June 18, 2010
Sister Leta Zeller’s prayer was answered
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Benedictine Sister Leta Madene Zeller, 60, of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, died June 10 in her home at St. Francis Xavier Church in Poseyville, the parish she has served since 1991.
Her funeral was celebrated June 14 in the monastery church, with burial to be at a later date.
In the eulogy, Benedictine Sister Mary Agnes Sermersheim found good news in Sister Leta’s sudden passing. “I know that Leta prayed that she would be able to minister up to the time of her death,” said Sister Mary Agnes. “Her prayer was answered.”
Sister Mary Agnes also noted that Sister Leta had been “attracted to clown ministry because clowns remind us that with a tear and a smile we share in the same human weaknesses. Being present to others in their life experiences often calls us to be with those who are hurting and in pain and then moving into celebrating with others the joyful events of life.”
Sister Leta’s life included “the time to weep and the time to laugh,” said Sister Mary Agnes. “Leta loved being God’s servant. She made a difference in many of our lives.”
Sister Leta was born Nov. 21, 1949, in Evansville, the fourth of seven children of Louis and Lorraine (Marjanski) Zeller. She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand from St. Joseph Church, Evansville, in 1981, and made her first profession of vows in 1983 and her final profession in 1986.
Sister Leta is survived by four brothers, Louis, Jr. of Mount Vernon, Leo, Loren and Lance all of Evansville, a sister, Linda Boeglin of Haubstadt; nieces and nephews; and members of her religious community. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ronald.
She worked in parish ministry at St. Theresa Church, Evansville, from 1983 to 1984, and in par-ish ministry at Holy Redeemer Church, Evansville, from 1984 to 1987. She also did pastoral ministry for St. Wendel Parish.
Most recently she served as pastoral associate and director of religious education at St. Francis Xavier Parish.
Contributions in memory of Sister Leta may be made to the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand.