Sr. Irene Hanika O.S.A.

Sister Irene Hanika O.S.A., age 71, passed away at her residence on Friday, February 17, 2012. She was born in Ochensfurt, Germany, May 27, 1940, daughter of the late Michael and Margareta (nee: Weimer) Hanika.

At the age of seventeen in 1957, she entered the Sisters of St. Rita, received the habit on May 1, 1962, and professed her first vows on April 20, 1965. She worked as a cook in Germany and then in Mary Lake, Canada, from 1965 until 1974. Sr. Irene transferred to Racine in 1974 and became the Superior of the convent the following year. For the past thirty-six years she has been the administrator of St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home, where she will be fondly remembered for her many years of hard work and dedication, providing compassionate and loving care to all of the residents. Sr. Irene was a great asset to the community, forging countless friendships and touching lives throughout the city. She will be missed dearly.

She is survived by two brothers in Germany, Walter (Maria) Hanika and Werner (Josie) Hanika; her sister-in-law Inge; five nieces, one nephew, a great niece and a great nephew (twins), all of the Sisters in her community and Rose Alice Morris, Honorary Sister of St. Rita, and other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Heinz; and her sister, Maria Troes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 7 p.m., with Rev. Kevin Mullins OSA officiating. Interment will be held at Holy Cross cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet for visitation at St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home Chapel on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and at St. Rita Catholic Church Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Vocation fund for the Sisters of St. Rita have been suggested.

A special thank you to all the residents, staff and Directors of the Board of St. Monica’s, to Sr. Irene’s caregivers, Mary and Morgan, and to the staff at Hospice Allliance, for their loving care, prayers and support to Sr. Irene. May God bless all of you.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888