obit-Sister-Elizabeth-Menke-CDP.jpgALTON - Sister Elizabeth Menke, CDP, died Feb. 16 at Saint Anthony's Health Center, age 89. Sister Elizabeth taught in Catholic schools for nearly 60 years and was planning to celebrate her 75th anniversary as a member of the Sisters of Divine Providence this year.

She was born Agnes Menke on April 17, 1919, in Brussels. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in St. Louis in 1934 and took her final vows in 1942. Sister Elizabeth received her bachelor's degree in education from Webster College in 1965.

An educator, Sister Elizabeth began her ministry as a teacher at Mount Providence in Normandy, Mo., in 1937. She returned to Mount Providence several times in her teaching career, 1941-56, 1984-87 and 1988-90. In addition, she taught at St. Mary's School in Madison, Ascension School in Normandy, St. Andrew School in Tipton, Mo., and North American Martyrs School in Florissant, Mo. She served as principal and teacher at Mary Queen of the Universe School in Lemay, Mo., from 1971-1983. Sister Elizabeth ended her teaching career by substitute teaching and tutoring from 1996-2003. She entered prayer ministry in 2004 when she moved to Saint Clare's Villa, in Alton.

Sister Elizabeth is survived by a brother, Raymond Menke of Brussels; two sisters-in-law, including Juliann Menke of Bethalto; and hundreds of Sisters of Divine Providence and Divine Providence associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Menke; two sisters, Lucille Smith and Sister Josepha Menke; and two brothers, Robert Menke and Richard Menke.

A memorial Mass was celebrated Feb. 19 at St. Mary's Church in Alton. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials can be made to the Sisters of Divine Providence retirement fund, in care of the Development Office, Providence Center, 3415 Bridgeland Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044-2604 or to the American Cancer Society.