Sister Ralphine Fried

Sister Ralphine Fried, 97, a founding member of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, entered eternal life Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at a Bismarck care center. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Visitation starts at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the monastery until the time of the funeral. A wake service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 10 at the monastery. Sister Ralphine was born January 4, 1914, in Mandan, N.D., to Jacob and Eva Aman Fried and given the name, Margaret. When she became a sister, she changed her name to Ralphine, after her beloved brother, Ralph, who died very young. She is the seventh in a family of five girls and three boys. The family farmed and worked hard to care for and support five nieces and nephews who were orphaned during the difficult times of drought and depression. Sister Ralphine entered St. Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn., in 1935 and made monastic profession in 1937. When she had the opportunity to return to North Dakota, she transferred her religious commitment to the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery when they became an independent community in 1947. Sister Ralphine's ministries always involved caring for others, whether it was through the wonderful food she cooked or in the attention she gave to her roles in housekeeping and laundry. She served in these capacities in Richmond, Minn.; Eau Claire, Wis., and was a cook at St. Mary's Convent in Bismarck. She worked at St. Alexius Hospital for nine years and for two years at St. Benedict's Home in Dickinson. She went on to serve as superior and administrator of St. Benedict's for eleven years. In 1967, Sister Ralphine's next healing ministry began at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dickinson where she became a licensed practical nurse LPN. She worked as an LPN at Garrison Hospital, Garrison; St. Vincent's Nursing Home, Bismarck; and at Annunciation Monastery's health center. Whenever time allowed, Sister Ralphine would pursue volunteer endeavors at St. Alexius. She was a firm believer in the Benedictine motto, "ora et labora," which means "prayer and work," and always looked for ways to serve others. Although Sister Ralphine saw many changes in religious life over the years, she welcomed the changes in recognizing, "It would be impossible to live religious life the way it used to be lived and engage in the ministries of today." With God's grace, she accepted her physical limitations. Sister Ralphine will be remembered for her gentle smile, peaceful spirit, her faithfulness to the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharist and the rosary. She was always gracious and keenly interested in current events and activities of the monastic community. She lived with gratitude for all God had given her and she made it a priority to use her gifts to serve the poor through her beautiful crocheted baby blankets and afghans which she donated. She could often be seen in the early morning hours at her chair, serenely crocheting or making rosaries. This heartwarming presence will surely be missed. Her hand-strung rosaries traveled to missions around the world; it was her desire to help people pray and grow closer to God. Sister Ralphine had a deep love for children and was delighted by visits from her family members. She would eagerly await their arrival, making sure she had treats to offer them in true "Benedictine hospitality" style. Sister Ralphine is survived by her many extended family members and friends, and the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. She was preceded in death by her sisters: Sisters Clement and Lucilda, Odelia Weber, Clementina Regner and her brothers, Joseph, Peter and Ralph. Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.

Sister Ralphine Fried

January 4, 1914 - June 7, 2011