Sister Georgiana Ginter , SDS
1911-2007

Elizabeth Ginter was born August 23, 1911 in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, diocese of La Crosse, daughter of August C. and Christina (Digman) Ginter. She entered the Congregation February 5, 1928. When she entered the novitiate on August 12, 1928, she received the religious name: Georgiana. She made first vows August 13, 1929 and final vows August 13, 1935, all at St. Mary’s Convent Milwaukee.

Sister Georgiana studied at Marquette University, Milwaukee where she received a Bachelor’s degree in 1959. She also studied at Mundelein College, Chicago, Illinois in the area of catechetics and religious studies. From 1933 – 1982 Sister served faithfully in the ministry of elementary teaching in our schools in Wisconsin, South Dakota and Maryland. In her oral history Sister Georgiana shared that during her first year of teaching in South Dakota, she had 62 pupils in a small room. "You could hardly get around in the room… Things turned out pretty well in spite of all the difficulties we had, which you always have in starting something new." In her over 50 years in the classroom, Sister Georgiana had some difficult assignments, but seldom did you hear a complaint from her.

Sister Georgiana was a prayerful woman and a conscientious teacher. When asked what brought her most satisfaction during her many years as a Salvatorian Sister, she said: "I think my greatest satisfaction is that I helped so many children by teaching them about Christ and to be able to read and write."

In 1982, Sister Georgiana retired at Our Lady of Good Hope Convent, Milwaukee, continuing to use her teaching skills in the parish catechetical program until 1990 when she joined our retired Sisters in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. In 1994, Sister Georgiana came to Salvatorian Heights, Milwaukee and for health reasons entered St. Mary’s Nursing Home in June, 1996. In January of 2001 all of our Sisters from St. Mary’s, including Sister Georgiana, moved to St. Anne’s Home for the Elderly. Here she quietly participated in the activities of the nursing home such as reminiscing, story-telling and other activities using manipulative skills. She was able to be present for daily Mass. It was an inspiration to see how graciously Sister Georgiana accepted her diminishment and how grateful she was for the smallest attention.

Over the past several months her health continued to deteriorate until she was confined to bed several days before her death. The Sisters kept vigil and prayed with Sister Georgiana. She remained peaceful until her death the morning of January 13, 2007.

Sister Georgiana was 95 years old and professed for 77 years. She is survived by her Salvatorian Sisters, a brother, Matthias (Betty) Ginter and a sister-in-law, Norma Ginter. She was preceded in death by brothers: Clarence, Elmer (Leona), Herman (Marion), Joseph (Jean) and one sister: Sister Matthias (Anna), SDS.

May Sister Georgiana be blessed with peace in our Divine Savior.