Franciscan Sister Carolyn Law, 71, died Dec. 16 at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 18 at St. Francis Convent. A memorial Mass will be celebrated in the spring.
The third of four children of Willard and Isabelle (Schiferl) Law, she was born Aug. 14, 1952, in Yankton, South Dakota. Sister Carolyn was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls on Aug. 31, 1980. She was a Franciscan Sister for 43 years.
She attended a small rural elementary school and then graduated from Yankton High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, and later a master’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago.
After initial formation and serving at Blessed Sacrament Parish in West Fargo, North Dakota, Sister Carolyn served inVenezuela and Nicaragua. She returned to the States in 1992.
She pursued a graduate degree in counseling psychology and became a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified bioenergetic therapist. She also served as assistant minster on the Franciscan Sisters’ Leadership team and was treasurer.
Sister Carolyn cared for the environment in big and small ways from leading the campus solar energy project to monitoring blue bird nests. She loved music and was a member of the chorale and orchestras at St. Francis Music Center.
At the time of her 25th jubilee she said, “I am grateful to this Franciscan community for being accepted, loved andnurtured into being more fully who I am. Thanks to all my sisters, friends and family who have been a part of my life and journey.”
Sister Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her siblings: Beth (Bill) Staudenmaier, Denver, Colorado; Tom (Sandi), Branson, Missouri; Phyllis Schwandt, Yankton, South Dakota, and her Franciscan community.
Donations preferred to Franciscan Sisters ministries.