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Sister Mary Anilla Ryba, CSSF, July 26, 1913 - May 27, 2004. Sister Mary Anilla was born Cecilia Ryba on July 26, 1913 to John and Marianne (Grzebien) Ryba in Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Walter and John, and her sisters, Mary Helen and Sister Ellen Marie, CSSF. Upon completion of her high school education at Mother of Good Counsel in Chicago, she entered the Felician Sisters in 1931. Two years later, Sister Anilla began her fifty-one years of ministry in education. These years found her teaching students from grade 4 to seniors in high school or as principal. She ministered in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, California and Oklahoma. From 1960 to 1966, she served as the Diocesan Educational Supervisor for Oklahoma City/Tulsa, OK. In 1966, she became a member of the Provincial Council for the Assumption fo the Blessed Virgin Mary Province and also served as the Supervisor of /schools and Director of Studies for the province. In the spring of 1984, sister suffered a stroke which ended her ministry as principal and was assigned to the provincial house in Rio Rancho, NM. Sister continued to be active as the Coordinator for the Felician Sisters' Ladies Auziliary and the Cord Rosary Project until 1990. At that time she became the Coordinator for the Blessed Mary Angel Cause and held that position until 1995. Sister served as the spiritual director to the Secular Franciscans from 1995 to 1999 and in her spare time produced beautiful calligraphy in which she was skilled. Sister Anilla had a way with words and maintained a ministry of correspondence, especially with shut-ins. In her final years, sister spent much time in prayer. Her devotion to the Eucharist and Blessed Mary Angela were a life-line in her suffering as she continued to pray for the needs of the world, especially children. Sister Anilla passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2004. She will be remembered for her many gifts, and the joy that was her presence. Rosary services will be held at the Assumption for the Blessed Virgin Mary Provincial House at 4210 Meadowlark Lane SE, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31, 2004. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. at the Provincial House. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
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