SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Marie Denise Dwyer, OP, died Aug. 21, 2009, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The Mass of Resurrection was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa Aug. 26, 2009, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marie Denise made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican March 8, 1939, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1942. She taught high school math and science for 36 years, substituted in Janesville Public Schools for five years, was a parish visitor for nine years, and was a home companion for four years. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, Alabama and Minnesota.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Marie Denise taught at Edgewood High, Madison, 1955-1957. She was a substitute teacher at Janesville Public Schools, Janesville, 1981-1986, and ministered as a parish visitor at St. John Vianney Parish, Janesville, 1986-1993.
Sister Marie Denise was born Aug. 20, 1911, in Kendall, Wis., the daughter of James and Mina (Spradling) Dwyer. Her parents; one sister, Margaret Dwyer; and two brothers, Edward Dwyer and James Dwyer, preceded her in death. She is survived by cousins, including Sister Catherine Thomas Dwyer, OP, and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 70 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or go to www.sinsinawa.org, click on “Donate to Us,” then “Honors and Memorials.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Marie Denise are available online at www.ustream.tv/Sinsinawa