Sr. Mary Anita Pauwels

Sister Mary Anita Pauwels 93, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, died on December 13, 2025 at Evertrue Lutheran Hillside Village, Peoria. She was the daughter of Camiel and Anna (DeWyse) Pauwels.
Sister Mary Anita was born in Moline, Illinois. She entered the congregation on September 8, 1955, and was in her 67th year of religious profession. Sister earned a BA from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA. And an M.A. from the University of Detroit.
Sister Mary Anita began her ministry in 1958. She ministered as a Religious Education Coordinator for the majority of her ministerial life. Her places of ministry included: Aledo, Moline, Annawan, Marseilles. Streator, and Metamora. For 28 years Sister ministered in the parishes in Herry/Lacon. She also provided administrative services at both St. Joseph Home, Peoria and St. Joseph Home, Springfield. Sister Anita had several assignments ministering to her fellow Sisters at the Motherhouse and St. Joseph's Convent, Peoria.
In addition to the Franciscan sisters with whom she shared her life, Sister Mary Anita is survived by her brother John Pauwels of Moline and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Barbara Poster, and Grace Johnson as well as a sister-in-law Mary (Cox) Pauwels and two brothers- in -law, Richard Poster and Paul Johnson.
Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 West Heading Avenue, West Peoria on Wednesday, December 17 from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend William Miller as celebrant. Burial will take place On Thursday 9:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery, West Peoria.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.