In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Alvina, CSC
(Lillian Bernadine Traeger)
Birth: May 20, 1925
Profession: August 15, 1947
Death: April 22, 2006

As we continue the chanting of our Easter Alleluias, we celebrate and remember the life of Sister Alvina Traeger. Lillian Bernadine was born May 20, 1925, in Peru, Illinois, to Carl and Alvina (Hombuecher) Traeger. She was the second daughter in a family of six, which also included three brothers and another sister. Her sister Bea and Bea’s husband, Ron, as well as Donald and his wife, Judy, are with us today. Ruth Ann, Ralph and Jim have predeceased her.

In the early years of her life, the family relocated several times, moving from Illinois to northern Indiana, then back to Peru, Illinois. When she was ready for fourth grade, the family moved to Peoria, and she was enrolled in Saint John’s School, where the Holy Cross sisters staffed the school. Sisters Millicent and Frances Maria especially touched her life, and eventually had a great influence on her vocation. Upon graduating from the eighth grade there, she came to the Juniorate at Saint Mary’s for two and a half years. She completed high school at the Manual Training School in Peoria. Her occupation before entering the Novitiate was as a carton assembler at the Owens Glass Factory in Peoria. The sisters who taught her at Saint John’s helped her in preparing to come to the Novitiate.

Sister Alvina entered the Congregation in July 1944, received the habit August 15, 1945, made first profession August 15, 1947, and final profession August 15, 1950. She had a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education from Saint Mary’s College.

After first vows she taught in various elementary schools in the Midwest for over 30 years. Christ the King in South Bend, Indiana, rated high with her, as it did with so many sisters. The faculty and the parishioners there had a special spirit, which remained with Alvina. Sister continued to get together with some of the teachers there until the time of her death. She was assigned as a teacher at Saint Mary’s School, Streator, Illinois, from 1981 to 1986. One very special event during those years was her being named “Teacher of the Year” by the town newspaper, Times Press. A page was devoted to her and featured her story. She continues to be remembered by former students as an excellent math and reading teacher. Following this outstanding teaching career, her more than 10 years of service in the purchasing and microfilming departments in Holy Cross Shared Services at Saint Mary’s are remembered with fondness and love.

Although Sister Alvina had a variety of health problems and challenges throughout her life, she never gave up. In the many years in which she went to dialysis three days a week, she ministered to the staff and the patients there. Her mission was to bring Jesus to them, and she took that seriously.

These last weeks her suffering and anxiety touched the hearts of all who tried to comfort her. Early Saturday morning she completed her struggle and entered peacefully into the arms of her God. As 2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” Alvina, we will miss you. May you rest in peace. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Written by Sister M. Joan Elizabeth, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.