SINSINAWA — Sister Christiane Althaus, OP, died Dec. 14, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Dec. 23, 2020, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Christiane made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1954, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1957. She taught in the classroom for 39 years and taught music for one year, with seven more as choir teacher while serving as classroom teacher. Sister Christiane worked and volunteered in the Archives at the motherhouse for 20 years. She devoted herself to those who wished to pray with the penance chain worn by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP (1806-1864). Sister Christiane served in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Alabama.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Christiane served in the Archives at the motherhouse as staff, 1983-1984, and with the Mazzuchelli Collection as staff, 1995-1996; curator, 1996-2007; and volunteer, 2007-2015. Her research skills and knowledge of the collection promoted awareness of the life and works of Father Mazzuchelli.
Sister Christiane was born Nov. 25, 1934, in Mundelein, Ill., the daughter of Louis and Christine (Wagner) Althaus. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, Brother Louis Althaus, FSC, and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 66 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Christiane are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.