Sister M. Lois Anne Palkert

Sister M. Lois Anne Palkert died peacefully on July 18, 2026, at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio, one week after her 88th birthday. The Louis and Anne Palkert family lived in Winipeg, Manitoba, Canada, before moving to Minnesota when the children were of school age. They were active members of Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia Heights, MN. Sister Lois Anne entered the convent in Sylvania in the fall of 1956, where she began to prepare for her life as a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. In 1957 she became a U.S. citizen, which was a highlight of her life. She professed her First Vows in 1959 and her Final Vows in 1962. Her life as a Sylvania Franciscan had only just begun.

For almost 64 years as a woman religious, Sister Lois Anne was a dedicated follower of Jesus in the Franciscan tradition of ministering to the poor and marginalized. She began her ministry by teaching in elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan, and then moved on to become Novice Director for her congregation. From there she ministered as the Associate Director for Lay Ministry in the Toledo Diocese, before taking on the position of Director of the Lifelong Learning Program at Lourdes College in Sylvania. Sister's life took on several different turns as Director of Faith Formation and Pastoral Associate in parishes in Minnesota. Her last ministry was in health care, serving in Texas as Director of Mission Integration and Mission Services in two hospitals. Even when she retired, she continued to minister to several small health care facilities in the area.

To accomplish so many varied ministries required a great level of knowledge and skill, which Sister Lois Anne took seriously. She continued her education throughout her life and earned many degrees – B.A. and M.A. from Mercy College, Detroit, MI; Clinical Pastoral Education from the University of Minnesota Hospital; Formation Director Program from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in Dubuque, IA; course work at Regis College, Toronto, Canada; and an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her educational experiences served her well as she interacted with people in a variety of ministries.

Sister Penny Dunn, who served in Texas with Sister Lois Anne, says "She was truly gifted at being a listening presence. When people approached her needing support, you could see her entire focus shift to them, welcoming them into her heart with a gentle touch as she took their hand in hers." Sister Kathleen Skog ministered with Sister Lois Anne in Texas as well, and remembers Sister as a very kind and positive person, willing to help you when you needed help, no matter what the need happened to be. Both Sisters appreciatively remember Sister Lois Anne as a good cook who made particularly delicious soups.

As Sister Lois Anne struggled with her health in the past few years, she remained unwavering in her desire to continue to participate in activities and accomplish goals. Upon returning to the Motherhouse, she was a quiet joyful presence at prayer, meals, and the many social activities on the campus. She will be missed by her Sylvania Franciscan Sisters; her caregivers; her dear sister, Lorraine; and her brother Philip, his wife, Barbara; and many nephews and nieces. She will be especially missed by her many friends in Texas. Blessings on all who grieve the loss and celebrate the life of Sister Lois Anne.

The Welcoming for Sister Lois Anne will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, in Sylvania. The funeral Mass will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., in the Chapel. The liturgy will be available by livestream here: https://video.ibm.com/channel/RvdadQRjbGk

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio.

Arrangements are by the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net
 

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