MADISON — Sister Aurosa (Sylvia Billquist), SSSF, 80, who lived her religious vocation in music, education, and parish work for more than six decades, died October 7, 2012, at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, Wisconsin.
The daughter of Arthur and Rose Ann Billquist, she was born February 25, 1932, in Hinsdale, Illinois. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis June 13, 1949; made her first profession of vows June 21, 1951; and final (perpetual) vows June 21, 1957.
Sister Sylvia is survived by her brothers, Robert Billquist and Peter Billquist; her sister, Anita Kick; and the School Sisters of St. Francis Community with whom she shared her life for 63 years. Beginning in 1949, Sister Sylvia spent more than 60 years ministering in Wisconsin, Illinois and Nebraska.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister served as teacher and organist at St. Mary School in Fennimore (1953-1954 and 1962-1964), St. Joseph School in Hazel Green (1955-1957), and at St. John the Baptist School in Princeton (1964-1969). Sister retired to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport earlier this year, and served in the ministry of prayer and presence there until her death.
A wake and Funeral Liturgy were held October 11 at St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport, followed by burial at the Sisters’ Cemetery.