Sister Teresa Wolking, 1919-2015
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Born October 11 1919 in Covington, Kentucky Entered St. Walburg Monastery August 15, 1937 Received habit, March 21, 1938 First Profession, June 28, 1939 Died August 31, 2015 |
Sister Teresa Wolking was born in Covington, KY on October 11, 1919 to Charles F. and Antoinette Mueller Wolking and baptized Margaret Mary. Always known as Peggy, she was the second oldest of six daughters, all of whom became Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery. Mr. & Mrs. Wolking were long-time members of St. Benedict Parish until they moved to Madonna Manor in the 1960’s, close to their daughters. Like her sisters, Peggy was a prep at Villa Madonna Academy during her high school years. Peggy entered St. Walburg as a postulant on August 15, 1937, and on March 21, 1938 became a novice, receiving the name Sr. Teresa after her patron St. Teresa of Avila. First profession followed in 1939, perpetual profession in 1942. She celebrated silver, golden and diamond jubilees in 1964, 1989 and 1999.
An excellent and esteemed teacher, Sr. Teresa developed strong ties with her students which endured. She received a BA from Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More College) in 1943, a MA from the Catholic University of America in 1952 and a principal’s certificate from Marquette University. These prepared her well for many years of teaching, especially in the field of literature and writing. She served at Holy Cross High School (43-59, 68-69), St. Henry High School (1959-62) and a total of 31 years at Villa Madonna Academy (1962-68, 69-79, 80-96).
Sr. Teresa prepared for archival work at the University of Cincinnati and served as St. Walburg Monastery archivist from 1971 to 2006, and as VMA archivist 2000-2006. It would be difficult to enumerate the contributions Sr. Teresa made by writing for various publications (she was a faithful columnist for the Diocese of Covington’s newsletter, The Messenger for many years) and assisting others with archival requests. One of her last publications was a 12 page article entitled “Hrsotsvit: a Medieval Playwright” in Medieval Women Monastics, Liturgical Press, 1996.
Physical needs required a move to the infirmary in 1996 but Sr. Teresa remained active. Gradually her health declined. Death came peacefully in the early morning of August 31, 2015. Sr. Teresa’s four sisters, Sisters Mary Anne, Amelia, Mercedes and Consolata preceded her in death. She is survived by Sister Charles and her religious community.
Visitation/Vigil for Sr. Teresa was held the evening of September 3, 2015 with the Mass of Christian Burial on September 4, 2015. Memorials may be made to: St. Walburg Monastery, 2500 Amsterdam Rd., Villa Hills, KY 41017.