Sister Carolyn Law

Sister Carolyn Law, 71 year old resident of the St. Frances Convent passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Convent in Little Falls. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Donations to Franciscan Sisters ministries are preferred. Caring for Sister Carolyn and her family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Sister Carolyn was born on August 14, 1952, in Yankton, S. Dak., the third of four children of Willard and Isabelle (Schiferl) Law. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 31, 1980. She was a Franciscan Sister for 43 years. Growing up on a farm gave Sister Carolyn a love for wide open spaces, a sense of God in nature and a desire to see the rest of the world, which was probably influenced by her mother who wanted her children to get an education and “find a different life than being farmers.” She attended a small rural elementary school and then graduated from Yankton High School. She earned a B.A. in education from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn, and later a master’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago. As a young girl, Carolyn had always been drawn to being a religious sister, influenced by an aunt and five great-aunts who were nuns. When she joined the Franciscan community, she was surprised to learn that they were Milwaukee Franciscans. She claimed being a Franciscan was in her blood. After initial formation and serving at Blessed Sacrament Parish in West Fargo, N. Dak., she had the privilege of working in Venezuela and Nicaragua. She wanted to learn directly about the poor of the world. Learning another language and experiencing another culture was humbling yet enriched her greatly. She returned to the States in 1992. She pursued a graduate degree in counseling psychology and became a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified bioenergetic therapist. She found this ministry meaningful and felt that as a Franciscan she could offer a special warmth and compassion for those who come for help in their need. She also served as assistant minister on the Franciscan Sisters’ Leadership team and was treasurer. Sister Carolyn was a gift to her community and those who knew her well. She cared for the environment in big and small ways from leading the campus solar energy project to monitoring blue bird nests. She loved music and was a member of the chorale and orchestras at St. Francis Music Center. For ten years she took to the stage as Pastor Anderson to raise funds for a local charity. She was quiet, kind and gentle and a true friend to many. At the time of her 25th jubilee, she said, “I am grateful to this Franciscan community for being accepted, loved and nurtured into being more fully who I am. Thanks to all my sisters, friends and family who have been a part of my life and journey.” Sister Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her siblings, Beth (Bill) Staudenmaier, Denver, Colo.; Tom (Sandi), Branson, Mo.; Phyllis Schwandt, Yankton, S. Dak.; and her Franciscan community.

Tributes

Sister Carolyn Law

August 14, 1952 - December 16, 2023