Sister Magdalene Rickling, 1896-1982
Born March 31, 1896, Covington, Kentucky
Entered St. Walburg Monastery, September 2, 1917
First Profession July 7, 1919
Died August 5, 1982
Sr. Magdalene Rickling was born to Henry and Catherine Tewes Rickling and given the name Marie at her baptism. Marie was the third oldest in a family of nine children, six girls and three boys. Marie entered St. Walburg Monastery on September 2, 1917. She received the habit and the name Sr. Magalene on April 25, 1918. She made first profession on July 7, 1919 and final profession on July 6, 1922. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee on July 6, 1944; Golden on August 10, 1969 and Diamond on July 1, 1979.
In her early years Sr. Magdalene suffered from tuberculosis and spent nine years in a sanatorium in Colorado. She served as teacher at Villa Madonna Academy (Grades 6-8) 1918-1923 and in the high school form 1939-1976 where her subjects were home economics and sewing. For nine years Sr. Magdalene cared for the chaplain’s cottage, tending to various needs. With Sr. Clementine she also supervised occasions when priests were dinner guests at the monastery.
Sr. Magdalene resided in the infirmary in 1981, and her death occurred on August 5, 1982, the same day as that of Sr. Gregory.