Sister Louis Marie Biechele, C.S.J.

Rest in Peace April 2, 2012.

 

Sister Louis Marie Biechele, C.S.J., 94, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, died in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, April 2, in the 75th year of her religious life. She had taught Math at TMLA since 1973. Her Math specialty was Geometry. In her later years she helped manage the Kaleidoshop/Book Store.


Sister Louis entered the congregation in 1938 from St. Brendan parish, Midwood
After earning degrees in Math from St. John’s University and extended study in Modern Math from Manhattan College and the University of Maine, she taught at St. Martin of Tours, Bushwick, 1939-40; St. Angela Hall Academy H.S., Clinton Hill,1940-42, 1943-48; St. Augustine, Park Slope, 1948-1949; The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica Estates, 1949-53; Bishop McDonnell H.S Annex, Flushing, 1953-64; St. Agnes Seminary H.S., Homecrest 1964-68; St. Patrick, Fort Greene, as Principal, 1968-71; Fontbonne Hall Academy, Fort Greene, as Administrative Assistant, 1971-73; and The Mary Louis Academy H.S., Jamaica Estates, 1973-2009. She retired to Maria Regina Residence in 2009. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.

Sister Joan Killen CSJ offered the following at her funeral:

Sister Louis Marie Biechele was a Sister of Saint Joseph for seventy-four years. We remember her wit, wisdom and welcoming presence. As Sisters of Saint Joseph we believe in the power and presence of God working through us to bring God’s healing and inclusive love to all whose lives we touch. Louis touched many lives as teacher, administrator, mentor and friend.

It was obvious to all who know her that she was attentive to God’s creative energy empowering her to see the gifts and potential in others. She cooperated with God’s creative presence to empower others to be a positive influence on our world. On her own, she could create beautiful needlework or ignite fun and enjoyment with her clever games and play on words. She was fully aware of God working in and through her and she could bring God’s care and compassion to others with enthusiasm and joy.

How fitting that we celebrate Louis’ life this Holy Week. She allowed the voice of God to take her where it will. Through her various ministries she was tireless in using her talents to help others learn. Yes, they learned math from an excellent teacher but they learned that God lives in each one of us and impels us to love one another without distinction. Louis was aware of this presence, ennobled it and empowered others. And of course one learned to have a little fun along the way.

In her illness and diminishment, she always had her smile, still bearing the presence of a loving God, caring for others and confident in the God who loved her dearly. In her living and dying Louis gave expression to the deep spirit of love with integrity and the total commitment of her life.
Louis you taught us how to live, laugh and love and we will remember your lessons well. Your death is not an end but a transformation into the mystery of a loving God.