Sr. Mary Clarita Frericks, SFP

December 24, 1926 – February 14, 2020

Sr. Clarita was a woman of boundless energy, genuine warmth, and generosity.  A woman of deep prayer and faithful service, she was always open to new ideas and sometime, even adventures.  Always listening to her heart, rooted deep within the heart of God, she responded gladly to whatever need presented itself.

Alvera Cecelia was born to Clemens and Clara Frericks on December 24, 1926 in Quincy, Illinois.  She was one of 12 children born to a very religious farming family, and she loved farm fresh foods and all animals.  Together with her brothers and sisters, George, Joseph, Fred, John, Mathias, Anthony, Eugene, Virginia, Dorothy, Mary Clara (Sr. Mary Andrea) and Catherine Mary (Sr. Mary Catherine), she helped with chores before and after school and grew up close to the church of St. Francis in Quincy.  She met the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor when her father was seriously injured and had to go to the hospital. This encounter and the ensuing relationship her family formed with the Sisters, sowed the seed and nurtured the desire to become a sister herself.  At age 16, she spoke to her parents and then to the Mother Superior at St. Mary Hospital; Alvera entered the community two weeks later, following in the footsteps of her two sisters.

Alvera now had to learn new ways of sharing and different ways of praying. The help and encouragement of the other sisters along with daily Mass helped her deal with waves of homesickness and gave her the courage to continue.  She entered the community on June 12, 1943, receiving the name, Sister Mary Clarita.  On May 31, 1946 she made her First Profession of Vows and her Perpetual Profession on May 3, 1951.  She received her Certification as an X-Ray Technologist in 1952, serving for many years as a Radiology Technician and Supervisor in the Radiology Department in Dayton, OH, Cincinnati and Kansas City, KS.   Beginning in 1971, she spent 3 years at Resurrection House, a House of Prayer. Renewed in spirit by the experience, in 1987, Sr. Clarita was certified in Clinical Pastoral Education and began working in Pastoral Ministry, at St. Francis Hospital, Greenville, So. Carolina, a ministry which she excelled and she loved best.  

“Touching the lives of the sick and dying, and being with them and their families is a privilege, a reward and a blessing. Once, while I was watching and praying with a patient, the Presence of God was so evident… It is almost impossible to explain!  A nurse came in to give the patient some medicine, and she stopped at the door and said, ‘Something is different in here!’ and it was different:  God was truly present!  How much more could one be blessed!” (Sr.  Clarita’s own words)

Sr. Clarita’s presence touched more people than she was aware of.  The staff at the hospital acknowledged that the smile and compassion she shared with them often lifted their hearts when they were tired or burdened by events at work or home.  “The love and friendship she offered was unconditional and steady . . . she unselfishly emptied herself into the lives of others, spreading light in the dark, giving courage to the scared, and a peaceful calm in the midst of life’s storm.”

In 2002, Sr. Clarita retired from active hospital ministry and came to live at St. Clare Convent.  Always a servant, Sister continued to minister to the other residents, cheering them with a kind word and a gentle smile.  She transported residents Mass and activities, served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister and cared for all the plants she met along the way.  Ministering to others where she saw a need, whether in people, plants or the birds outside, sustained her energy.

When she moved to Magnificat in 2017, Sr. Clarita nurtured numerous plants along the hallways of the convent.  
Sr. Clarita’s health gradually declined, and the loss of energy became noticeable in 2019.  All the same, like her namesake, St. Clare, she seemed always to be a radiant light of God’s goodness to all.  Early in the morning of Friday, February 14, 2020, Valentine’s Day, Sr. Clarita released her hold on this life by saying aloud, “I love you, Lord.”and found herself held in the arms of her Beloved.  May she rest in peace.

Sr. JoAnn Jackowski, sfp

Sr. Clarita – Gentle Spirit
Gentle spirit, tender heart,
welcome, ready smile
Inviting us to pause a bit
and linger for a while.
We’ve much to learn
and you taught us much,
dear Sister, friend and guide,
Whatever else we may possess
the treasure is inside.
Courage, then, oh tender heart,
fear not the darkest night,
As God has promised, He is here –
walk on in Jesus’ Light.
____________________________

The following are some testimonials from our Sisters and Associates who remember with affection Sr. Clarita Frericks:

Sister M. Clarita Frericks has passed and as I think of her life I am grateful for the joy, love and friendship that the Frericks family has provided us in the gift of Clarita but also her other two sisters who gifted our Community with their presence. I felt their presence awaiting Clarita’s entrance in to the next life as I was sitting by Clarita’s bed.

I remember how just seeing Sister Catherine, Andrea and Clarita together would bring chuckles to my heart. I remember Clarita’s hearty laugh at her Sister Andrea spontaneous humor like when Andrea looked down at the chicken that she had in her hand and said “Good gracious! This chicken is old enough to vote.” The mischievous twinkle in her eye told me that Andrea loved getting her younger sister rolling with laughter. I felt like those three sisters enjoyed each other and this morning Clarita has been set free to be with them again. May the three of them have a delightful reward in eternity for the joy that they brought to us. How kind of the Frericks to gift us so greatly. Sr.Betty Igo, sfp

I met Sr. Clarita at the Franciscan Terrace. She had retired from her work but was actively engaged in Communion and Palliative care ministry at the Terrace. Her quiet, prayerful presence with the dying blessed many lives and families as they grieved. With her soft voice and massive smile, she nurtured and comforted, touching many souls as they journeyed to God.
To me – Sr. Clarita was a spiritual elder with wisdom from long life experiences. I loved to hear her talk about her youth and the farm! We spent time together because Sr. Mary Andrea (her sister) lived on the 5th floor at the Terrace. As a Franciscan Sister, it was obvious her prayer life was sacred!  In the latter years, as the aging process progressed, Sister Clarita suffered many losses, however, prayer steadfastly remained a part of her life. Tenderness, friendship, beauty, and above all faith and love are the gifts that Sr. Clarita left the generations to come by her example. I will honor her life by remembering her dedication and service to humanity. Peaceful rest with God, Associate Anne Cabanas       

Before I became an Associate, I connected with Sister Clarita through our shared affection with Quincy IL. She told me stories of her family growing up on a farm and working at Blessing Hospital with her older sisters. (All three became FSP’s). Watching her brothers go off to war, leaving by train to Chicago. More stories of her joining the order as her sisters did; working at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville SC; training as an X-ray technician; comforting patients and conversing with Baptist ministers. So many stories about a life well lived in the footsteps of Mother Frances. I thank God for permitting her to cross my path. Associate Judith M. Mohr

I had the joy and grace to meet Sr. Clarita in the ’70s. A special friendship was immediately born between us. I was impressed by her dedication and simplicity as well as her joy. Her friendship proved to be true and concrete when I left for the nascent mission in the Philippines. I think I can say that she was one of the few Sisters who was often present on many occasions, encouraging, assuring prayers and inviting confidence.
For me she was a gift and example of fidelity.
THANKS SR. CLARITY. CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US ALL AND WAIT FOR US IN OUR TRUE HOME.
YOUR SISTER Sr. Cristina Di Nocco, sfp

During my visit in USA in 2017, I was really impressed by Sr. M. Clarita Frericks.
She was always smiling to everyone and always in a good mood with a positive attitude.
I will always remember how she was proud to show the knuckle of Mother Frances to the youth coming from TAO during her tour in our Chapel. With her lovely words she was always a kind presence to me and to the people she met. Sr. Francesca Vitulano, sfp

Dear Sisters and Associates,
Thanksgiving for the gift of life of our Sister Clarita. I did not know her but I thank the Lord for what she has been for the Congregation and for each one of us. Any separation is painful, but dear Sisters who are moving forward, living with Sister Clarita, relatives, friends and gratitude, be reassured of my profound communion and spiritual closeness. May our Sister be welcomed by Mother Frances and her soul rest in peace and may she continue to pray for us from heaven. Sr. Jacqueline Flavienne Sané, sfp

May the Lord she loved and served so much welcome her. I remember from her her delicacy towards each person with and always with a beautiful smile. She was a pleasing Sister. Sr. Marie Augustine Ndione, sfp

Sr. Clarita was a welcoming presence among the Sisters, Associates and all who visited St. Clare’s. She exuded hospitality through her winning and engaging smile. Sr. Clarita blessed others in each encounter. Sr. Mary Veronica Donohue, sfp

I had the privilege to live with Sr. Clarita for a few years. What spoke to me of her life witness was the balance of her life. She loved her ministry of soothing people’s souls and at the same time she valued her own life in God, taking time to nurture it.
In her wisdom years at St Clare’s, she had a tender spot for the young. She always “ made room for them” in her life: visiting, writing and encouraging them. May our Sr. Clarita, know the peace she shared in this life! Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, sfp