Sister Janice Heiling

Sister Janice Heiling, 96, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, went home to God on April 29, 2007, at Garrison Memorial Hospital. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Visitation begins at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the monastery and continues until the time of the funeral. A wake is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the monastery. Sister Janice, birth name "Ida" was born on October 21, 1910, in Browerville, MN, to Hungarian-born Frank and Julia Maschler Heiling. The third of seven children, she developed an interest in religious life while attending a grade school staffed by Benedictine sisters from St. Joseph, MN. Her attraction to religious life grew when she was a student at St. Benedict's High School in St. Joseph, MN. Sister Janice entered St. Benedict's Convent, St. Joseph, MN, in 1928 and made her monastic profession on July 11, 1930. Her first assignment was to teach first grade at St. Patrick's School in Dickinson, ND, where she spent 18 years. Then in 1948, Sister Janice was asked to teach at St. Mary's Grade School in Bismarck. Her teaching career spanned 38 years at St. Mary's. A woman of tiny stature, Sister Janice could look her elementary students in the eye as she taught them the 3 R's. She was beloved as a teacher and many of her "youngsters" included Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. One of her students said Sister Janice was loved because she was gentle, kind and "little like us!" The gleam in Sister Janice's eyes shimmered with a hint of mischief that endeared her to many. Fiercely independent, Sister Janice felt the need to be useful and rarely rested. After retiring from teaching, she became a volunteer at St. Alexius Medical Center in administration, outpatient surgery and Archway Mental Health Services. She especially enjoyed the employees at St. Alexius. Those with whom she worked commented about her dedication, organizational skills, and sense of service. She continued her love for children by volunteering as an "adopted grandparent" at St. Mary's Parish. She always made sure to have a little gift for her "grandchild" on special occasions. Throughout her life, Sister Janice prepared for many church services as sacristan at St. Mary's Parish, St. Alexius and St. Alexius Convent. Sister Janice loved her time with the Lord in the convent garden where she tended numerous colorful flowerbeds. Other hobbies included embroidery and needlepoint. Sister Janice enjoyed ball games and was a loyal fan of the University of Mary Marauders and the Minnesota Twins. She was knowledgeable about the players and their stats, often tuning in to their games on radio or TV. Sister Janice could frequently be found sitting in her favorite booth in the St. Alexius cafeteria in quiet contemplation. One might wonder if Jesus was sitting in the empty seat across from her as they shared silent company. Sister Janice is survived by one sister, Catherine Heiling, Long Prairie, MN; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Heiling, Browerville, MN; her nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.

Sister Janice Heiling

October 21, 1910 - April 29, 2007