Sr. Maryann Elizabeth Bochsler
June 16, 1921 - January 29, 2018
Obituary
Sister Maryann Bochsler, age 96, a Sister of Providence for 71 years, died January 29, 2018, at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA. Vigil Service: Sunday, February 4, 2018, at 6:30 PM, and Funeral Mass: Monday, February 5, 2018, at 11:00 AM, both at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, WA, after Mass and reception. Bonney Watson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Maryann Elizabeth Bochsler was born June 16, 1921 to Albert and Hedwig (Wellman) Bochsler, in St. Paul, Oregon. She was the oldest of seven children. In 1939 Maryann graduated from Mt Angel Academy, Mt. Angel, OR.
Maryann entered the Sisters of Providence in July 1946 at Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, Washington, and in January 1947, she became a novice. In July 1948 she professed first vows and received the name Sister Mary Carmelita, and in July 1950 she professed final vows.
After high school, Maryann received her nursing diploma from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Vancouver, Washington in 1946. In 1959, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Sr. Maryann received her Chaplain’s certification in 1984. In 1985-86 Sr. Maryann did additional Clinical Pastoral Education at Seattle University. She was also a member of several professional organizations: Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Nursing Sorority, Greater Seattle Association of Chaplains, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and on the Puget Sound Council of Senior Citizens.
In 1948 Sr. Maryann first served as a companion in the infirmary at the Provincial House, Seattle, and during 1949-1970 she held numerous nursing, medical and surgical supervisory positions at various hospitals. In Washington: Walla Walla– St. Mary Hospital; Yakima – Providence Yakima Medical Center (St. Elizabeth Medical Center); Seattle – Providence Medical Center; Vancouver – St. Joseph Hospital; and Everett – Providence Medical Center. In Oregon: Portland – Providence St. Vincent Medical Center; Medford – Providence Medical Center (Sacred Heart Hospital); and Astoria – St. Mary’s Hospital. In California: Burbank – St. Joseph Medical Center.
Then from 1970-1995 Sr. Maryann served as a spiritual coordinator and provided pastoral care in Portland, for a short time at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center; and in Seattle, for 20+ years, at “The Mount”, Providence Mount St. Vincent.
When she retired in February 1995 at St. Joseph Residence Sr. Maryann did volunteer work giving spiritual and pastoral care to many. Some of her hobbies were reading, making flower arrangements and sharing cherished time with family, friends and her sisters in community.
Sr. Maryann is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Adelene Hammelman, and three brothers, Joseph, John and Thomas. She is survived by brothers, Albert Jr., Mt. Angel; Ralph (Louise), Stayton, OR; sisters-in-law Barbara and Dorothy, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016. To view Sr. Maryann’s obituary and picture and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com
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Sister Maryann, special Woman of Providence, faithful, caring, involved in the lives of many people, politically astute, a wisdom woman in our Peace Community, an artist and a deeply spiritual woman of Providence. We will miss her physical presence in our lives and her beautiful smile.
You are with your God and celebrating new life with all your family, Maryann. Mt. Angel’s German beer never tasted so good.
Peace be with you. You live in our hearts.
Such a beautiful soul, who touched so many. May you rest in the sweet arms of Jesus.
Sr. Maryann always had a bright light in her eyes. She will be missed.
Sr. Maryanne had a lovey smile and contagious laugh. A joy to know.