Sister Ann Wittman, SCSC, age 90, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, died, December 8, at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, WI.
Ann Marie Wittman was born on October 8, 1927 in Merrill, Wisconsin, daughter of Walter and Mabel (Downie) Wittman. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on July 1, 1947, and professed her vows on July 2, 1949 and was known as Sister Mary Aquin.
Sister Ann received her education at Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill, WI; St. Francis College, Joliet, IL; Catholic University, Washington, DC; Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.
She was in her 68th year of ministry at the time of her death. Her many ministries included teaching at Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School and Menard Junior College, Merrill, WI; English teacher and member of Campus Ministry at Santa Clara University in California; Music and Liturgy Coordinator in Luling, Louisiana; English teacher at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in Algiers, Louisiana; Administrative Assistant and Episcopal Delegate for Christian Formation in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Sister Ann was a speaker at numerous workshops and traveled extensively facilitating workshops and seminars. She was a past staff member at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. She also served as a coordinator for the senior sisters in Merrill. Upon her retirement, she moved from Minocqua, Wisconsin to Bell Tower Residence in Merrill and continued editing articles for the international community and providing music for liturgies in Holy Cross Chapel.
Over the years sister served as a provincial councilor, formation director and delegate to the general chapter of the Holy Cross Sisters. She served on the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and HAVEN Board of Directors, Merrill, Wisconsin.
Her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive sister. Preceding her in death were her parents: Walter and Mabel, brothers, Walter and Joseph Wittman.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held Tuesday, December 12, at 11 AM in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI. Father Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial in St. Francis Xavier cemetery.
Visitation in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence from 6:30-8 PM on Monday night with a wake service at 8 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9 to 11 AM.
Memorials can be made to the Holy Cross Sisters, 1400 O’ Day Street, Merrill, WI 54452.
The Holy Cross Sisters wish to express their gratitude to the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Interim Healthcare Hospice Services as well as sisters and associates who helped sister in recent months. Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Merrill, WI, is assisting with arrangements.