SINSINAWA, Wis. — Sister Ann Willits, OP, died Jan. 26, 2024, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Caitlin. Natural burial took place Jan. 30 in the Motherhouse Cemetery, Sinsinawa, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph Church, Hazel Green, Wis., Feb. 6.
Sister Ann made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1958, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1961. Her ministry was dedicated to teaching and preaching. Sister Ann taught at Bethlehem Academy, Faribault, MN, and was a high school principal at O’Gorman, Sioux Falls, SD, and Regina, Minneapolis. She served on the Leadership Council of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation from 1973 to 1982. Sister Ann led retreats and parish missions all over the United States and abroad. She was codirector of the Parable Conference for Dominican Life and Mission for 21 years and an itinerant preacher for 20 years while she developed programs, retreats, and parish missions to address the needs of the contemporary Church and world.
Sister Ann was born Feb. 20, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Kathleen (Tracy) Willits. Her parents; a twin brother in gestation; a brother, Mark Willits; and a sister, Mary Lorenz, preceded her in death. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 65 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or given online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate.