Sister M. Scholastica Friesenhahn, 89, of Victoria, died Nov. 18, 2009. She was born Feb. 6, 1920, in New Braunfels, to the late Gregor and Maria Fey Friesenhahn. She was a Catholic and a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.
Sister received her elementary education at St. Joseph's School in Comal and her high school diploma from Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio. Sister Scholastica entered Blessed Sacrament Convent as a postulant on Jan. 6, 1938 and became novice on July 20, 1938. She made her first profession of vows on July 26, 1939, in San Antonio and pronounced her final vows on July 26, 1942 in Victoria.
Sister Scholastica earned a BA degree from Our Lady of the Lake College with a major in English and a minor in history and a MA degree from Incarnate Word College with a major in Education and a minor in math. Sister ministered as teacher and/or principal at Sacred Heart School in Hallettsville, St. Agnes School and St. Leo School in San Antonio, St. Ludmila Academy in Shiner, Sts. Peter & Paul in Frelsburg, Immaculate Conception School in Sealy and Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio where she also served as treasurer and cafeteria manager.
While at Blessed Sacrament Academy, Sister Scholastica had become involved with the Alamo District Math Teachers, and the Texas and National Mu Alpha Theta Chapters in which she held various leadership positions.
She was named Exemplary Mathematics Teacher in 1987-88 and received the Hueke Award for Outstanding Chapter in 1988.
In 1995, Sister received the National Most Dedicated Sponsor Award.
In 1996, she was named Outstanding Leader in Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and Walmart Teacher of the Year. Sister Scholastica said, "I thank God for the opportunities to serve His people in Catholic education. I want to wear out, not rust out. I hope I have made a difference."
Sister also loved to grow vegetables and do arts and crafts projects. In 2006, due to failing health, Sister Scholastica moved to the Incarnate Word Convent where she ministered in the Apostolate of Prayer and Suffering.
She is survived by sisters-in-law Evelyn Friesenhahn and Gertie Friesenhahn, and beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Paul Friesenhahn and Herman Friesenhahn; sisters Gertrude Friesenhahn, Lucy Friesenhahn, Helen Friesenhahn, and Rose Friesenhahn Hansmann.
A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Incarnate Word Convent. A Wake Service with evening praise and sharing of memories will be held at the convent at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. at the convent on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 with Rev. Phi Nguyen presiding. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery No. 3.
Pallbearers will be family members: Johnny Friesenhahn, Robert Christmas, Leroy Friesenhahn, Norbert Jenschke, Larry Friesenhahn, Danny Friesenhahn, Kevin Kempf and John Jenschke.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas, Incarnate Word Convent or Donor's Choice.
