Obituary of Sister Clare Sandhaeger
The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception mourn the loss of their Sister Clare Sandhaeger, SMIC, who died peacefully on August 8, 2022, at the age of 94 at McAuley Hall Health Center, Watchung, New Jersey.
Sister Clare was born on a farm in St. Vit, Germany on December 13, 1927, to Eberhard and Elisabeth Sandhaeger. She is survived by her brother Heinz Sandhaeger, her sister Elizabeth Sandhaeger-Harsh, niece Ursula Sandhaeger and nephew Andreas Sandhaeger.
Sister Clare entered the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God in 1947 in Münster, Germany, determined ‘to turn the world around after experiencing the ravages of war. Obediently giving up her life and family in Germany, she came to New Jersey in 1952. Clare attended St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, CT, where she earned a B.S. Degree in Dietetics, along with a minor in Chemistry and Biology. She also attained Counseling in Religious Life and Formation. From 1964 to 1972 She was active in the Formation of the Sisters.
Sister Clare devoted her missionary work to the sciences of nutrition and diet, working as Director or Consultant of food services in both convent and health care facilities, among them: Paterson General Hospital, Lakeview Nursing Home, Holy Family Residence, Lincoln Park Nursing Home, IC Convent in New Jersey, Christ the King Seminary in New York, St. Michaels Indian School in Arizona, and St. Bonaventure Mission in New Mexico. Although she retired in 2010, she continued her volunteer work at the St. Francis Residence’s office.
During her life, Sister Clare faced many challenges and experienced a fulfilling missionary life. In her own words: ‘Boy, I am made for that!’
Sister Clare’s visitation will be held at 9:45 AM at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, New Jersey on Friday, August 19, 2022. Her funeral mass will follow. She will be laid to rest at the cemetery of the Missionary Sisters, 44 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, New Jersey.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sister Clare’s life.
Condolences can be sent to: smic@optonline.net
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:
Missionary Sisters
25 Orchard St. Suite 104
Denville, NJ 07834
