Sister Magdala Oswald Phjc

Sister Magdala (Colette) Oswald, PHJC died peacefully on April 17, 2018 in the hospice room at Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson, Indiana.

Sister Magdala, named Colette by her parents Joseph and Ida Oswald, grew up in a loving faith rooted home with her brothers and sisters: Ida, Fr. Ewald, Ann, Anthony, and Helen, all of whom are now deceased. It was the dedicated PHJC Sisters teaching at St. Augustine school in Chicago where Colette attended that drew her to religious life. Sister Magdala entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Congregation novitiate on June 25, 1951 and professed her final vows on July 15, 1958. Her first ministry as a Poor Handmaid was to care for the children at Angel Guardian Orphanage on the Southside of Chicago. She lovingly cared for children for 21 years at Angel Guardian Orphanage and then at St. John’s Orphanage in Belleville, Illinois. In her 60-year jubilee reflection she wrote, “I am filled with gratitude for the good memories of helping the children grow up in a world that gave them many challenges.” Sister Magdala cared for all ages of children and enjoyed the preschoolers the most. She received her B.S. in Sociology from Loyola University while caring for these children. Since 1974, Sister Magdala served in various positions in Donaldson: refectorian, housekeeper, assistant director at the Villa for high school girls, and as the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center office assistant and volunteer. She said of her time at Lindenwood, “It was a delight meeting so many folks at The Center and we have shared many joys and blessings as we continue to share in the charism of Blessed Catherine’s way of service.”

Those privileged to know Sister Magdala were recipients of her wonderful sense of humor and willingness to always be a help to others. The Lindenwood staff and guests can especially attest to her warm, friendly spirit and gracious hospitality.

Sister Magdala was an avid Cub fan and enjoyed watching sports of many kinds. She received great pleasure in attending Ancilla College games and rooting for the Ancilla Chargers. A volunteer bread maker for Earthworks, a long-time quilter, and a gardener in awe of all creation (except geese!), Sister Magdala lived life to the fullest as a dedicated Poor Handmaid in a quiet and unassuming way.

Visitation will be held at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson, Indiana on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4:30 – 8:00 EDT. A Prayer Service will be held that same evening 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at Catherine Kasper Home on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Donaldson, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, Indiana 46513. http://www.phjc.org