Sister Evelyn Margaret Klemmer, CSJ

 We gather as a faith community to celebrate and give thanks for the holy and humble life of Sister Evelyn Klemmer, formerly Sister Marian Veronica, a Sister of St. Joseph for 72 years.

.Evelyn was the oldest of seven  children born to Vincent and Veronica in that far away place called Manhattan.  She and her siblings, Joseph, Edna, Vincent, Arthur, Eileen and Veronica were nurtured in their faith in a home filled with love and a compassionate awareness of the needs of the dear neighbor.

From an early age, Evelyn was laser focused on being a nurse.  After graduating from Long Beach High School Evelyn headed to St. Catherine’s School of Nursing where she earned her RN.  A deeper calling to serve those in need and her desire  to grow in God’s love brought Evelyn to the Congregation in 1953.  In the letter from her Pastor to Mother Charles Edward, Evelyn’s “earnest, sincere piety” was noted.

For the next six years Evelyn’s ministry as a nurse embodying the healing face of God was beautifully and faithfully lived out at St. Joseph Convent Infirmary in Flushing, and St. John’s Hospital in Long Island City.  In 1961 Evelyn was transferred to her beloved, and in her words, her all time favorite HOME of ministry, St. John’s Hospital in Elmhurst, Queens.  With great grace and largesse of spirit Evelyn balanced full time ministry while obtaining a BA in Nursing Education from St. John’s University and a Masters from Columbia.

Her passion for working with expectant mothers in the field of obstetrics characterized her 32 years at St. John’s.  She was inducted as a “FELLOW” into the American College of Childbirth Education.  Her reputation as the “Mother of Many” was revered across the nursing world.

Community life steeped in prayer and contemplation was always at the heart of Evelyn’s ministry.  She treasured the camaraderie and support given by many over the years, but there was a special place in her heart for Sisters Kathy Nawrath and Eppe (Grace Jose Mercado).  Their faithful and caring presence for so many years continued as Evelyn transitioned to the welcoming home community at Stella Maris in 2023.  At Stella, Evelyn was embraced with great love and kindness and given the same first class care by a host of dedicated staff that she graced so many with over the years.  Her daily routine of gazing at and praying with the magnificent waters of the Atlantic brought her great peace – all was gift.
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald

We’re grateful that Evelyn’s nephew, Joseph will share a reflection on her valued place in the Klemmer family.

Sister Evelyn Margaret Klemmer, CSJ,  the former Sister Marian Veronica, died on June 9, 2025 in the 72nd year of her religious life.