SISTER ANNE HEIM

Sister Anne Heim, OSB, of St. Scholastica Monastery, Fort Smith, entered into eternal life on January 13, 2013 at the age of 99. She was born on July 21, 1913, in San Francisco, CA to Philip and Alice Heim. She worked as an administrative assistant for the U.S. government in Washington, DC and San Francisco. She became a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, Panhandle, TX, in August, 1965. She transferred to the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in 1981 and made her final profession as a Benedictine on January 1, 1984.

She earned her B.A. in English at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA in 1964 and her M.Ed. in Reading from West Texas University, Canyon, TX in 1979. As a Franciscan sister, she was a bookkeeper-secretary in the Children’s Home and taught in elementary schools in Dalhart, Pampa, and Borger, TX. At St. Scholastica Monastery, she taught in St. John School, Russellville; St. Boniface School, Fort Smith; and St. Vincent DePaul School, Rogers. She also served as principal at St. Joseph School, Paris. Upon her retirement from teaching in 1985, she worked as a receptionist at the Fort Smith Office on Aging until 1987. After retirement, she was secretary-bookkeeper in the retreat center office, took care of the Host Department and the Trinity Junior High School Chapel, engaged in pastoral work, and tutored for the Fort Smith Literacy Council.

Between 1986 and 1994, the monastery and the Area Agency on Aging contributed toward Sister Anne’s activity as a race walker for the Senior Olympics in city, state, and national competitions. During this time, she won 18 first place medals, two second place medals, and one third place medal for race-walking in 400, 800 and 1500 meter races and stationery cycling, all in the 75-79 year age group. She was featured on AETN TV as a senior who exemplifies physical fitness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Philip; and two sisters, Alice Stinchcomb and Genevieve Wood. She is survived by several nephews and nieces and her monastic community.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated on January 17th with Reverend David McKillin, OSB, presiding, followed by interment in the monastery cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Donate In Sr. Anne Heim’s Memory
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