Sister Marietta Samz, age 87, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The former Rosalie Martha Samz was born on Jan. 2, 1937 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Oscar and Frances (Reuter) Samz. She entered the convent in 1956, professed her vows in 1959, and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2017.
Sister Marietta earned a bachelor of education degree from St. Norbert College, De Pere. She served as an elementary teacher at St. Joseph, Marinette; St. Jude and Holy Cross, Green Bay; Holy Angels, Darboy; St. Kilian, New Franken; St. John, Howard; St. Charles, Lena; All Saints, Denmark; and Holy Cross, Kaukauna. She served as a teacher in the Sacred Heart Southern Missions, Tunica, Miss., and as an ESL teacher at the Fort Howard Family Resource Center, Green Bay.
Sister Marietta’s Franciscan spirit was evident in her love for God and all of creation. She graced the Motherhouse chapel and other areas with beautiful floral arrangements. She cared for an herbal garden and shared the herbs with the kitchen. Each spring, she kept watch for bluebirds hoping they would arrive and nest nearby. She enjoyed tagging Monarch butterflies in the Fall. Her deep faith carried her through difficulties and loss of loved ones. She left us all an example of humility, creativity, and loving kindness.
Survivors include the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Associates; her sister: Helen Koch, Mishicot; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents: Oscar and Frances; brothers & sisters-in-law: Bernard (Shirley), Edward (Phyllis), Joseph (Audrey), Michael (Dorothy), Roland (Marie) and William (Annette); sisters & brothers-in-law: Marie (Gary) La Fond, Frances (John) Kornely, Katherine (Francis)Tomcheck, Eleanore (John) Kattner; brother-in-law: Robert Koch.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 18 by Reverend David McElroy, O. Praem.
