Sister Alice Clare Kuper

“May all who surrender to You say evermore, ‘My joy is in the Beloved!’” (from Psalm 70 “Psalms for Praying” by Nan Merrill)

“There are many thoughts in this Psalm that could relate to Sister Alice Clare, but several words seem to predominate that speak of her life: new life, beginning anew and the joy she found in serving her God,” read Sister Alexa Suelzer in a commentary written by Sister Edwardine McNulty for Sister Alice Clare Kuper, who died Sept. 30.

One of three children born to Alois and Laura (Lubbenhusen) Kuper, Mary Alice was born April 9, 1919, in Terre Haute, Ind. She attended grade school at St. Benedict, Terre Haute, and graduated from Providence Juniorate, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. She entered the Congregation Jan. 11, 1936, and professed first and perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1938, and 1944, respectively. Sister Alice Clare earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Sister Alice Clare ministered at all grade levels, including high school where she taught a variety of subjects but concentrated mainly in math and business classes. She began teaching in 1938 at Holy Trinity, New Albany, Ind. Her other Indiana classrooms included St. Catherine and Chartrand and Roncalli high schools, Indianapolis; St. Rose, Vincennes; Washington Catholic High School, Washington; and Schulte High School, Terre Haute. In Illinois, she ministered at Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Andrew, Chicago, and Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove. She also taught at Annunziata, St. Louis, and St. Rose High School, Chelsea, Mass. She returned to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1975 and ministered in a variety of capacities.

“Sister Alice Clare had a great love for the outdoors. This was shown by her interest and care of the inner patio in Providence Hall — watering, planting and decorating. Her hobbies were reading, crocheting and, of course, puzzles that involved math. Sister Alice Clare enjoyed the small things in life. One year the feast of the Annunciation came during Holy Week and was transferred to April 9, her birthday. Sister Alice Clare took great delight in this coincidence,” said Sister Alexa.

“Sister Alice Clare was deeply sensitive. This was both a cross and a blessing for her. Those who lived with her found her very neat, wanting everything in order. Sister Alice Clare liked to do things for herself and found it very hard when she had to depend on others in Health Care,” continued Sister Alexa.

“We bid you farewell, Sister Alice Clare. May you rest in peace and enjoy your new life with God,” said Sister Alexa.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Alice Clare was celebrated Oct. 5 with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She is survived by a sister, Margaret Hanrahan of Garden Grove, Calif., a brother, Robert of Terre Haute, and a second-cousin, Sister Bernice Kuper, SP, of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.