Sister Virginia Schroeder, SNJM
(Urban Mary)
January 2, 1945 – March 19, 2019
Sister Virginia Schroeder, SNJM departed this life on March 19, 2019 at Marie Rose Center, Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Sister Virginia celebrated 74 years of life and 53 years of her religious profession.
Her Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Holy Names, Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Burial took place following the funeral at Holy Names Cemetery, Marylhurst, Oregon.
Sister Virginia Schroeder, SNJM
Urban Mary
January 2, 1945 – March 19, 2019
Sister Virginia Schroeder, age 74, died at the Marie-Rose Center at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, March 19, 2019. A member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 53 years, her funeral will be held at 11 a.m., March 28, 2019, in the Chapel of the Holy Names, Marylhurst, Oregon.
The daughter of Al and Clara Keber Schroeder, Virginia was born in Salem, OR. Growing up, she attended St. Vincent’s School and Sacred Heart Academy where she became acquainted with the Holy Names Sisters. Graduating as part of Sacred Heart’s 100th class in 1963, she entered the Holy Names’ novitiate the next August and later received the name Sister Urban Mary (after her uncle Father Urban Keber, OSB). Upon completing a B.S. in education at Marylhurst College, she taught in Catholic elementary schools in Coos Bay, St. Helens, and St. Ignatius, Portland. During this time she obtained a master’s in education from Western Oregon State College and moved on to secondary school ministry at LaSalle High School, Milwaukie and St. Mary’s Academy, Portland.
In a career change, she pursued a master’s in pastoral studies from Seattle University and began work in parishes including Holy Trinity, Beaverton; St. Alice’s, Springfield; St. Jude’s, Eugene; St. Mary Star of the Sea, Astoria; and The Madeleine, Portland. Her extensive work experience prepared her for her mission at Mount Angel Seminary, where she served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Formation and Director of Admissions. The seminary honored her with the St. Michael the Archangel Award for exceptional fidelity and commitment to the mission of the seminary.
With retirement, Virginia’s ministry did not end. Until recently she served as hospitality coordinator for the Sisters’ guesthouse at Marylhurst and was active for many years as co-director of the SNJM Associate Program, planning meetings and retreats for Associates.
In all she did, Virginia brought a zest for life and an energetic spirit. If a helping hand was needed, Virginia was always there. She was generous with her time and enjoyed shopping for Sisters at Mary’s Woods and assisting Sisters to organize and downsize when they needed to move. She also helped each week in the Refugee Resettlement Office of Catholic Charities, volunteered at St. Andrew’s Emergency Services Center and periodically answered phones for Oregon Public Broadcasting. Throughout everything, she maintained her enthusiasm for life and accepted each day as God’s gift in whatever manner it unfolded.
Sister Virginia is survived by sisters, Louise Schroeder and Holy Names Sister Marilyn Schroeder, Salem, OR, and brother, Donald Schroeder (Margo), Redmond, OR, her nieces, nephews, cousins and members of her religious community. Remembrances may be made to Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org/donate.