Sister Mary Giles Weyandt

Little Falls, Minnesota............Sister Giles (Ida Mary) Weyandt, 84, died on November 16, 2012, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Francis Convent on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. Friends may call at St. Francis Convent on Monday, November 19, from 4 – 8:30 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral on November 20, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by Shelley Funeral Chapel, Little Falls. Sister Mary Giles was born on August 13, 1928, in St. Paul, Minn. She was the ninth of 10 children born to the late John and Josephine (Huss) Weyandt. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minn., on August 12, 1946. She made first profession on August 12, 1948, and final vows on August 12, 1951. She was a Franciscan Sister for 66 years. Sister Mary Giles was a person of principle coupled with a deep faith. She had a contagious chuckle that made her eyes sparkle as she enjoyed the humorous things in life. Music was very unique to her which filled her whole being. Often at the appropriate time she would come up with an impromptu “little ditty” that fit the situation. Sister Mary Giles had a great sense of rhyme and rhythm that poured out of her. She strove to live a life of simplicity and to depend on Divine Providence. She had a great reverence for God, people and all of creation. Sister Mary Giles was always grateful for the goodness and generosity that God poured into her life. Her pastimes included walking, gardening, reading, music and bird-watching. Sister Mary Giles attended Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wis.; received a Bachelor of Science from the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul; Master of Arts from University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and attended St. Mary College, Xavier, Kans.; Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn.; and University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio. Sister Mary Giles ministered as an elementary teacher, organist, librarian, principal, choir director, secretary, music coordinator, director of religious education, pastoral associate and guided a Secular Franciscan Fraternity. She served in Waite Park, St. Cloud, Elk River, Morris, Osakis, Crystal and Zimmerman. Sister Mary Giles was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Edward, Margaret Petsch, Josephine Maietta, Sister Karline, OSF, John, Sister Mary Thomas, OSF, James, Thomas and Joseph. Survivors include nieces, nephews and her Franciscan community. Donations to Franciscan Sisters Ministries preferred.

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Sister Mary Giles Weyandt

August 13, 1928 - November 16, 2012