Sr. Dorothy Elaine Birk

Sr. Dorothy Birk was born August 5, 1933, and was baptized Dorothy Elaine in St. George Church in Herman, MO. Her parents were Josepha (Speckhals) Birk and Victor Birk. She had 4 siblings, of whom Bertha, Margaret and Vernon are deceased, and her brother Marvin is the sole survivor of her siblings. Sr. Dorothy attended St. George Elementary and High School. When asked what attracted her to join the Franciscan way of life, she said she was influenced by the Franciscans who taught her. She entered religious life in Wheaton, IL on October 18, 1951. Upon reception she received the name of Sr. Francella of the Sacred Five Wounds. Her profession of perpetual vows was August 23,1957. Some years later she returned to her baptismal name, Dorothy.
Sr. Dorothy's studies at Marillac College (Normandy, MO), Dominican University (Racine, WI) and St. Mary's University (San Antonio, TX), prepared her for teaching. She taught at Transfiguration School in Wauconda, IL; was a teacher and principal at Holy Family School in Pueblo, CO; and was a teacher, Religious Education Coordinator, and Pastoral Minister at St. Ann's Church and School in Normandy, MO. She shared that her favorite place where she served was Pueblo, CO.
One of the experiences she treasured was the opportunity to participate in a Pace e Bene pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi in the Fall of 1989 and afterwards to visit our Sisters in the European Provinces. Sr. Dorothy had various hobbies, among them was reading and collecting cardinals! She was also known for the many cards she sent to people for birthdays or holidays. Her background as a teacher was evident in the mailroom where she volunteered after she returned to the Motherhouse in 2008. The bulletin board and the room was always seasonally decorated!
When she was asked how she would like to be remembered, she said as a person who was willing to serve others.
On April 11, 2025, Sr. Dorothy died quietly and peacefully. May she rest in the loving embrace of her God whom she served for many years.
"Kindness and faithful love pursue me every day of my life." (Ps 23)