Sister Agatha Smithwick, O.S.B., 1892-1978

Sister Agatha Smithwick, O.S.B., age 86 of St. Mary’s Priory in Nauvoo died Wednesday, August 2 at 5:10 a.m. at the Priory.  She had lived here for 71 years.

Sister Agatha was born in Chicago, June 23, 1892.  Her parents were Redmond J. and Louise A. (Brady) Smithwick.

Her elementary education was in Chicago and at Mt. St. Joseph, Dubuque, Ia.  Her secondary education was at St. Mary’s Academy, Nauvoo.  In 1910 Sister entered the Novitiate at St. Mary’s and was perpetually professed in 1915.  Sister celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1937; her golden jubilee in 1962; the Diamond Jubilee in 1972.  Her first teaching certificate was by Examination in 1909.   She attended advance studies at Normal, Il. and in Greensburg, Pa.  She completed advanced work for her degrees at S. Ambrose College, Davenport Ill.  Her teaching assignments were in the Diocese of Peoria: at Clinton, Moline, Monmouth, Atkinson, Nauvoo, Ill.  Sister Agatha also served the community as Novice Mistress from1925-1933.

She is survived by one sister, Sister Claire Louise Smithwick, O.S.B., and a cousin, Sister Eleanor Savage, O.S.B., both of St. Mary’s Priory, and numbers of nieces and nephews.  Her parents, four brothers, and three sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Priory with Father Thomas Fahey officiating.  Burial was in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Nauvoo.