Sister Connie Kramer named Woman of Influence in Terre Haute

When one thinks of Sister Connie Kramer, her most evident characteristic might be that of a life-giver.

As parish life coordinator at the former inner-city St. Ann Parish in Terre Haute, Sister Connie helped to nourish the parish’s life for more than 20 years. Her leadership and vision helped to create St. Ann Medical and Dental Services that provides medical care to thousands of persons who are uninsured. And, when it came time for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to close St. Ann Parish, Sister Connie sustained life by new ways to remain together and opened the possibility of donating the churches furnishings to an out-of-state church that had been struck by a tornado.

Sister Connie, a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, was honored Thursday (April 11) as part of the Women of Influence program in Terre Haute. She has been a member of the Congregation for nearly 49 years. She is a native of Dayton, Ohio.

The Women of Influence program was established to identify and recognize top women leaders who have forged their own path and have developed their own leadership principles.

“Her influence in the north east side of Terre Haute has been immense and legendary. She has been a living demonstration of Christ’s admonishment to love God and your neighbor,” said Sister Lawrence Ann Liston in nominating Sister Connie for the honor.

Sister Connie received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She received a master’s degree in mathematics from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Trinity College. She entered the Congregation Sept. 12, 1964, from Holy Angels Parish in Dayton.

She has ministered as a high school classroom teacher, business officer and development director; pastoral minister; group and individual counselor; director of religious education; group consultant and facilitator; pastoral associate and associate administrator. She also served as administrator of dental services at the Wabash Valley Health Center, formerly known as St. Ann Clinic.