Sister Eileen Neumann was born in Ancón, Panama. She received a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Viterbo College (now known as Viterbo University) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and ministered in the medical field in Wisconsin: St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Sister Eileen went on to become a certified cytotechnologist and ministered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Walla Walla, Washington. She also served in prison ministry in Las Vegas, Indian Springs, and Jean, Nevada; and San Jose, California. She then moved to Spokane, Washington, where she ministered at Clare Center Spirituality Center and served as master gardener. In 2009 Sister Eileen made her home at St. Rose Convent, serving in prayer and hospitality.

Sister Margaret Wenzel (Donelda) was born in Stratford, Wisconsin. Sister Margaret earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Viterbo College (now known as Viterbo University) in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in reading from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She ministered as a primary school teacher for 34 years at schools in Wisconsin (Durand, La Crosse, Allouez, Odanah, Ashland and Schofield), Spokane, Washington; and Luxemburg, Iowa. After training in clinical pastoral ministry, Sister Margaret moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1985 to begin her career as a chaplain, ministering at St. Vincent Medical Center. In 1995 she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to serve as a chaplain at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital. She retired in 2004 and spent the next four years volunteering at St. Mary’s and Cathedral of St. John in Milwaukee. In 2008 Sister Margaret retired to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse where she is active in the ministry of prayer and hospitality today.

The FSPA community celebrated Sister Margaret and Sister Eileen’s jubilees at St. Rose Convent on Aug. 14 with their classmates and family.

Based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are women religious engaged in furthering the work of the Catholic Church and the Gospel. Their partners in ministry, including affiliates and prayer partners, join them in service of God's mission. The sisters work in the United States and internationally in varied ministries, collaborating to minister in areas of greatest need, living the Gospel through contemplation and action. Visit FSPA online at fspa.org.