SISTER FLORENCE MARIE KRETZ, 1915 – 2013

Sr. Florence Marie Kretz, O.S.U.
March 14, 1915 – March 10, 2013

Sister Florence Marie Kretz died peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Andrus on Hudson. She was 97 years old.

Florence Marie, besides being a teacher in elementary schools during her life, was remarkable for her unfailing gentleness in words and actions, ever ready to help, no matter the task.

She entered the Ursulines on July 25, 1932; she made her first vows on January 25, 1935. She began her ministry of teaching at Mount St. Ursula in 1936. Over her lifetime, she also taught at Our Lady of Mercy, Ursuline Academy (Grand Concourse), St Angela Merici, and St. Jerome, all in the Bronx, and at Blessed Sacrament in New Rochelle. She was superior at St. Jerome Convent from 1949 to 1953.

She held a BS in education from Fordham University and an MS in religion from Providence College. In 1980 she retired, describing her service as a ministry of prayer; yet she continued active service by being a mathematics tutor, a Eucharistic Minister, and file clerk in the province offices.

Florence Marie, baptized Florence Claire, was born to Mae McDonnell and James W. Kretz in New York City on March 14, 1915. She is predeceased by 2 sisters, Marion and Mary, and 3 brothers, Thomas, Walter, and William.

Wake will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, from 1 to 3:30 P.M., at the Chapel of the Province Center in New Rochelle. Following that at 4 P.M., the Mass of Christian Burial will be held there. Burial will be at St. Raymond’s Cemetery. In place of flowers, gifts may be sent to the Retirement Fund of the Ursuline Provincialate, 1338 North Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10804.