Obituary of Sr. Bethany Maak, SMIC

Watchung: The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception mourn the loss of their Sister Bethany Maak, SMIC who died on January 18, 2015 at the age of 89 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, NJ. The Mass of Resurrection-Funeral Mass will be offered at McAuley Hall Health Care Center Chapel on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The Wake Service will precede the funeral liturgy at 10:30 a.m. Sr. Bethany, one of fourteen children, was born in Pittsfield, MA July 13, 1925 to Charles H. and Margarethe (Harz) Maak. She entered the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God on September 27, 1952 in West Paterson, NJ. Sister Bethany graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree from St. Bonaventure University. She completed the requirements for Masters Degrees in Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago and from Manhattan University, NYC. Her early years of ministry included orphan care and elementary school education. She later became Dean of Tombrock College, Woodland Park, NJ where she also was an instructor in Mathematics and Psychology. Sister Bethany ministered at Christ the King Seminary, East aurora, NY as Associate Director of Development and Data Processor. Sister Bethany's community service included Provincial Representative to Sister Formation, assistant provincial coordinator and local community coordinator and founder and administrator of the SMIC development office. Sr. Bethany received the Franciscan Peacemaker Award in May 2001 from the U.S. Franciscan Federation in recognition for holding the treasures of the Congregation in sacred trust through her life's endeavors and innate gifts manifested especially in her establishment of the U.S. Province Development Office through which she communicated the collective ministries and congregational charism to hundreds. In additionto her love abd care for her sisters, Sister Bethany was most involved with the lives of her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Family reunions were a highlight for her. In essence, Bethany was a very gifted woman who willingly shared her talents and time where needed. Sister Bethany was a compassionate presence to many of her Congregation's Sisters from other countries. Her sincere affirmation of their gifts have far-reaching effects as our charism continues to be shared in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Sister Bethany is survived by her brothers. Edward and Jerome Maak and her sisters, Mildred Wholtman, Veronica Mirowsky, Dorothy Foerst and Patricia Vosbury and also many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in lieu of flowers.