We celebrate our Jubilarians!
We honor these three Presentation Sisters for their over 220 years of service to those in need: Sister Elizabeth Remily, 75 years; Sister Virginia Hallauer, 75 years; Sister Lois Ann Sargent, 70 years. Daily, they continue living out their vocational call, working for justice, alleviating oppression and speaking out for those without a voice. We thank them for their dedication to making our world a better place for all to live.
Sister Elizabeth Remily celebrates her 75th Jubilee
Sister Elizabeth (Mary Laurence) grew up in Turton, SD. After receiving her education in nursing, she became a surgical supervisor at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mitchell, SD, and (Avera) St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD.
In 1965, she answered Vatican Council II’s call to respond to the growing needs of the rural poor throughout the world. In collaboration with the Presentation Sisters in San Francisco, she traveled to Chiapas, Mexico, and founded Hospital San Carlos. She then established Hospital San Antonio in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Sister Elizabeth returned to the United States in 1992 and was the principal founder of Berakhah House, a ministry to those living with HIV/AIDS. Wanting to do more, at age 70, she established medical missions in Guatemala, first in the Department of Solola and then at age 80, in the Department of San Marcos.
At each medical mission, indigenous staff were trained to fulfill medical department needs. Each mission is still in operation and now overseen by Mexican and Guatemalan Sisters. In 2015, Sister Elizabeth returned to the United States and is enjoying an active retirement in Sioux Falls, SD, where she stays involved in politics, justice issues and enjoys cooking and reading.
Sister Virginia Hallauer celebrates her 75th Jubilee
Sister Virginia (Mary Lucille) was born in Wallace, SD and graduated from Watertown High School. She received an associate teaching degree from Presentation Junior College, Aberdeen, SD, and bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD.
Sister Virginia loved teaching, especially reading. She taught primary students for over 50 years, nurturing and educating children in Jefferson, Bridgewater, Dell Rapids, Mitchell, Madison, Aberdeen and Watertown, SD; and Willmar, Minn. She touched the lives of thousands of students, in both the classroom and CCD, witnessing the love of God to each of them. She was delighted and enjoyed reconnecting with these former students when they would stop in to say hello, even many years later. In 1991 she began a ministry to the homebound at Immaculate Conception Parish in Watertown. By sharing stories, smiles, laughter, and tears, Sister Virginia brought the love of Christ into the homes of those she would visit.
In 2006, she retired from her ministry work and returned to Presentation Convent in Aberdeen where she is active in the congregation’s prayer ministry. Sister Virginia enjoys puzzles, Bingo, a great game of cards and sharing a good joke with others.
Sister Lois Ann Sargent celebrates her 70th Jubilee
Sister Lois Ann Sargent grew up in Clearfield, SD, and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Mitchell, SD. She received a certificate of secretarial science from Notre Dame Junior College, Mitchell, SD and earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in education administration from Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD.
As an elementary teacher and principal for 36 years, Sister Lois Ann shared her loving smile and giving spirit with students and staff in Anoka, MN; Jefferson, Sioux Falls, Madison, Huron, Aberdeen and Dell Rapids, SD. Upon moving back to Aberdeen, she devoted her talents by assisting in the Presentation Sisters Development Office for eight years.
In 1991, Sister Lois Ann became the Congregational Archivist. Her love of history and great organizational skills made her a natural fit for this ministry. She decorated beautiful displays of artifacts, carefully attending to each detail and bringing thoughtful care for preserving the Presentation heritage into the future.
Always wanting to help those less fortunate, Sister Lois Ann assisted our sisters and brothers in need through our Good Samaritan Ministry. Now fully retired, Sister Lois Ann enjoys sewing, crocheting, listening to classical music and reading.
