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Sister Carol Stiefvater, age 93, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died Thursday morning, November 25, 2021, at the Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.
She was born October 1, 1928, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Robert and Alice (Gries) Stiefvater. She entered the convent in 1947 and professed her vows in 1949. She was formerly known as Sister Mary Matthew. Sister Carol earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois and a Master of Science degree from DeKalb University, DeKalb, Illinois. Sister Carol ministered as a classroom teacher at St. Willibrord, Chicago, Illinois. She then became an elementary teacher of the deaf, working at St. Francis, St. Leo, and Holy Trinity, all in Chicago, and a Jr. High teacher of the deaf at St. Mary, Chicago. While at Assumption in Chicago Sister Carol worked with Catholic Charities and later became the Department Director of Vision and Hearing Services at Catholic Charities. She served as Department Director while at St. Paul, Chicago. For many years she worked with children in need at A Peace Place in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Later Sister Carol helped with various outreach programs and tasks while at St. Francis Convent, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Since 2011 Sister Carol had been a resident of St. Rita Health Center, Manitowoc.
Survivors include: Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Robert and Alice (Gries) Stiefvater, brothers and sisters-in-law: Eugene (Veronica) Stiefvater and Robert (Edith) Stiefvater; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Vivian (Robert) Roberts and Alice (John) O’Brien.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021, at the Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, led by Rev. Gerald Prusakowski, O.F.M. Burial will take place at Holy Family Convent Cemetery following the Mass.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at the Holy Family Convent, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Convent. The visitation will continue Monday morning, November 29, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Convent.
All visitors are asked to please wear a mask in accord with the CDC guidelines.
Memorial contributions may be made to support retired Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, in care of FSCC Retirement Fund, Holy Family Convent, 2409 S. Alverno Rd., Manitowoc, WI 54220.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sister Carol Stiefvater, please visit our floral store.