Memorial Services for Sister Annrita Johnson

Sister Annrita Johnson, 95, Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died February 1, 2025 at Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen, SD. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025 in the Presentation Place Chapel, 405 9th Ave NE, Aberdeen. Liturgical Wake Service is Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. in Presentation Place Chapel. Visitation one hour prior to services. Inurnment at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Services will be live streamed at www.spitzerfuneralhome.com.

Rita Mary Johnson was born March 19, 1929 in McIntosh, SD, to Alice (Smith) and Carl Johnson. Her parents instilled in her, and her brothers, a spirit of love and generosity. She graduated from McIntosh High School, entered Presentation Convent on January 6, 1948 and professed her vows on August 10, 1950. One of Sister Annrita’s favorite blessings, “Let us walk softly on the Earth with all living beings, great and small, remembering as we go, that one God, kind and wise, created all.”

Sister Annrita followed the Charism of the Presentation Sister’s foundress, Nano Nagle, by responding to the needs of the poor. Sister Annrita furthered her education: nursing program graduate from Presentation College, BSN from Marquette University, MSN from St Louis University and post-graduate work from University of Utah.

A nursing instructor at Presentation Nursing Schools for over 25 years, Sister Annrita was instrumental in developing the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Presentation College. She served on the Congregational Leadership team from 1974-1978. Her work in caring for others continued as the director of a State Home Health Agency in Las Vegas, NM for 6 years. In 1985, she co-founded and served at Barrett House (Barrett Foundation, Inc), a shelter for homeless women and children in Albuquerque. Sister Annrita’s path led her back to South Dakota, where she worked in parish ministry on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Moving to Sioux Falls in 1999, she continued sharing her beautiful smile and compassionate spirit as an information desk volunteer at Avera McKennan Hospital. Patients and staff enjoyed her sense of humor and kind assistance. In 2008, she moved to the Presentation Convent, Aberdeen. She served on the Presentation College Board and continued to be active in social justice issues including being a Pax Christi member.

Sister Annrita enjoyed watching the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. She could often be found cheering on the student-athletes at Presentation College and remained friends/prayer partners with some of them throughout her life. She joyfully attended social activities with her favorites being playing Bingo and listening to music. She said, “I love living life to the fullest and I pray that others can live that way, also.”

Sister Annrita wants to thank the Avera Mother Joseph Manor team for their compassionate care.

Sister Annrita is survived by her family of Presentation Sisters; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Carl, Jr and Roger and her sister in law, Pearl Johnson-Barrett.