Alicia Orozco was born June 3, 1923 in Peñol, Antioquia, Colombia, South America, diocese of Medellin. She was the daughter of Luis Enrique Orozco and Cecilia (Zuluaga) Orozco. She was one of seven children. Two of her sisters are members of religious communities: Sister Emma Rosa is a Salvatorian and Sister Adela is a Mercedaria of the Blessed Sacrament. Sister Alicia first met the Salvatorians in her home parish when a Salvatorian Sister came to speak about vocations. It was from this contact that she entered the congregation on August 15, 1952 in Bogota, Colombia. On January 5, 1954, she entered the novitiate in Chia, Colombia, receiving the religious name Vianney. She pronounced her first vows on January 6, 1955 and perpetual vows on January 6, 1961, both in Chia, Colombia.

Sister Alicia came to the United States on May 10, 1961 and became a citizen on July 29, 1966. While studying English at the provincial house, St. Mary’s Convent in Milwaukee, WI, she helped in the Motherhouse laundry and assisted with the care of the elderly women residing in a section of the convent.

Sister Alicia became certified as a Nursing Assistant in July 1964 through the Milwaukee Health Department. Following certification, she continued to take classes to become certified in specific areas. From 1964 to1984, Sister Alicia specialized in the care of the elderly at various facilities in Milwaukee – St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Lakeview Hospital, Millway Nursing Home and Lutheran Home for the Aged.

In 1984, Sister Alicia returned to Colombia for an extended time. During the first six months of her stay, both her father and mother died. While there, she served in a variety of ministries: in a school in Medellin, a health center in Villanueva, in the provincial house in Bogota caring for our sick sisters and in Caparrapi, doing pastoral work in a parish, specifically home visiting.

When she returned to the United States in 1987, she transferred to Tucson, AZ and contracted with St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic in the Home Health Program. This ministry was a good fit for Sister Alicia. She stated: “This ministry is very rewarding for me – trying to keep the elderly and sick in their own homes as long as possible.” The Executive Director wrote: “Sister Alicia continues to be a strong support in our Home Health Program. Her dedication to the poor and her compassionate care are gifts beyond any contract.” And at another time, “Sister Alicia continues to work hard with her clients and endeavors to be considerate and caring on a one-to-one basis.”

Sister Alicia, in reflecting on the gifts she brought to this ministry, named these: kind with the sick and suffering, compassionate, sensitive to the poor and needy, open and ready to help people without distinction of age or race and helping clients deal with their limitations. Sister Alicia was always mindful of the mission of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. When writing about her ministry, she frequently stated that she brought the goodness and kindness of the Savior to those with whom she ministered. She continued in this ministry for nine years.

After retiring from the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic, she remained in Tucson and volunteered in a variety of ways. She continued to reach out to the homebound and elderly, helping them in whatever way she could, volunteering at Outreach, a pregnancy counseling agency, and bringing communion to patients at a hospital.

“Blessed are you…..when I was sick, you cared for me.” (Matthew 25)

In 2002, Sister Alicia moved to Milwaukee and joined the community at the Salvatorian Sisters Residence. Still eager to serve, she immediately looked for volunteer opportunities. She served weekly at Mother of Good Counsel Parish Office. Twice a month she assisted in the food pantry at St. Rose Parish and was a vigil keeper at St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus.

Sister Alicia’s last visit to Bogota, Colombia was from early December 2006 until February 2007. She wanted to celebrate the 50th Jubilee of her Salvatorian sister, Sister Emma Rosa Orozco. While there, she became ill and was hospitalized, but recovered in time for the celebration and return home.

After her return to the United States, she began to experience more health problems and increasing dementia. In 2008, she began falling, both in the house and outside. In order to keep her safe and provide the necessary care she needed, S. Alicia entered St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus on August 19, 2008.

Sister Alicia experienced a rapid decline in health on December 2nd, the day before her death. During this time, Sisters prayed and kept vigil at her bedside. Nurses at St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus provided supportive care. Our Sisters of the Colombian Province, especially her sister, Sister Emma Rosa, SDS, were informed so that they too could be in prayer for Sister Alicia. Shortly after 8:00 am on December 3rd, Sister Alicia died peacefully.

Sister Alicia was 85 years old and professed for 53 years. May the Savior of the World give Sister Alicia the joy and peace of eternal life.

Sister Alicia is survived by her Salvatorian Sisters and the entire Salvatorian Family, her sisters: Sister Emma Rosa, SDS, Sister Adela & Fabiola; and brothers: Heriberto and Enrique. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Alonzo.

Visitation, 12:30pm and a 2pm Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at Saint Anne’s Salvatorian Campus, 3800 N. 92nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 8, 2008.