Sister Catherine Fuhrmann (formerly Clara Maria Fuhrmann) entered eternal life on July 8, 2017 at the age of 91.  One of six children of Henry and Katie Schmitz Fuhrmann, who had three sons and three daughters, Sister Catherine was born January 2, 1926 in Lindsay, Texas.  The Fuhrmanns lived on a farm.  Sr. Catherine in a reflection for her Jubilee recalled that a big factor in her decision to enter religious life was "the gentle encouragement of my parents."

In 1941 she answered God's call to become a Sister of Divine Providence, and came to the convent with three other girls from Lindsay, Sisters Mary Rose and Herman Mary Zimmerer and Sister Anna Rose Bezner.  When Sr. Catherine entered the convent, she was just a junior in high school, so had to complete her high school education at Our Lady of the Lake High School and two years of college before entering novitiate.  She completed her college education in summers after she began teaching.

Sister professed first vows on June 22, 1946 and began her long years of ministry first as an educator teaching at St. Ann's in Houston.  She earned a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Our Lady of the Lake College (now University) in San Antonio, TX and did further specialized education at Marquette University in Wisconsin and took courses in Philosophy and Theology at St. Thomas University in Houston.  Missioned in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, she spent most of her years in education as an elementary school teacher and principal.  She also was Novice Directress for the Congregation of Divine Providence for two and a half years starting in 1965.  In the last few years, Sr. Catherine has lived in Granger, first teaching at the school, and then volunteering with retreat work with Christ Renews His Parish at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Taylor, TX.

Reflecting on her life, Sister once wrote, "Remembering the 'good old days' always reminds me that we are where we are today because of the days that have been and have shaped us to the community we are today.  I am very grateful for all that has been and anticipate what we will become as we follow our Provident GOD."

She is survived by her sisters Lucille Hess and LaVern Nortman, and all her Sisters of Divine Providence.  She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.  Sister Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Katie Schmitz Fuhrmann and her brothers:  Louis, Damond, and William (also known as Brother Louis, OSB).

* All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m., and the
Wake will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make

a memorial contribution to the
Sisters of Divine Providence

515 S. W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207