Sister Mary Mechtilde Fennimore, OSB

(Charmaine Fennimore)

Born: March 12, 1930

Baptized: March 16, 1930

First Profession: February 10, 1950

Perpetual Profession: February 10, 1953

Entered Eternal Life: January 25, 2024

Sister Mechtilde, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the morning of January 25, 2024, on the Feast of Conversion of Saint Paul, at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center's Orchard House, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 93 years old. She was a Benedictine sister for 74 years.

Sister Mechtilde was born on a farm near Mt. Angel, Oregon, to Edgar Fennimore and Madeline (Gilman) Fennimore and given the name Charmaine. She was the only girl in a family of five brothers: Charles, Emmett, Gilman, Edgar, and Cyril, all of whom are deceased. There are 16 nieces and nephews and their families.

Sister Mechtilde was baptized and received the sacraments at St. Mary Church in Mt. Angel. She attended her first eight years at Thomas Public School. She continued her high school at Mt. Angel Academy, graduating in 1948. She was accepted into the Benedictine community on August 9, 1947, and became a novice on February 10, 1948. She professed her vows on February 10, 1950, taking the name Sister Mechtilde.

Sister Mechtilde has served in a variety of ministries during her monastic life. She served as kitchen manager for the monastery and the Mt. Angel College cafeteria, 1950- 1970. She was sub-prioress from 1968-1977, 2005-2007. In her early years she took care of the bee hives that we had on the property, and she oversaw the farm and garden. She served in the infirmary as the director, 1971-2001. She served on the monastic council, 2002, 2006-2012. In her long history of serving the monastic community, she also served as director of housing for the sisters and guests. She was monastic community's Owner's Representative for the renovation and building projects of 1986,1996,1998. In her last years until 2015 she was procurator, kitchen coordinator, and maintenance director. Sr. Mechtilde always served with joy and graciousness. She listened "with the ear of her heart" to all who came to her, seeking her counsel as Saint Benedict wrote in his Rule.

Sister Mechtilde was exceptionally gifted in, as she called it, "Jack-of-all-trades." When you needed something or needed to know something about buildings or properties, you went to Sister Mechtilde. She was always able and ready to help people. The monastic community is most grateful for Sister Mechtilde's devoted service in many areas of community life. Sister Mechtilde's motto was "I can try, God willing!!"

Sister Mechtilde was often seen in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. She had a special devotion for the Blessed Sacrament from the time she entered and participated in Perpetual Adoration. Sister Mechtilde was a woman of prayer and a constant presence in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist.

She is survived by 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 January 30, in their chapel at Orchard House. Receiving and viewing of Sister Mechtilde's body will be held in the morning of Wednesday, January 31, 9 a.m. at the Queen of Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m, the same day, followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. A luncheon follows in the monastic dining room.

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