Sister Adrienne Marie Schmidtzinksy, CDP, entered eternal life on November 6, 2016 at the age of 97. She was born on July 7, 1919 to Adolph and Augusta (Jenscke) Schmidtzinksy in Fredericksburg, Texas. Her baptismal name was Adela. She professed first vows on June 22, 1940 and began her 64 year ministerial life in education as a teacher at Providence Academy in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Sister Adrienne Marie's numerous interviews and biographies include fond memories of her happy childhood on a farm, five miles outside of Fredericksburg, Texas, her 64 years as a teacher / principal in various schools in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and her 76 years as a Sister of Divine Providence (CDP). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1946 and a Masters in Counseling and Guidance in 1965 from Our Lady of the Lake College.  Her longest ministry was at Providence High School, San Antonio, Texas.

Besides serving as Principal and Counselor at Providence (1964-1970) she taught several business courses (1975-2001) and took pride in addressing the needs of the current times by initially using the manual typewriting then moving to electric, and ultimately teaching her students how to use a computer keyboard.

She taught numerous future CDPs. As an involved and devoted educator, she stayed in touch with her former students.  She cherished the reunions and the many notes and news she received throughout the years.

Last year, her 75th diamond jubilee was the perfect opportunity to reach out to her alumni through mailed invitations and even Facebook.  She personalized her jubilee invitations and subsequent thank you notes with an insert that read, " Working for God pays very little. But the retirement benefits are out of this world!"

Her various awards speak of her high standard of teaching. Her gift of networking leaves a legacy behind for her former students to follow.  For this and so much more, Sr. Adrienne Marie is now reaping her well-deserved benefits.

She is survived by her brother Milton and all her other Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Adolph and August Schmidtzinksy and siblings, Rev. Msgr. Victor Schmidtzinksy and Martha Schmidtzinksy.

FUNERAL SERVICES

The Rosary will be recited Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 3:35 p.m. and the Wake will be held at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Resurrection will be offered Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

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

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS