 PRUSS, ALYCE MARY, SISTER June 15, 1916 - January 15, 2013 Felician Franciscan Sister Alyce Mary Pruss passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in Rio Rancho, NM. The daughter of Stanislaus and Eustasia Maciejewska Pruss, Alice Eva was born in Manville, WY, on June 15, 1916. In her very early years, the family moved to Loup City, NE, to be near her mother's family. When she was school age, in order to attend Catholic School, Alice lived with her grandparents in Ashton during the week and spent weekends with her family in Loup City. Her father's death when she was seven created challenges for a young mother and three small children but the blessings outweighed the hardships. The kindness and joy of the Felician Sisters in Ashton sowed the seed of a vocation in young Alice and in 1930, she began her High School studies at Mother of Good Counsel in Chicago, IL. In 1934 she entered the religious Congregation of the Felician Sisters on Peterson Avenue in Chicago, where at her Investiture she was given the name Mary Lucillia. In 1936 she began her long career in education at St. Adalbert School in St. Paul, MN, teaching Grades 3 and 4 as well as Music. In the following years, Sister taught in 15 schools in Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, California, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. In addition to teaching a grade or two, Sister served as principal at St. Mary's in Tulsa, OK, from 1954-1960 and again from 1961-1965; at St. Philip Neri School in Midwest City, OK from 1968-1974; at St. Andrew School in Tecumseh, NE from 1977-1983; at St. Justin Martyr School, Anaheim, CA from 1983-1986; at Holy Trinity School in Los Angeles, CA from 1989-1991 and as vice-principal at Queen of Heaven in Albuquerque, NM from 1991-1992. To support her 55 years in education Sister earned both her Bachelors and her Masters in Education from St. Mary College in Xavier, KS. An accomplished musician, Sister taught and encouraged Music wherever she ministeredand somewhere along the line Sister Lucillia went back to her Baptismal name - now spelled Alyce. From 1992-1996, she served as the Administrator of St. Clare Center at the provincial house of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rio Rancho, NM. During the next several years Sister was involved in numerous internal ministries, assisting others wherever she could. With failing eyesight Sister Alyce devoted her life to the Prayer Ministry, beginning in 2005. Sister spent much time in the chapel on behalf of the needs of the world, with her Lord, Jesus from whom she drew wisdom and strength. She corresponded with old friends and made new friends, both young and old. Sister Alyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gregory Pruss and her sister Dolores Millar. She is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Rosary and Wake services will be held for Sister Alyce in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent Chapel at 4210 Meadowlark Lane SE in Rio Rancho, NM, at 6:30 PM on Monday January 21, 2013. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the same location on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, NM. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920
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