Sr. Lois Elaine Krouse
Born September 17, 1921, South Bend, Indiana
Entered St. Walburg Monastery, January 2, 1953
First Profession August 24. 1954
Died November 7, 1999
Sr. Lois Elaine was born in South Bend, Indiana but in her early years her family moved to the farmlands of South Dakota. During World War II Lois enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps and served as an office worker in the United States. On August 5, 1945 she was received into the Catholic Church. Later while working in St. Louis, she met Srs. Genevieve Schulte and James Owen who were studying there that summer. Through them she learned about the Benedictine Sisters and she entered St. Walburg Monastery In January, 1953.
Because she had her degree from DePaul University when she entered the community, Sr. Lois began teaching immediately after her First Profession She taught at many schools staffed by the Benedictine Sisters and served as principal at St. Anthony’s in Taylor Mill. She also earned a degree in Medical Technology and during the summers used her expertise as a medical records librarian at Sante Fe and St. Joseph Hospitals in Colorado as well as at Marcum and Wallace Hospital and Madonna Manor. When she left St. Anthony’s she worked in the business office at Villa Madonna Academy.
First diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1992, Sr. Lois Elaine fought a gallant fight. Despite pain she was uncomplaining and patient, always determined to be independent and build her strength. Sr. Lois Elaine had two pets, her cats Snow and Buffy. They brought her great comfort and joy.