Sister Mary Alice Eckroth

Sister Mary Alice Eckroth, 70, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, went home to God on Monday, April 2, 2007, at the monastery. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 4, at the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Visitation starts at 4:00 PM on Tuesday at the monastery until the time of the funeral. A wake is scheduled for 7:15 PM on Tuesday at the monastery. Sister Mary Alice, whose baptismal name was Charlotte Ann, was born on October 5, 1936, in Mandan, North Dakota, the first of four daughters of Gabriel E. and Alice Larson Eckroth. Impressed by the Benedictines who taught her at St. Joseph's Grade School in Mandan, and others she met later, she felt a call to become a Benedictine sister. She entered Annunciation Monastery on December 8, 1953, and made monastic profession on July 11, 1955. She taught the elementary grades for 26 years in schools in Dickinson, Flasher, and Mandan. Then she made a career change and for 23 years served in the Health and Information Management Department at St. Alexius Medical Center. An adventurous person, Sister Mary Alice had a great love for nature. She found joy in being outdoors, whether it was camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, or gardening. This deep appreciation for creation brought her close to God. Also dear to her heart was the Native American culture. While exploring the prairies of North Dakota, she searched for Native American artifacts and medicine wheels. She often invited friends to go with her to powwows so they could experience the richness of the culture. Sister Mary Alice learned the craft of bead work and enjoyed teaching religion to children at the United Tribes Technical College. She relished telling about her adventures in exploring the land and of her childhood days. Sister Mary Alice was an unassuming person with a heart of gold. She was generous with her time, had kind words for everyone, and was so grateful for what people did for her especially during her last illness. She was a woman loved by many people especially her co-workers at St. Alexius Medical Center. The most precious gift she gave them was that she prayed for them. She reminded them of God and the power of prayer. When one thinks of Sister Mary Alice, two phrases come to mind which she said frequently, "God bless you" and "I will pray for you"; and she meant what she said. She is survived by her mother, Alice Eckroth of Ellendale, ND; two sisters, Margaret Henry Lebak of Bismarck, and Ruth Orlin Hartman of Monango, ND; her nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. She was preceded into eternal life by her father, Gabriel, and her sister, Jean Heinert.

Sister Mary Alice Eckroth

October 5, 1936 - April 2, 2007