Sister Thomasina Zajac, O.P.

Sister Thomasina Zajac, O.P., 92, passed away at Lakeshore Manor, Racine, WI, on Friday, March 16, 2012.

Balbina was born March 27, 1919, to Thomas and Angela (nee: Schliesmans) Zajac in Wausaukee, WI. On August 31, 1935, she joined the Racine Dominicans and at her reception in 1937 she was given the religious name Sister Thomasina. She professed her first vows in 1939 and her final vows in 1945.

Sister Thomasina spent many years in service to others in teaching. She began her ministry in 1938 at Holy Name, Racine. Other places in Wisconsin where she served were St. Bernard, Madison; St. Benedict, Milwaukee; St. Aloysius, Sauk City; St. Patrick, Racine; St. Mary, Tomah; SS. Peter & Paul, Green Bay; Holy Cross, Kaukauna; Sacred Heart School and Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire. She also served in Michigan. From 1985-2001 and she did cross-culture work with Hmong refugees in Eau Claire. She became a resident at Siena Center in 2001. In August 2011 she moved to Lakeshore Manor.

Sister Thomasina is survived by the Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates; nephew, John Barnes; and many Hmong friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Catherine Bist; nephews, Thomas, Paul and Bernard Bist; and niece, Barbara Barnes.

Visitation will be in the Siena Center Chapel, 5635 Erie St., on Thursday, March 22, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Remembering Service at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 4 p.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Memorials to the Racine Dominican Mission Fund have been suggested.

The Racine Dominicans would like to extend their thanks to the staff that cared for Sister Thomasina at Lakeshore Manor.

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