SINSINAWA — Sister Theresa Byrne, OP, died July 21, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Natural burial took place July 23 in the Motherhouse Cemetery. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, July 27.
Sister Theresa was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Province of Ireland and Great Britain, and ministered in New Zealand for 26 years, serving 12 years in Oakland and 15 years in Christchurch. She ministered as teacher, principal, directress of formation for the South Pacific region of the congregation, member of the Provincial Team, and director of adult faith formation and spiritual growth for the Christchurch Diocese. Sister Theresa transferred her religious vows to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa in 1983 because she felt an inner call to contemplative life and to a focus on Scripture, which the Dominican Order provided. She served as director of religious education for seven years, pastoral minister for two years and director of adult faith formation for 16 years. She also led retreats and workshops for five years and offered spiritual guidance for 12 years. Sister Theresa wanted the laity to know they have a vocation in the mission of the Church. Many groups she gathered over the years in many cities are still active. She ministered in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Florida.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Theresa ministered as director of religious education at St. Dennis Parish, Madison, 1981-1982, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison, 1982-1986. Based in Madison from 2004 to 2009, she led retreats in Florida, Michigan and North Carolina, while also providing spiritual guidance for those in Wisconsin until 2016.
Sister Theresa was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Dublin, Ireland, the daughter of Thomas and Anne (Walsh) Byrne. Her parents and a brother, the Rev. Thomas Byrne, CSSp, preceded her in death. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters. Sister Theresa would have celebrated her 70th jubilee of religious life this year.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or atwww.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Theresa are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.