Sr. Betty Ann Igo, SFP

April 5, 1932 – June 13, 2023

Sr. Betty Ann Igo was a woman touched by the Holy Spirit with the power to heal hearts and souls through her involvement in the Charismatic Renewal and the Christian Healing ministry. Though she seemed ordinary at first glance, once she started speaking, one immediately knew of her passion to proclaim the Gospel in word and action.

Betty Ann was born to Stanley and Gertrude Igo on April 5, 1932 in Covington, KY. She attended St. Therese School in Southgate, KY along with her sister Pat and brother Michael, graduating in 1946. She often shared fond memories spent with her siblings during her childhood years.
Desiring very early on to join a religious congregation, Betty entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor on June 8, 1949, made her First Profession of Vows on May 3, 1952 and her Perpetual Profession on May 3, 1957. Although she received the religious name of Sr. Marie Montfort, she later returned to her baptismal name when give the opportunity.

Sr. Betty’s education and studies were varied. She received a BS in Medical Technology from the University of Dayton in 1959, an MA in Education at Xavier University, Cincinnati in 1968 and an MS in Pastoral Counseling, Study and Ministries in 1998 from Neumann University, Philadelphia, PA.
Although initially working in ministry to the Poor and Marginalized through Social Services at St. John’s and Catholic Charities in Cincinnati, Sr. Betty went on to work as a Laboratory Technologist at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Dayton, Our Lady of Bellefonte, KY and St. Mary Hospital, Cincinnati. In 1968, Sr. Betty began working in the field of Religious Education at St. Henry, OH and went on to teach at Bishop Gallagher High School, Harper Woods, MI until 1973. This field of work attracted her very much, and she began ministry as a Prayer Counselor and Workshop Leader at the House of Spirituality Burning Bush Community, NY for 2 years.

Upon moving to Philadelphia, PA, where she remained for over 40 years, she ministered at the Institute for Christian Healing for 10 years and continued to offer pastoral counseling and workshops. In time, Sr. Betty realized a desire for further education in the field and worked towards an MS in Pastoral Counseling, Studies and Ministries from Neumann College, Philadelphia, PA from 1991 to 1995. She was passionate about this ministry, and offered Pastoral Counseling and various workshops across the United States, traveling to different locations in her earlier years, and continued to do so even as her energy waned, utilizing the technology to connect with individuals and groups.

In 2017, Sr. Betty moved to Cincinnati, living on the St. Clare Campus, where she would be afforded assistance with providing for her everyday needs. Here, and even later, when she relocated to Magnificat as her health needs grew, she continued her ministry via Zoom, and she was often at her computer until the early hours of the morning, offering programs and counseling those on the West coast.

It was obvious to everyone who knew her that Sr. Betty had been captured by the presence of the power of the Holy Spirit in her life and was passionate about continuing the devotions of daily Eucharist, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the chaplet of Mercy, the rosary, and other devotions.
To know Sr. Betty was to know her passion for the Gospel of Jesus. Sr. Betty did have her human side also. She enjoyed her meals and conversations with her friends at the table and loved sharing the latest news she heard or read, and promoting her devotions. She also had an appreciation for all of God’s creation and enjoyed seeing the beautiful flowers planted around the grounds of St. Clare.

In a talk Sr. Betty gave at one point in her ministry, she shared an experience she had during a 40-day Directed Retreat. Rather than using the usual Ignatian style of retreat, Father had recommended that she choose a single Scripture passage that spoke to her, and pray with it, over and over throughout the day. What came to her was the passage of John 8:32: “When you make my Word your home, you shall learn the truth and the truth shall set you free.” These words were so powerful for her that they guided her life from the 1970’s onward.
After a lifetime of using words to console, encourage and guide others Sr. Betty was finally embraced by the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Her truth had finally set her free into the heart of God.

Written by Sr. Jo-Ann Jackowski, SFP

Sr. Betty Ann Igo, SFP
“Loving Life”

God spoke to her,
she spoke to God,
her lifelong Guide and Friend,
And loving God and loving life,
her interests knew no end.

She’d study, pray and laugh and sing,
and draw and teach and care,
For those who needed help and hope,
her faith and love were there.

Life challenged her, at times, so hard;
determined nonetheless,
She forged ahead, embraced the days,
and lived her life to bless.

The following are some testimonials from our Sisters who remember with affection Sr. Betty Ann Igo:

Sr Betty witnessed to me about holding on to one’s “ inner knowing “. Despite being told as a young sister by her college art teacher that she could not produce a bust of Mother Frances for her class project.
Betty knew otherwise and managing to produce the bust of Mother Frances that graces many of our communities and our Aachen Sisters. The end result of her “ knowing” and persistence has graced us. Let us all be attentive to the small voice from within.
Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, sfp

When I think of Sr. Betty, I remember a big smile and a warm welcome. She enthusiastically shared her life experiences, especially those she lived in ministry. Her faith convictions were rooted in her life and in the relationships she was able to build with perseverance. I am sure that from heaven she will continue to enthusiastically encourage our journey. Thank you Sr. Betty for what you have been to all of us!
Sr. Giannica Selmo, sfp