Sister Janez Schonfeld, CDP
December 6, 1936 – December 2, 2019
Sister Janez (aka Sister Rosemary) Schonfeld, CDP, entered eternal life on December 2, 2019, at the age of 82. Sister Janez was born December 6, 1936 in Dallas Texas. Her parents, Otto Bernard “Jack” and Inez Bergeron Schonfeld had four children. She was their only daughter. Sister Janez professed first vows as a Sister of Divine Providence on June 22, 1956. The field of education was her lifelong ministry.
Sister Janez was educated by the Sisters of Divine Providence from kindergarten through high school in Alexandria, Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Education from Our Lady of the Lake College, San Antonio, Texas. She received numerous grants from the National Science Foundation for summertime studies. She completed her Master of Science in Computer Education at Barry University in Florida.
Sister Janez began her educational ministry in 1956 as an elementary school teacher. She taught in San Antonio and Fredericksburg, Texas and Broussard, Louisiana. Seven years later she transitioned into high school as a Math and Science (her forté) teacher and taught in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, including Providence High School in San Antonio, Texas. She served as the Principal of St. John High School in Ennis, Texas, (1979-1985), Menard High School in Alexandria, Louisiana, (1991-1994), and in between this time period as Associate Principal at Providence High School in San Antonio, Texas (1985-1990.) She returned to Providence as a staff member in 1994 for an additional 20 years.
She felt blessed to have attended a year-long program at Notre Dame University, “The Year of Our Lord’s Grace.” Those who knew her quiet, calm demeanor and easygoing personality can attest to her graced ways of witnessing to God’s provident guidance and care, especially during the last months of her life on earth.
She is survived by her cousin, whom she grew up with, Earl Gremillion and his wife Kathi; sister-in-law Mercedes Schonfeld, uncle Melvin Schonfeld and all her Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, and other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Otto Bernard and Inez Bergeron Schonfeld, grandmother Bertha Schonfeld, aunt Lucylle Gremillion and brothers Numa, Donald and Jack Schonfeld.
The Rosary will be recited Sunday, December 8, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. and the Wake will be at 6:30 p.m. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 9, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207-4619.