SMWC mourns the loss of beloved music faculty member, Sister Sue Pietrus, SP
Posted on: 09/16
Sister Denise Wilkinson, SP, General Superior of the Sisters of Providence, announced that Sister Sue Pietrus, SP, 
went to God on Saturday, Sept., 13 ,at 3:45 p.m. Friends and family were with her.
The wake will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which will be open to the public beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The wake service will follow at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with visitation also available Wednesday morning. Funeral liturgy and burial, both open to the public, will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, followed immediately by the grave side service in the cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds.
Sister Sue was born on May 30, 1951, in Chicago to Raymond and Florence Wielkopolan Pietrus and was baptized Susan Anne. Sue entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Aug. 29, 1975, professed First Vows Aug. 15, 1978, and Final Vows Aug. 19, 1984.
Sister Sue earned a bachelor's degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master's degree from University of Illinois and a doctorate from University of Southern California. Of her 33 years as a Sister of Providence, Sister Sue ministered in music education for 28 years, teaching at Marywood High School in Orange California for three years and then joining the faculty of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1980 where she remained until her death. She was beloved as a faculty member and well known as the director of the SMWC Madrigals and the Chorale.
Sister Sue is survived by her father and a sister, Nancy Barr of Darien, Ill. She is preceded in death by her mother.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to:
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
C/O Office of Development
P.O. Box 70
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876
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Comments
Theresa Rhoades wrote:
Sister Sue turned my life around by introducing me to theater when I was a student at Marywood High School. Her caring interest in me as a painfully shy student touched, not only my life, but future generations of students as well. Because of her, I chose to become a special education teacher and I do a lot of work with special needs children and community theater. You will always be loved, Sister Sue!
Laura Pair O-Neal wrote:
Sr. Sue,
You were in many ways a parent, friend and mentor to me for many years. I woke this morning after having a dream about performing in Europe you. It was a strange feeling. It seemed so real and vivid. Yet, I remembered where you are now. I imagine you have already stepped in to direct a fantastic women's choir for our Lord. I cannot express the sadness my heart feels at the loss of such a beautiful person. Your impact on my life is unimaginable and my love for you abounds. I had hoped you would be here when our baby Sofia comes home from Haiti. But think of all the wonderful stories I have to tell her about you. My life is forever changed by you and my heart is thrilled to have known you. I will miss you desperately!
I Love you
Laura
Elizabeth Burch Williby wrote:
Sr. Sue has been a beloved part of my life for 14 years. I remember the first time I had lunch with her in O'Shaughnessy as a visiting high school senior. She was so welcoming and encouraging. Sue epitomized The Woods to me ever since that day. She challenged her students as PEOPLE in addition to challenging them as musicians. She gave her best for to so many people for so many years and expected nothing less from you in return. And those of us who loved her were more than happy to give it. Even during the umpteenth night of Christmas at the Woods or the seemingly endless rehearsals for musicals or concerts. The way she opened her house to the Madrigals for Christmas dinner made us feel special... part of her family, not just another face in a choir. To watch Sue conduct her choirs was to know what she would look like in heaven. She was an artist then, and is undoubtedly conducting a glorious angel choir that I hope to be part of someday. Until then, I challenge myself, as I challenge all the former Chorale and Madrigals, to sing like Sue taught us to in every situation. Giving glory to God, giving thanks to our teacher, giving love to our friend. My heart is broken, but Sue is healed. Thank God for that.
Carolyn Alexander Nelson wrote:
I am so sad to hear of this of our beloved Sister Sue. I was in Chorale all four of my wonderful years at SMWC. Sister Sue was a ROCK for many of us--very strong and true to her beliefs. I have cherished memories of Chorale and Christmas at the Woods. Although we have lost a beautiful, talented, wonderful friend, we now have another Guardian Angel.