Josetta spent her time in quiet reflection and reflecting on God’s use of her during her long time on earth and her 75 years of ministering to God’s people. She will be missed by her Sisters in Community, her caregivers at Rosary Care Center, and her surviving family and friends. May she rejoin and rejoice with her family and friends as she now experiences the God she served so well all the days of her life. There will be a Welcoming on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. Visitation will continue until the Funeral Mass also on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. Because COVID is still active, the Sisters ask those in attendance to please safeguard each other through some degree of social distancing plus wearing masks, if you choose. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio. Arrangements by Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio. www.wisniewskifuneral.net

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