BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE

Sr. Engelbert Allewelt, OP

Born -- September 1, 1911
Professed-- October 8, 1929
Born to Eternal Life -- November 25, 2005

Elizabeth Gertrude Allewelt was born on September 1, 1911, at Friend, Nebraska to Henry John and Mary Catherine Harre Allewelt, both from Hanover, Germany.  She had eleven brothers and sisters, all now deceased.  The Allewelt family moved to Exeter, Nebraska, where the Dominican Sisters had begun teaching in 1907. 

In February, 1928, Elizabeth entered St. Catharine Novitiate and received the name Sister Engelbert. She was professed on October 8, 1929.

Immediately after profession, Sister Engelbert began her long years of service as a cook in the community at SS.Simon and Jude Convent, Brooklyn, N.Y.  She continued this service in  these Nebraska missions:  Hastings, Spalding, Exeter, and Kearney.  For two years she served in Chicago at Our Lady of Peace.  Then in 1942 she went to St. Catherine Hospital, McCook, Nebraska, where she remained as Dietitian for twenty years.  Sister Engelbert also served as Dietitian at Siena College and Rosary Hospital, Campbellsville, Kentucky.  In 1968, she came to Sansbury Care Center as Coordinator of Food Services.  Sister Engelbert returned to McCook in 1975, where she visited Nursing Homes and was employed  in an Apostolate of Prayer. Finally, in 1986, she came to Sansbury Care Center as a resident.

Because of increasing deafness, it was difficult for Sister Engelbert to communicate verbally,  but her body language and flashing eyes spoke volumns.  She maintained a real love for her native Nebraska and always welcomed Sisters from there with special warmth and enthusiasm.

Sister Engelbert’s wheelchair was a familiar sight as she took up vigil outside a dying Sister’s room.

She will be missed by Sisters and Staff alike, but today there must be great rejoicing as Henry and Mary Allewelt and their eleven children welcome Sister Engelbert into their home in heaven.

Click to read about others who have died since July 1 ,2005

Elinor "Ellie" Hartnett, OPA  born to eternal life November 17, 2005.

Sister Mary Regis Cullen, OP born to eternal life November 16, 2005.

Sister Sheila Buckley, OP born to eternal life October 9, 2005.

Sister Antonia Gallagher, OP born to eternal life September 28, 2005.

 Margaret Riedel, OPA born to eternal life September 27, 2005.

Sister Rose Vincent O'Brien, OP born to eternal life September 26, 2005.

Sister Verona Weidig, OP born to eternal life September 11, 2005.

Sister Hugh Frances Carey, O.P. born to eternal life July 18, 2005.