Obituary of Sister M. Clarence Golla, OSF

Sister M. Clarence Golla, OSF

Sister M. Clarence Golla, OSF (1928 – 2018) died at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, Joliet, Illinois, on December 23, 2018.  A native of Chicago, Illinois, Sister Clarence Golla was the youngest of three children born to the late Peter and Clara Golla.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Loretta Oakley and Mildred Kuzma. She was a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 82 years.

Sister Clarence was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Chicago, Illinois, and through her early education at the parish grade and high school, she became acquainted with the Joliet Franciscans.  She entered the convent in September, 1946. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis). Sister also received a Certificate from the Seraphic Institute of Theology from the College of St. Francis.   

Sister Clarence began her ministry of teaching in the primary grades in 1949.  From 1949 to 1964 she taught Grades 1 – 4 in various schools throughout Ohio.  From 1964 to 1968, she taught grades 1 & 2 at St. Andrew Parish School in Romeoville, Illinois, and then also taught in Michigan.  

After spending almost 25 years as a primary teacher, in 1973 she became a core member of the St. Clare House of Prayer which was then situated in Kankakee, Illinois.  This Congregation ministry of prayer and hospitality provided a place of retreat and prayer to thousands of people. It was opened in 1969.  The Sisters at the House of Prayer now reside in the Village at OLA.  Through her love for gardening and donations, she was able to help purchase and deliver food to several needy families in the Kankakee area.

In 2008 Sister Clarence moved to Our Lady of Angels where she continued her ministry of prayer and service to the residents.

The wake for Sister Clarence will be at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Avenue, Joliet, IL, (Wyoming and Rt. 30) on Thursday, January 3, 2019, from 2:00 – 6:45 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 4:45 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 p.m.  The Funeral Procession will leave from Our Lady of Angels on Friday morning, January 4, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.  The Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL  60435.          

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.  For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com