Sister M. Berenice Hartke, SSND (95) of Bridgeton, MO, formerly of Bishop Creek

Sister M. Berenice Hartke, S.S.N.D., 95, of Bridgeton, Missouri, formerly of Bishop Creek, died Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Anna House in Bridgeton, Missouri.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held Friday, January 14 at the Mother House with burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sister M. Berenice was born June 24, 1926 in Bishop Creek, the daughter of Aloysius and Clara (Cremer) Hartke. She professed her vows in 1946. This past summer she celebrated 75 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She taught elementary and junior high school, serving in 13 schools in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois and California for 58 years. She was also an elementary school administrator for six years at Immaculate Conception in West Alton, Missouri; six years at St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles, Missouri; three and a half years at St. Anthony in Quincy, Illinois; and 10 years at St. Anthony in Effingham, Illinois. Sister M. Berenice tutored for four years at Notre Dame Tutorial Center and served as a teacher for two years at Notre Dame Learning Center in St. Louis. She ministered in prayer and presence at Veronica House in Bridgeton, Missouri and was residing at the Anna House in Bridgeton, Missouri. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Webster College in St. Louis and a master's in education from St. Louis University.

She is survived by one sister, Catherine "Kay" Hardiek of Dieterich, IL, sister-in-law Carol Jean Vahling of Effingham and several nieces and nephews.

Sister M. Berenice was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers: Henry, Fr. Simon Hartke O.F.M., Richard, Herman and Jerome; three sisters: Sr. Claritus Hartke S.S.N.D., Sr. Lois Hartke S.S.N.D. and Martha Wente; and sister-in-law Glenda Hartke.