Sister Carolyn Law, age 71, died December 16, 2023, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn.
Sister Carolyn was born on August 14, 1952, in Yankton, S. Dak., the third of four children of Willard and Isabelle (Schiferl) Law. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 31, 1980. She made her first profession of vows on August 28, 1982, and final vows on August 10, 1985. She was a Franciscan Sister for 43 years.
Growing up on a farm gave Sister Carolyn a love for wide open spaces, a sense of God in nature and a desire to see the rest of the world, which was probably influenced by her mother who wanted her children to get an education and “find a different life than being farmers.” She attended a small rural elementary school and then graduated from Yankton High School. She earned a B.A. in education from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn, and later a master’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago.
As a young girl, Carolyn had always been drawn to being a religious sister, influenced by an aunt and two great aunts who were nuns and would visit occasionally during the summer. When she joined the Franciscan community, she was surprised to learn that her aunts were Milwaukee Franciscans; she was surprised again to learn three other great aunts had also belonged to that community. She claimed being a Franciscan was in her blood.
After initial formation and serving at Blessed Sacrament Parish in West Fargo, N. Dak., she had the privilege of working in Venezuela and Nicaragua. She wanted to learn directly about the poor of the world. Learning another language and experiencing another culture was humbling yet enriched her greatly.
She returned to the States in 1992 and, after a year sabbatical, pursued a graduate degree in counseling psychology and became a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified bioenergetic therapist. She found this ministry meaningful and felt that as a Franciscan she could offer a special warmth and compassion for those who come for help in their need. She also served as assistant minster on the Franciscan Sisters’ Leadership team and was treasurer.
Sister Carolyn was a gift to her community and those who knew her well. She was intelligent, talented and creative. She cared for the environment in big and small ways from leading the campus solar energy project to monitoring blue bird nests. She loved music and was a member of the chorale and orchestras at St. Francis Music Center. She was known for telling jokes, and for ten years she took to the stage as Pastor Anderson to raise funds for a local charity. She was quiet, kind and gentle and a true friend to many.
At the time of her 25th jubilee she said, “I am grateful to this Franciscan community for being accepted, loved and nurtured into being more fully who I am. Thanks to all my sisters, friends and family who have been a part of my life and journey.”
Sister Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her siblings: Beth (Bill) Staudenmaier, Denver, Colo.; Tom (Sandi), Branson, Mo.; Phyllis Schwandt, Yankton, S. Dak.; and her Franciscan community.
A private Mass of Christan Burial was celebrated on December 18 at St. Francis Convent. A Memorial Mass was celebrated April 20.
Sister Carolyn's Memorial Video
