Sr. Anna Thieken (77) died on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Mohun Health Care Center in her 53rd year of religious profession.  Born to Edward and Magdelan (Montavon) Theiken on the family’s farm in Wheelsburg, Ohio, Anna Catherine Thieken was the fourth of ten children.  Close to her family, a person of warmth, welcome, and hospitality, Sr. Anna felt called to religious life during her working years at Security Bank. Invited to become the organist at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Sr. Anna played each morning for daily Mass.  Parish priest, Father McCormick, allowed Anna to eat breakfast with him each morning after Mass before she went to work. Over the many breakfasts with Fr. McCormick, Anna decided to enter the convent.

Sr. Anna earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Springs College (now Ohio Dominican University) and a Master’s degree from Duquesne University, both in education. For almost 45 years, Sr. Anna crisscrossed the US teaching at parochial schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and at mission schools in New Mexico and Puerto Rico. Her most famous student, Eduardo Atanasio Perez, was the son of Cincinnati Red’s leading man Tony Perez. Perez ensured that the Sisters always had free baseball tickets and souvenirs to share with their families.

Known for her quiet presence, gentle smile, strong faith, and firm work ethic, Sr. Anna most recently served as Assistant Director of Resident Life at Mohun Health Care Center. Here, she spent more than nine years dedicating her days to the physical and emotional health of the residents.  Sr. Anna has been nominated for the Wheelersburg Alumni Hall of Fame for her devotion to the poor and marginalized, service to children and elderly, humanitarian efforts, and her faithfulness to God. She has touched thousands of lives through her students, their families, and her own family.

Ann  Marie  Buescher, OPA born into eternal life on May 18, 2009

Sr. Marian Keane, OP born to eternal life on May 16, 2009

Sister Maria Fitzpatrick, O.P born to eternal life on May 12, 2009

Sr. M. Barbara Freisen, OP born to eternal life on May 11, 2009

Sister Mary McSweeney, OP born to eternal life on April 30, 2009

Sylvia Ann Gattas, OPA born into eternal life on April 17, 2009

the jonquil will take you back to What's New