Financial steward retires after three decades as SP treasurer

Financial steward retires after three decades as treasurer

photo of sister marie at desk “As a child,” Sister Marie Thaddeus, SP, reminisced for Tracings in 1987, “I was the one who loved nothing in particular but everything in general.”

At first glance, “everything in general” turns out to be an impressive stamp collection and a more modest collection of pins and postcards. She loves classical music, bowling, reading and travel, too.

Telling another story
A second, deeper look tells another story—of her love for her family, sisters-in-religion, French heritage, and her ministries, most recently her 32 years as SP treasurer. She retired last September in what can only be described as her, “Sister Marie Thaddeus way—quietly.”

When asked to comment on her lengthy tenure, she only offered, “It’s been a privilege to serve my sisters and to work with the Congregation’s last four leadership groups.”

Those who know her well, though, know her tendency towards quiet is balanced and, at times, heavily outweighed by assertiveness when warranted. (In the 70s, she addressed the Campbell Soup Board, in full view of 500 Campbell shareholders, on its reluctance to hold labor negotiations with migrant farm workers in northern Ohio.)

Setting clocks by regularity
With a regularity others could set their clocks by, Sister Marie Thaddeus spent 80% of her time at her desk. Then there were meetings, meetings and more meetings—from finance and investment to service on boards of SP institutions.

Sister Joan Mullen, SP, immediate Past SP President, reflected on Sister Marie’s dedication, saying: “Sister’s fidelity as treasurer has only been second to her fidelity to her commitment to her life as a Sister of Providence. A woman of faith, strength and wisdom through many changes and events in the Congregation, she never wavered,” said Sister Joan, “in her stewardship of the patrimony of the Community—the material—and more importantly, the human resources, the Sisters. She is someone I have counted on, looked up to, trusted, as well as found delight in her quiet wit and occasional French expressions of, “Mon doux,” at just the right moment. I pray she will be blessed with health and opportunities to enjoy her retirement.”

Bonne Retraite! Bonne Soeur.

In this 1987 photo (left,) Sister Marie Thaddeus confers with Leo Stack, now retired, former director of business affairs for the SPs. At right (undated file photo,) Sister Marie in one of her earlier offices at Providence Mother House.

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