Sister Klaryta

Back in September I posted an entry on this blog about Sisters’ obituaries. ("Never throw away old pantyhose") I contrasted the obituary that merely lists certain facts of a Sister’s life and the obituary that shares who that Sister was, what qualities described her, why people loved or admired her, what difference she made in the world because she was here, why she will be missed.

When I read the following obituary, I thought it portrays exactly those factors and consequently honors Sister Klaryta. Coincidentally, I met Sister Klaryta last November when I was at her convent in Santa Maria, CA. During a discussion on aging and the potential life holds for growth and development through our last breath, Sister Klaryta was an engaged participant, offering reflective, life-experience comments pertinent to our topic. Two months later Sister was diagnosed with cancer and died on March 17th

I invite you to read this obituary about this extraordinary woman -- an orphaned holocaust survivor, an advocate for justice --

From the Santa Maria Times March 19, 2014


Sister Klaryta Antoszewska OSF
1932 – 2014

Sister Klaryta (Ida Antoszewska) was born April 14, 1932 in Poniewierz, Lithuania to Wtadystaw Antoszewska and Maria Radziwilowicz. She died March 17, 2014 at Marian Convent, Santa Maria, CA. Sister was a Holocaust survivor, humanitarian, philologist, speaker of numerous languages, peace maker and protester of unjust causes, forever educating others in a life dedicated to service for those in need.

At a young age her family moved to Lodz, Poland, where a younger brother, Chesla, and sister, Wanda, were born. During the Holocaust her doctor father Wtadystaw was sent to Siberia and her mother, Maria, was captured and killed so that 12 year old Ida assumed responsibility for her younger siblings.

At the end of the war the children were separated: her brother off to Siberia in search of their father and her sister adopted by a Dutch couple. Ida then entered school, and eventually joined the Franciscan Sisters in Chojnice and helped them in various hospital activities. At the age of 20 she entered religious life with the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in Orlik and was given the name Sister Klaryta.

Early on Sister Klaryta taught in various schools in Poland and completed studies in philology. She eventually went to Rome in 1969 where she worked at the Vatican in the Office of Peace and Justice. In 1976 she accompanied Sister Rosemary Lynch of the same religious community to the United States and moved to Las Vegas to work in the movement protesting nuclear warfare and working for peace and justice at the local test site.
Sister Klaryta had a special love for refugees and immigrants, and for many years was the driving force in the Sisters of Saint Francis Social and Refugee Program in Las Vegas. Beloved by many whom she helped, she was always willing to do what she could for the many families and friends who came to the area with little or no economic means. The home she shared with Sister Rosemary was a haven for many people in need.

Sister Klaryta moved to Santa Maria in 2013, where she lived with her other Franciscan Sisters at Marian Convent. Despite her failing eyesight, Sister was always willing to help in any way she could. Her spirit of acceptance of all that God gave her was once again shown when she was diagnosed with cancer early in 2014. She was more than ready to be with her family and Sister Rosemary once again.