In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Dolata, CSC
(Genevieve Elizabeth Vennekamp)
Birth: January 8, 1916
Profession: August 15, 1939
Death: May 10, 2007

This afternoon we gather to celebrate the life and memory of Sister Dolata (Genevieve Elizabeth Vennekamp). She was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 8, 1916, to John Vennekamp and Emma Schroeder Vennekamp. Her only sibling, Tom, predeceased her.

Her elementary education was completed at St. Philomena School and her secondary education at Austin High School, both in Chicago. After completing a commercial course at St. Philomena Commercial School, she was a bookkeeper and secretary for several years before entering the congregation in February 1937. She received the habit August 15, 1937, made first profession August 15, 1939, and final profession August 15, 1942.

Her friends describe her as a woman who lived the Beatitudes. Beatitude is that happiness which comes from loving and following Christ in this life. Her elementary and secondary teaching in Indiana and Illinois for 28 years, as well as four years as a professor at Saint Mary’s College, mirrored this happiness in her devotion, dedication, understanding, sense of humor, fidelity and prayerful spirit as she responded to her call in Holy Cross.

After the death of her father, Dolata returned to her home to care for her mother. During that time she realized that she had a calling to minister to the sick. Following the death of her mother, she furthered her education in pastoral care with an emphasis in geriatrics. 

In 1978 Dolata began a 17-year ministry to the homebound and hospitalized at St. Mary’s Parish, Woodstock, Illinois. As these 17 years came to a close, Father Harte gave her this tribute: “She will kill me for saying this, but when she was a young girl she was afflicted with polio. Her leg has been in a brace all these years. This has not stopped her from giving herself in dedicated service for over 50 years as a religious woman, a teacher, a servant of the sick. She took care of her ‘spiritual children’ with a loving smile and tender heart.”

During these past few months Dolata heard from her doctor that she suffered from a serious heart condition, which caused her discomfort and shortness of breath. She opted against surgery and was moved to the convent for more supervision and nursing care. Although she found this move extremely difficult, and the limitations placed on her independence tested her patience and endurance, she struggled daily to accept God’s will for her.

Dolata was a quiet, gentle soul, and last Thursday morning she died the way she lived. She loved to go out to eat, and surely she is enjoying the eternal banquet in heaven. We will miss her concern, hearty laugh and affirming words.

Written by Sister Joan Elizabeth Johnson, 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.