The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Spokane Mission Centre, celebrated two Jubilarians at a Jubilee Mass on Sept. 12, 2020. The honorees were Sister Miriam Pontieri, celebrating 75 years, and Sister Dee Marie Reeder, celebrating 60 years, as vowed religious. A virtual Mass was held at South Hill Village in Spokane, with retired Bishop William S Skylstad, DD, as presider.

Miriam Pontieri, SNJM - 75 Years

Sister Miriam Pontieri made her first vows in 1945. Loyal to the SNJM purpose “to collaborate with the Church’s mission of education, particularly education in the faith,” Sister Miriam dedicated her years in ministry to classroom teaching and retreat work. Her teaching career spanned across classrooms in Washington, Oregon, and California, at these schools: Holy Names Academy, Seattle; Fort Wright College, Spokane; St. Mary’s Academy, Medford & Portland; Marylhurst College, Lake Oswego; and Holy Names College, Oakland. The principle ministry in her later years has been that of spiritual direction—helping men and women make their one precious life all God intended it to be. Today, Sister Miriam, known for her hearty laugh and delight in her Italian heritage, brings wisdom and joy to community living at South Hill Village, Spokane.

Dee Marie Reeder, SNJM– 60 Years

Sister Dee Marie Reeder made her first vows in 1960. Over the years, she served her SNJM community in various ministries: as educator, parish minister, and novice director. She taught in Washington schools at St Patrick’s, Spokane, and Holy Names Academy, Seattle. Parish ministry took her to Christ the King in Richland, Washington, and the Diocese of Yakima. In 1991, she was offered a position as pastoral administrator for the Copper Valley of Alaska. She served at Holy Family Church in the small village of Glennallen, Alaska, which she described as “the most wonderful years of my life.” In 1996, Sister Dee was asked to return to Washington to join the Interprovince Vocation Team as novice director at Marian Hall in Spokane and Marie Rose House in Wapato, Washington. Later, she returned to parish ministry in the Yakima Valley. Sister Dee Marie’s prayerful presence and warm greeting has graced her living at South Hill Village in these last years.