In Memory Of

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB

(Margaret Henscheid)

Born: October 26, 1935

Baptized: October 27, 1935

First Profession: July 11, 1956

Perpetual Profession: July 11, 1959

Entered Eternal Life: January 26, 2024

Sister Theresa Henscheid, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the afternoon of January 26, 2024, on the Feast of Timothy and Titus, at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 88 years old.

Sister Theresa was the second child born to Carl Henscheid and Dorothy (Rausch) Henscheid. Twelve more children were born after Sr. Theresa to a total of 14 children. The last two were born after Sr. Theresa entered the monastery. Their names are James, Margaret (Sr. Theresa), Annette, Betty Mae, Thomas, Helen, John, Leonard, Paul, Andrew, Rose Mary, Joseph, Patricia, and Victor. Of these siblings, only James, the oldest, has died. Needless to say, there are many nieces, nephews, and beyond.

Sister Theresa was baptized in St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert, Idaho, and participated in all church activities with her family. She attended the public grade school and high school and graduated in 1954. That same summer she entered Queen of Angels Monastery, joining her three Rausch cousins – Sisters Christine, Dorothy and Regina, who had entered earlier. She made her temporary profession on July 11, 1956, and her perpetual profession on July 11, 1959. She was a Benedictine sister for 68 years.

Sister Theresa always wanted to become a nurse. Being the oldest of a large family, she was skilled naturally as she assisted in caring for her little brothers and sisters. Sister Theresa was soon assigned in 1956 to serve as a nurse's aide in the newly established Benedictine Village Home, forerunner to the Benedictine Nursing Center. From 1960 to 1966 she continued nursing in the convent infirmary. In 1968 she attended Nursing School in Vancouver, WA. receiving her nursing degree in 1970. In 1970, she continued her service in Benedictine Nursing Center and later joined the Benedictine Home Health department from 1989-2000. She served for 40 years at the nursing center.

Sister Theresa retired from nursing, except as consultant for the monastery infirmary, where she served the sisters with tenderness and professionalism . During this time, she became grounds coordinator for the monastery. Sister Theresa also served on the Monastic Council from 2010-2015. Eventually, in 2016, Sister Theresa retired and continued to do what she enjoyed doing – taking care of the monastery flower gardens and other tasks needed to keep the grounds beautiful. Sister Theresa was always a faithful friend and steady, caring worker, ready to serve wherever she was needed. The community will always be grateful for Sister Theresa's faithful service to her community and beyond.

Sister Theresa loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker. She and several sisters went backpacking during the summer and in winter she went cross-country skiing. One year she and a group of sisters climbed to the peak of Mt. Hood. When she was not able to climb mountains, Sister Theresa took daily walks around Mt. Angel.

Sister Theresa is predeceased by her parents and her older brother, James. She is survived by her sisters, brothers, her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel.

A vigil will be celebrated by the monastic community on Wednesday, February 7, in their chapel at Orchard House. Receiving and viewing of Sister Theresa's body will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, at the Queen of Angels Chapel. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., the same day, followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the monastic dining room.

Gifts to the Benedictine Sisters Retirement Fund are graciously accepted in memory of Sister Theresa. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.