St. Mary of the Snows Namur is the home parish of Gloria Mae, her twin Glory Ann, and their 10 siblings. She graduated from a one-room primary school and went on to high school in Brussels. While working hard on the farm, she recognized her artistic interests and enrolled in a correspondence art course.
It was through summer religious classes that Gloria Mae met the Bay Settlement Sisters. She entered the community in 1954 and was given the name Sister Claudette. She continued her education through
St. Norbert College and classes from the theological Institute. She taught for 26 years in the Catholic schools of the Green Bay Diocese. Her wonder of creation, love of nature and interest in science led her to develop curriculum guides for teachers through the Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA).
In the 1980s, Sister Claudette began a new career in home care of adults. She ministered at Baird Home, Communi-care and Home Instead senior care agencies. While working with the elderly in their homes, Sister taught painting as a hobby and therapy for adults in senior centers of Allouez, De Pere and Green Bay.
Sister Claudette was a member of local art groups and received awards for her clay sculptures and watercolor paintings. She had paintings displayed at the Neville Public Museum, Green Bay; Miller Art Museum, Sturgeon Bay; Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan; and Peninsula Art School, Fish Creek. Now Sister Claudette has some of her art displayed around her room at Grancare Nursing Center. What a recognition of God’s gift that began in grade school. She enjoys art projects done with other residents as well as music and other entertainment. At age 91, Sister continues to expand her interests and gratitude. Not only has she marveled at God’s beauty in creation, but she spreads God’s gift in her works of art.
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