In Memoriam

Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, OSU

(Carol Ann Breidenbach)

Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, OSU (Carol Ann Breidenbach), 78, a dedicated educator and administrator in the Diocese of Toledo, died January 27, 2025 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio.   

Sister Bernarda was the daughter of the late Bernard and Anna (Kimmet) Breidenbach.  Born and raised on a farm in Tiffin, Ohio, Sister Bernarda and her family were parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin.  She entered the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart in September of 1964. 

 Sister Bernarda graduated from St. Ursula Academy, Toledo, Ohio in 1964.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the former Mary Manse College in 1973, a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1979, and an Administration Certification from the University of Toledo.  She also pursued advanced studies courses at Dayton University and Bowling Green State University.  

Holding a special fondness for children and teachers, including parish ministry, Sister Bernarda spent her entire teaching and principalship career in the Diocese of Toledo Catholic schools.  She taught at St. John in Point Place, St. Mary in Tiffin, Good Shepherd in Oregon, as well as St. Patrick of Heatherdowns and St. Agnes in Toledo.  Sister Bernarda then held principal positions at Queen of Peace (now known as Queen of Apostles) in Toledo, Immaculate Conception in Bellevue, and St. Richard School in Swanton.  

Recognized for her dedication, Sister Bernarda was named “One of Ten Outstanding Teachers in the Toledo Diocese” in 1980 and “Outstanding Administrator/Principal” for the entire Toledo area by the Toledo Association for the Education of Young Children in 2006.

Sister Bernarda’s vocation to teach became apparent early in her youth.  In an old chicken coop on her family farm, Carol would try to hold ‘class’ for a few of her brothers using a stick as a pointer on a makeshift easel.  Her ‘students’ now light-heartedly take credit for helping Sister Bernarda hone her attributes of patience and perseverance for what would become a lifetime of teaching and ministry.

In addition to classroom teaching, principalship and parish ministry, Sister Bernarda could be found cheering her students on at sporting events, working on festival planning or rooting for the Michigan Wolverines.  She enjoyed traveling to places such as Europe and taking river cruises, and the fishing pole she kept in her trunk of her car afforded her quiet reflection and relaxation at the local reservoir.

Sister Bernarda served as Councilor on the leadership team of the Toledo Ursulines from 2006 - 2010 and 2020 - 2022, and as President from 2010 – 2014. 

She was close to her family whom she loved dearly, especially all her nieces and nephews, offering advice on various issues they faced.  Family gatherings were not to be missed.  

 The more recent past presented new challenges to her health and mobility.  True to her character and vocation, Sister Bernarda turned the page to a new ministry – providing care and hope to fellow residents at Rosary Care Center.  Aboard her motorized wheelchair, she visited and ministered to others with her positive attitude.   

Sister Bernarda is survived by her sister Marilyn (Edwin) Kokosky, brothers Marion (Gayle) Breidenbach, James (Diana) Breidenbach, Bernard (Sharon) Breidenbach, Jr., and Kenneth (Betty) Breidenbach, her loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and the Sisters and the Associates of the Ursuline Community.  Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, St. Ursula Academy or Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 5 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, with a Scripture Vigil at 7 p.m.   Visitation will continue on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, with a Mass of Resurrection beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment will be at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio.  

Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister Mary Alice Henkel, OSU

(Mary Alice Henkel)

Sister Mary Alice Henkel, OSU, 93, passed away at Otterbein Sunset House on October 12, 2024. Born to the late Arthur and Margaret Henkel, she entered the Ursuline Convent in September 1957.

A graduate of W.W. Ross High School in Fremont, Ohio, Sister Mary Alice earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baldwin Wallace College in 1954. Her educational journey continued with studies at Mary Manse College, Wabash College, and the Mercy Hospital School of Medical Technology. She also traveled abroad as a companion to fellow Sisters studying in Europe.

Sister Mary Alice served as a lab technician in science classes at Mary Manse College before becoming a medical technologist at Mercy Hospital in 1970. She worked diligently in this role until her retirement in 1994, after which she became certified as a Home Care aide. Sister Mary Alice also enjoyed working part-time at The Catholic Chronicle and assisting her fellow Ursuline Sisters with errands and transportation.

A gifted and award-winning poet, Sister Mary Alice published two books of her poetry and often recited works by the classical poets.  She enjoyed attending lectures on theological topics, particularly those related to Catholic Social Teaching, including those in the Corpus Christi University Parish Lecture Series. A champion for social justice, she devoted her time to various volunteer activities, supporting organizations such as Women Blessing Women, Family House, the Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, Corpus Christi University Parish’s Feed Your Neighbor program, and Rahab’s Heart, where she served as a beloved street outreach worker.  She also volunteered for many years at the US Senior Open at Inverness Club, Toledo.

Sister Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her close friend, Sister Stephanie Helfrich, OSU. She is survived by her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

In accordance with her wishes, Sister Mary Alice donated her body to The University of Toledo, College of Medicine. A Memorial Mass will be held at a date to be determined.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio 43606.

Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Ursuline Center on Monday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m.  Rev. Scott Woods presiding. Lunch to follow.

Sister Margaret Manion, OSU

Sister Margaret Manion, 80, an Ursuline Sister of Toledo, died August 15, 2024.  Sister Margaret, daughter of the late Leo and Marjorie Manion, entered the Ursuline Convent from St. Agnes parish on August 28, 1962.  She graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1962 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Manse College in 1973. 

Throughout her 62 years of religious life, Sister Margaret served God and others humbly and selflessly.  In her early years as an Ursuline Sister, Sister Margaret taught grades 3-6 at St. Teresa, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Rose, Perrysburg, Nazareth Hall, and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns.  

 Following her teaching ministry, Sister Margaret joined her beloved high school alma mater in 1979 as an administrative aide to the principal.  After 30 years of dedication to St. Ursula Academy, Sister Margaret retired from her position as Director of Facilities and Maintenance.  She continued to assist with events, and wherever and whenever she was needed, including the SUA Board of Trustees.

Sister Margaret was elected Councilor on the Ursuline Leadership Team for three four-year terms.  She also served as the Vocations contact for the Ursuline Convent and collaborated with the Vocations contacts of other religious communities, working to attract today’s women to join in the mission of spreading God’s word, a calling that she believed would be the ultimate blessing.  Most recently, Sister Margaret was the Toledo Ursulines’ Archivist and served as Transportation Coordinator for the Sisters. 

It has been said that Sister Margaret “showed us how to live.”  She was a devoted Sister, loyal friend, empathetic listener, and trusted confidant who could lighten the room with her joyful spirit and sense of humor.  She always made herself available to help others, putting others’ needs before her own.  Whether it was driving Sisters to their appointments, talking to whomever needed a word or two, sending cards, or praying for others, Sister Margaret believed that ministering to God’s people was a priceless gift, knowing the work was being done for God’s glory to help God’s people.  Sister Margaret was well-known in the community, much loved and will be sorely missed.

Sister Margaret was also passionate about caring for God’s creation as evidenced by her unceasing recycling efforts and the ways she compassionately nurtured the animals around her. 

Sister Margaret was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Leo (Bob) and Lois Manion, cousins, and her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo, Ohio with a Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m.  To access the live stream of the Vigil Service, please go to the obituary at www.coylefuneralhome.com.  The Mass of Resurrection will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, Ohio, with Visitation one hour prior.  Live streaming will be available at www.gesutoledo.org.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio 43606. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister Mary Ellen Nagle, OSU, 96, died at Rosary Care Center, Sylvania, Ohio, on June 18, 2024.  She was an Ursuline Sister for 72 years.  Sister Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Richard and Genevieve Cruse Nagle.  Born in Toledo, Ohio, Sister Mary Ellen attended St. Catherine of Sienna Parish Elementary School and St. Ursula Academy.

Throughout her long life, Sister Mary Ellen held a passion for music and teaching.  Inspired by Ursuline teachers since grade school to achieve higher goals in musicianship, Sister Mary Ellen earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Mary Manse College in 1950.  She entered the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart in 1952 and soon began teaching private piano lessons in elementary schools largely taught by Ursuline Sisters.  Sister Mary Ellen then earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1964, and at the same time eagerly read the Second Vatican Council’s documents on the Church, especially those on the Liturgy and the renewal of Consecrated Life which the Ursuline Convent provided for the Sisters. While pursuing a doctorate degree in Musicology (scholarly research in music), Sister Mary Ellen received National Endowment for the Humanities grants to The Catholic University of American in Washington, D.C. and Yale University. Her dissertation was entitled, “The Structural Role of the Cantus Firmus in the Motets of Jacob Obrecht.”  Sister Mary Ellen earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Musicology degree in 1972 from the University of Michigan.

Sister Mary Ellen returned to Mary Manse College where she taught music classes along with other interdisciplinary courses.  Following the closure of Mary Manse College in 1975, she taught at Bowling Green State University, and then moved to the Twin Cities of Minnesota to teach at the University of Minnesota and The College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.  

Scholarly in nature, Sister Mary Ellen enjoyed studying the Ursuline order and the life of its foundress, St. Angela Merici, attending theological lectures, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations. 

Sister Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Suzanne Silka, Genevieve Zalecki and Patricia Hastings. She is survived by brother Richard Nagle, 17 nieces and nephews, and her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Ursuline Center, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio, with a Mass of Resurrection beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio  43606.  Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister M. Kenwyn Steger, 86, died on April 28, 2024. Sister Kenwyn, daughter of the late James G. and Mary Margaret (Hunt) Steger, entered the Ursuline Convent from Rosary Cathedral Parish, Toledo, Ohio, in 1959. She graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1955 and Mary Manse College in 1959 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.  

Sister Kenwyn’s ministries included teaching and library science.  Her teaching assignments began at St. John the Baptist School in Point Place and continued at Rosary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Good Shepherd, St. Angela Hall, Toledo, and at St. Joseph, Tiffin and St. Gerard, Lima.  Following graduate work at Villanova University and Bowling Green State University, Sister Kenwyn became a librarian at St. Angela Hall and continued her library work at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, substituted at Toledo Lucas County Libraries and assisted in the library at St. Ursula Academy for many years.  She also assumed care of the library at Ursuline Center and enjoyed volunteering in the ICU Waiting Room at Mercy St. Anne’s Hospital, Toledo.  Upon retirement, Sister Kenwyn’s ministry was one of prayer and presence to others. 

When reflecting in 2009 upon her 50 years as an Ursuline Sister, Sister Kenwyn expressed gratitude to her deceased parents who nurtured her and created an environment which helped her decide upon a vocation with the Ursuline Sisters.  She also said that being an active librarian gave her the freedom to set aside more time for prayer and contemplation. 

Sister Kenwyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George Steger.   She is survived by her sister JoAnn (Bill) Hoffman, sister-in-law Jane Steger, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Ursuline Center, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio, with the Mass of Resurrection celebrated at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio  43606.  Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister Patricia Grosse, OSU (Sister Mary Carla)

Sister Patricia Grosse, OSU (Sister Mary Carla), 92, died on September 9, 2023 at Rosary Care Center, Sylvania, OH.  Sister Pat was the daughter of the late Carl and Marie (Kranz) Grosse of Madison, Wisconsin.  

Sister Pat was drawn to Toledo to study classical piano at Mary Manse College, Toledo, OH under Emma Endres-Kountz, an internationally distinguished pianist, teacher and lecturer who began a long association with the former college and the Ursuline Sisters in 1947.  Sister Pat graduated from Mary Manse College with a Bachelor’s degree in 1956, and that same year entered the Ursuline Convent.  In 1974, Sister Pat earned a Master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

Sister Pat’s teaching ministry included Rosary Cathedral, St. John the Baptist, St. Agnes, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, and Good Shepherd schools in Toledo, and St. Mary’s school in Tiffin, OH. She taught Remedial Reading at St. Ursula Academy for two years before becoming a certified nurse aide at Ursuline Center.  

Sister Pat later studied and became involved in the healing arts through healing touch and reflexology.  “I enjoy working in the health care field and learning new ways of helping people.  In this I feel totally encouraged by St. Angela Merici, our foundress, who encouraged us to risk new ways in going where we are needed,” Sister Pat said in 2013.

Sister Pat also taught piano lessons and shared her gift of music with those at Ursuline Center.  Most recently, Sister Pat’s ministry was one of prayer and presence. 

Sister Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kenneth.  She is survived by cousins and her Ursuline Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Convent.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. at Ursuline Center Chapel, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio  43606.  Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com.  Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister M. Stephanie Helfrich, OSU

(Dorothy Frances Helfrich)

1934-2023

Sister M. Stephanie Helfrich, 88, died at Otterbein Sunset House on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Sister Stephanie, daughter of the late Stephen and Dorothy (Rowe) Helfrich, entered the Ursuline Convent from St. Agnes Parish, Toledo, Ohio, in August of 1955. She graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1952 and Mary Manse College in 1963 where she earned a Bachelor’s degree.  

When reflecting in 2022 on her 70 years as an Ursuline Sister, Sister Stephanie said, “I would not give up one day of my life to be any younger because of all the wonderful experiences I’ve had, through all my different ministries.  Each offered great opportunities with God’s people.”

Sister Stephanie taught at St. John the Baptist, Point Place, St. Joseph, Tiffin, and at both Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Rosary Cathedral, Toledo, where she also served as principal.

After teaching, Sister Stephanie participated in and was awarded a certificate from the St. Louis University School of Divinity Institute of Religious Formation program. 

In 1972, Sister Stephanie was elected Councilor on the Ursuline Leadership Team and was later re-elected to the Council for several terms.  Sister Stephanie was a member of the Community’s Formation Team and saw this ministry as an opportunity to assist those seeking a religious vocation, supporting their discernment by walking the journey with them.  At this time she began her long-standing ministry of Spiritual Direction and Retreat work, which gave her the privilege of hearing one’s life story using her gift of gentle listening.  Over the course of nearly half a century, Sister Stephanie helped countless religious and lay persons deepen their walk with God. 

Sister Stephanie served as Assistant Vicar and then Vicar for Religious for the Diocese of Toledo for six years.  She also worked in the Business Office of the Ursuline Convent as a coordinator for health insurance and until recently, continued giving Spiritual Direction and conducting Retreats on a part-time basis. 

Sister Stephanie served on the national board of the Religious Formation Conference and on the executive committee of the National Conference of Vicars for Religious.  Within the Diocese of Toledo, Sister Stephanie served on the Admissions/Formation (Seminary) Board, the Liturgical Commission and the Women in Church – Priests’ Council.  

Sister Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents and brother James (Sharon) Helfrich.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Sharon Helfrich, niece Karen (Grayson) Smith, nephews Stephen Helfrich, James (Dana) Helfrich, Timothy (Deborah, deceased) Helfrich and Jeffery (Cathy) Helfrich, her very close friend Sister Mary Alice Henkel, OSU, as well as her other Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. at Ursuline Center, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio  43606.  Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister Margaret Ann Babione, OSU

(Sister Mary Roberta)

Sister Margaret Ann Babione, 96, died at Otterbein Sunset House on May 31, 2022. Sister Margaret Ann, also known as Sister M. Roberta, entered the Ursuline Convent in September of 1943 from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Central Catholic High School and attended Mary Manse College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree.  Sister Margaret Ann achieved her Master’s degree from Catholic University of America (Toledo Branch) and Certificate of Pastoral Ministry from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. 

Sister Margaret Ann taught at Rosary Cathedral, St. Charles and St. Agnes schools in Toledo; St. Joseph, Tiffin; St. Gerard, Lima; and St. Rose, Perrysburg, where she served as principal for five years. 

Sister Margaret Ann helped with records when Mary Manse College closed in 1975-76.  She then went on to hold Pastoral Ministry positions at St. Francis Xavier, Stillwater, Oklahoma, and at the University of Tennessee, Morton, Tennessee for five years, then came to help in the Diocese of Toledo for three years followed by 10 years working in outreach programs in Monroe and Frenchtown, Michigan Senior Centers. 

Sister Margaret Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Helen (Hoffman) Babione, and is survived by her brother, Robert (Gloria), and sister, Sister Barbara Babione, OSF, as well as her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

 Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10, beginning at 9 a.m. at Ursuline Center, 4035 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio, with a Memorial Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio  43606.  Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.

Sister Mary Jo Koudelka, OSU 

(Sister Joseph Anne)

Sister Mary Jo Koudelka, OSU, formerly Sister Joseph Anne, died Monday, May 23, 2022 at The Grove at Oakleaf Village, Toledo, Ohio.  

Sister Mary Jo was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary Anna (Werling) Koudelka.  She entered the Ursuline Convent in 1952 from St. Joseph Parish, Tiffin, Ohio.  Sister Mary Jo attended St. Joseph School in Tiffin, St. Ursula Academy, and earned an AB degree from Mary Manse College and Master’s degree from the University of Toledo.  She also took advanced study courses at Xavier University. 

Sister Mary Jo’s teaching career was spent at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Teresa, Nazareth Hall, and St. Angela Hall, where she also served as principal.  She taught at St. Anthony Villa and was a coordinator at Cardinal Stritch High School while working part-time in fund raising.  Sister Mary Jo was part of the pastoral team at Ursuline Center for 15 years.  In 2000 Sister Mary Jo was the Caretaker at Oblate Residences Senior Housing and worked part-time at Swan Creek Retirement Village and at Hafner’s Florist.  Following the Toledo Ursuline mission to be available for any work of charity, Sister Mary Jo tutored at Women Blessing Women and was a Reader/Recorder of the Catholic Chronicle for Equal Access Ministry (for the visually impaired).  She also volunteered at Mercy Health St. Anne’s Hospital and Ursuline Center.  

Perhaps most fulfilling to Sister Mary Jo was her volunteer work at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.  Several years ago, Sister Mary Jo wrote, “For many years I had hoped that someday I would be able to give service to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.  From the beginning I knew I could not do this work on my own, so I asked the Lord to enter each situation through me and direct me in the best way possible.  Each week I experience what I call “Little Miracles” and when I go home, I know I have received much more than I have given that day.”

Sister Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gregory Koudelka; and sister, Joan Smith.  She is survived by her brother, James (Judy) Koudelka, numerous nieces and nephews, and her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.

Sister Mary Jo donated her body to The University of Toledo, College of Medicine.

The Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Ursuline Center, 4035 Indian 

Road, Toledo, OH.  Memorials may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH  43606. Arrangements by Coyle Funeral Home where one can sign the guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com.