Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer
Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Providence Health Care. She was 94-years-old and had been a Sister of Providence for 76 years.
Funeral services for Sister Dorothy Ellen will be announced as soon as they become available.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sister Dorothy Ellen to the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
We welcome you to share your memories of Sister Dorothy Ellen in the comment section below.
Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer
Complete Ministry
In New Hampshire: Teacher, St. Mary, Rochester (1952-54).
In Massachusetts: Teacher, St. Rose, Chelsea (1954-56).
In Indiana: Teacher, Annunciation, Brazil (1956-59); Teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianapolis (1959); Teacher, St. James, Indianapolis (1962-65); Teacher, St. John the Baptist, Whiting (1965-68); Teacher, St. Luke, Indianapolis (1968-72); Teacher, St. James, Indianapolis (1972-76); Intermediate, South Central Catholic, Indianapolis (1976-77); Director, Simeon House, Indianapolis (1980-81); Driver/Residential Services, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2012-14); Volunteer, Wabash Valley Health Center, Terre Haute (2014); OSCC Switchboard/Residential Services, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2020-21); Prayer, Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2021-26).
In Illinois: Teacher, St. Leo, Chicago (1959-62); Secretary, Ministry Resource Center, Inc., Chicago (1981-82); Programmer/Bookkeeper, Ministry Resource Center, Inc., Chicago (1982-87); Pastoral Associate, Queen of Apostles Parish, Riverdale (1987-98); Pastoral Associate, Assumption Parish, Coal City (1998-2002); Volunteer to Parish, Assumption Parish, Coal City (2002-12); Volunteer to Nursing Home, Morning Star Mission, Joliet (2002-12).
I met Dorothy 4 years ago when I interviewed her, and we have been friends since that time. She has always delighted me with her quick with, her ability to laugh at herself, and her loving concern for the Sisters in her community who were more vulnerable than herself. She was a loyal friend, and would call several times a week to chat. She frequently had me restock her candy, that she bought to share with others. She loved her nieces and family and always looked forward to seeing them.
Her sense of adventure led us here and there in the Motherhouse over the past four years; the most recent adventure being the Earth Day Festival in April. Although it was cold and rainy that day, she was ready to travel to every tent in the rain and was not bothered by either the cold or the rain. So we saw it all. She will be missed.
I met Dorothy 4 years ago when I interviewed her, and we have been friends since that time. She has always delighted me with her quick with, her ability to laugh at herself, and her loving concern for the Sisters in her community who were more vulnerable than herself. She was a loyal friend, and would call several times a week to chat. She frequently had me restock her candy, that she bought to share with others. She loved her nieces and family and always looked forward to seeing them.
Her sense of adventure led us here and there in the Motherhouse over the past four years; the most recent adventure being the Earth Day Festival in April. Although it was cold and rainy that day, she was ready to travel to every tent in the rain and was not bothered by either the cold or the rain. So we saw it all. She will be missed.