Sister Mary Anselm Coppersmith

Sister Mary Anselm was born Christina Gertrude Coppersmith on Jan. 25, 1913. She died on March 3, 2006. She was 93 years old and had been a Sister of Providence for 69 years.

Sister Mary Anselm entered the Congregation on Feb. 11, 1937, following in the footsteps of her three sisters – Sisters Scholastica, Mary Albertine and Mary Xavier. She professed first and final vows on Aug. 15, 1939 and 1945, respectively.

Sister Mary Anselm began her teaching ministry in 1939 at St. Philip Neri in Indianapolis. In addition to teaching at other schools in Indiana, she education students in Illinois, Maryland and Missouri. In 1976, she ministered in the book store office at John F. Kennedy High School, Manchester, Mo. Other ministries included clerical work and education service. In 1991, she returned to the Woods and volunteered in many departments.

Sister Mary Anselm was known to have kept a notebook with the names of all her students between 1939 and 1976. She prayed for all of them and corresponded with many.