Sister M. Theotima, FSGM, former Chairman of the Board at Saint Anthony's Health Center, died early Thursday. She was 80.
“How remarkable it was on the most holy day of the Solemnity of All Saints that our dear God has taken our Sister M. Theotima into His eternal Kingdom,” said Sister M. Mikela, FSGM, Chairman of the Board for Saint Anthony’s Health Center. “We should all rejoice that our Sister has now completed a beautiful life given fully to God and His people.”
Sister M. Theotima entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Thuine, Germany in 1948. Two years later, she first professed her vows. In 1952, Sister M. Theotima arrived in America and spent nine months at Mother of Good Counsel Home in St. Louis before being transferred to Alton and Saint Anthony’s in September, 1955.
Mother M. Regina Pacis, FSGM, Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George and Chairman of the Saint Anthony’s Health System Board, remembers her early years with Sister M. Theotima. “I remember thinking how completely dedicated she was to our Sisters and to the Hospital. She always had time for the young Sisters whom she directed spiritually, no matter how busy she was,” Mother noted. “And there were times I saw her going to her office to work at 4 a.m., an hour before we began our morning prayers. Truly, she spent herself for her Community and for the people of the Alton area.”
Sister M. Theotima earned a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Saint Louis University in 1963. Over the years, her responsibilities at Saint Anthony’s have included Administrator, President, Director of Nursing Service and Director of Mission Services.
She celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 1999, commemorating 50 years of Religious Profession.
“When I met Sister many years ago, I realized that she truly embodied the spirit and Mission of Saint Anthony's Health Center. She was a role model to all - touching so many lives in her 50+ years of dedicated service to health care in the Alton community,” said Mark Weber, President/CEO of Saint Anthony's Health Center.
Her honors and awards are many. In 2002, Sister M. Theotima received the Magnificat Medal, a special recognition by the Catholic Church for exemplary services. Sister received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Regent’s Award in 2003 for over 50 years of service to the health care field.
“Over the years, Sister gave living witness to servant leadership and professionalism. She nurtured hundreds of young health care professionals, as well as an equal number of young women who entered the religious life of her Congregation,” said William Kessler, former President/CEO. “She always encouraged us in our relationship with our dear Lord.”
Visitation for Sister M. Theotima is scheduled for Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. in the Saint Anthony’s Hospital Chapel. The Funeral Mass is set for Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel. In addition, a special Memorial Mass will be held Monday, November 6 at 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel.