Obituary: Franciscan Sister Mary Fabian Schneider

Franciscan Sister Mary Fabian (Pelagia) Schneider, 105, died Nov. 11 at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. A private burial service was held Nov. 13. A memorial Mass will be held at a later date with family and friends.

Pelagia Schneider was born July 10, 1915, near Swanville to John and Helen (Kuklock) Schneider, the fifth of 12 children. Pelagia, nicknamed Polly by family members, was accepted as a Franciscan Sister on Aug. 10, 1934, and received the name Sister Mary Fabian. She was a Franciscan Sister for 86 years.

Sister Fabian’s early ministries were carried out by caring for the elderly at St. Otto’s Home in Little Falls and working the night shift at the St. Cloud Orphanage. During this time the “Foley Catechetical Plan” was introduced to the St. Cloud Diocese. Sister Fabian worked in nine parishes in the diocese with this new endeavor.

Later, she and her friend, Franciscan Sister Jeremia Trutwin, were asked to serve as a cooks and housekeepers for Bishop Peter Bartholome. Both sisters served in this capacity for 16 years, preparing meals for visiting bishops and clergy.

Beginning in 1982, Sister Fabian ministered as a receptionist at St. Francis Convent for 32 years.

During this time she lived in Flensburg — helping as a religion teacher, choir member and visitor to shut-ins. She retired to St. Francis Convent in 2014.

Sister Fabian was preceded in death by siblings Angeline Boros, Stanley, Florence Schlumpberger, Franciscan Sister Mary Eugenia, Bernard, Aloise, Alphonse, Gerard, Peter, Edward and Arlyce. Survivors include nieces, nephews and her Franciscan Community.

Donations preferred to Franciscan Sisters ministries.

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Author: The Central Minnesota Catholic

The Central Minnesota Catholic is the magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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