Sister Mary Geraldine Bienek

BIENEK- Sister Mary Geraldine Bienek, CSSF, May 30, 1950- March 18, 2009. Felician Franciscan, Sister Mary Geraldine Bienek, passed away at Holy Family Convent in San Antonio, TX, on March 18, 2009. Born May 30, 1950, to Bernard Leon and Pauline Dylla Bienek; she was the first of five children. When Geraldine was six years old, the family transferred from St. Michael's Parish to the newly established St. Margaret Mary Parish, on Fair Avenue, under Pastor Rev. Edward Dworaczyk. It was there that she began her education by the Felician Sisters. In August of 1964, Geraldine entered Assumption High School in Ponca City, OK, from where she graduated in 1968. That same summer, she entered the Felician congregation and engaged in further studies. In 1971, Sister Geraldine began her ministry as a grade school teacher in Pomona City, CA. The following year she taught at St. Margaret Mary School, and after two years in Anaheim, CA, she returned to Texas, and taught in Bremond, from 1975 to 1978. For the four years following, Sister Geraldine taught at Pomona Catholic High School, in Pomona, CA. In 1982, she made her final return to the San Antonio Archdiocese. From 1983 to 1985, she served as Dean of Students, and taught at Ursuline Academy. In 1986 Sister found herself at St. Margaret Mary School once more; becoming Principal in 1989. From 1994 to 1997, Sister assisted in the care of her seriously ill father, and taught at Antonian College Preparatory High School. After her father's death in 1997, she became the Principal of Sts. Peter and Paul School, in New Braunfels; a position she held until 2003. Her education ministry ended at St. Gregory the Great School, as Vice Principal, in November of 2004. Sister earned her BA from Incarnate Word College, and her MA from Our Lady of the Lake University, in San Antonio, TX. From 2001 to 2007, she served as a member of the leadership team for the Felician Sisters of the Southwest, based in Rio Rancho, NM. She would commute for monthly meetings and other activities in addition to fulfilling her full-time ministry. Multiple back surgeries took their toll on Sister's health, but nothing ever seemed to daunt her delightful sense of humor. She could weave any simple occurrence into a drama, and was a source of joy to all who knew and loved her. She had friends from coast to coast, not because of her humor, but because of a sense of compassion and caring for people. Sister also had a deep spirituality through which she remembered people in prayer, as well as by phone, e-mail, letters, or her presence. Sister Geraldine was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Leon Bienek; and her brother, Ronald. She is survived by her mother, Pauline V. Bienek; her brothers, Gary and Larry; and her sister, Donna Grohman. Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124 (505) 892-9920