Sister Lorraine Schneider, M.M.S., a long-time resident of Philadelphia, died July 7 at Holy Redeemer Provincialate, Huntingdon Valley, after a long illness. She was 95.
A medical technologist, research chemist and chemistry instructor from Superior, Wisc., she entered the Medical Mission Sisters in 1952, made her first vows in 1955 and professed vows for life in 1960.
In 1975, Sister Lorraine began a six-year term as the Medical Mission Sisters’ North American formation coordinator. She then started a special ministry to senior citizens, companioning fellow residents at Sacred Heart Manor, Germantown, where she taught Bible study classes.
Sister Lorraine completed over 50 years of active ministry as a volunteer in the Medical Mission Sisters’ Thrift Shop in Fox Chase, where she was a special presence to all who came to shop or stop by.
Prior to her service in Philadelphia, she worked in the laboratory at Our Lady of Coromoto Hospital in Maracaibo, Venezuela, for two years before being missioned to Ghana, West Africa. Sister Lorraine spent 17 years there, first as a medical technologist at Holy Family Hospital in Berekum. She then was asked by the Ministry of Health to set up a School of Medical Technology in Accra, where she also served as senior biochemist and instructor.
When she was in her 80s, Sister Lorraine said her goal in life was “aging gracefully, helping others as I can … no matter your age, you can always give comfort to people.”
Her funeral Mass was July 12 in Philadelphia, followed by burial in the Medical Mission Sisters’ cemetery.
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