RUMA — Sister Mary Edith Donze, ASC, died Oct. 29 at the ASC Ruma Center. She was 102 years old and had been an Adorer of the Blood of Christ for 85 years.

One of seven children of Joseph and Mary Ann (Schranz), Angeline Marian was born in East St. Louis on Aug. 13, 1911. She made first vows on July 1, 1928 and final profession on July 1, 1933.

Sister M. Edith ministered in domestic service in both Illinois and Missouri, including in New Baden (1929), Catholic Children's Home in Alton (1929-1931) and Loretto Home (1951-1956) in Alton; Kelso, Mo., (1958-1959,1961-1963); De Mattias Hall in St. Louis (1964-1965, 1969-1972); Festus, Mo., (1978-1985); and the Ruma Center (1972-1978, 1985-86). Because of her long life and 85 years in the congregation, she witnessed vicariates becoming provinces, motherhouses erected, missions opened in China, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, and Liberia, and provinces converging into a United States Region.

After caring for the retired sisters at Clementine Residence in Red Bud from 1986 until 1990, Sister "Edie" moved to Ruma to continue perfecting her skill with plants, needlework, quilting, crocheting and "taking care of the old sisters."

Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and gret-nephews, and community members survive Sister M. Edith. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Marie Schlake, Veronica Rose, Gertrude Donze and Elizabeth Donze; brothers Anthony and Arthur; as well as cousins Sisters M. Therese Donze and Cordula Naeger, who were also Adorers.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Nov. 2, with Father Clyde Grogan officiating and Sister Maria Hughes, ASC, offering reflections. Burial was in the Ruma Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Sister Mary Edith's name may be sent to the ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or made on-line at www.adorers.org by clicking on the "Donate" button in the upper right corner.