Sister Mary William Allen, Former Teacher at St. Mary School, Winner Observes 75-Years as a Presentation Sister of Dubuque, Iowa

Sister Mary William Allen, PBVM, formerly of Winner, was among the ten Presentation Sisters celebrating 75, 60 and 50 years of religious life this summer. All of the Jubilarians were honored July 14 and 15 during the annual community days at Mount Loretto Presentation motherhouse, Dubuque, Iowa.

Sister Mary William Allen was honored for 75 years of religious life.

An evening social, a Mass with renewal of vows, and brunch marked the occasion. The theme for the jubilee was “Impelled by the Legacy of Nano Nagle.” [Venerable Honora “Nano” Nagle, 1718 – 1784, is the founder of the Sisters of the Presentation.].
Sister Mary William Allen, PBVM, a native of Clare, Iowa, served as a teacher at the former St. Mary’s Elementary School in Winner and in Catholic elementary schools in Charles City, Elkader, Epworth and Dubuque, as principal in Monona, Iowa; in Catholic schools in Storm Lake, Algona, Sheldon, Whittemore and Humboldt, Iowa; she also taught in the Catholic school in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Sister Mary William served as motherhouse coordinator at Mount Loretto from 1955 to 1961. She began community prayer and service at the motherhouse in 1987.

“As I celebrate these years of religious life, I am reminded of God’s goodness to me and the opportunity of 75 years of service to community and God’s people,” states Sister Mary William.

Summarizing it in a favorite saying she shares: “Happy Moments: Praise God. Difficult Moments: Seek God. Quiet Moments: Worship God. Painful Moments: Trust God. Every Moment: Thank God.”