Sister Clemence Ribitzki, CDP
December 8, 1926 – August 12, 2019
Sister Clemence Ribitzki, CDP, entered eternal life on August 12, 2019 at the age of 92. She was born December 8, 1926 in Rosebud, Texas (near Westphalia), and was the sixth of fifteen children born to Anton and Veronica (Cañik) Ribitzki. Sister Clemence’s baptismal name was Mary Agnes. She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on June 21, 1947 and professed first vows on June 22, 1948. The rich life lessons Sister learned while living on the family farm were utilized throughout her 71 years of religious life.
Life on the family farm reminded her of the multiplication of loaves because even during droughts and the Depression there was always enough food. The gathering of fruits and vegetables, enjoyment of milk, cream, butter and meat from livestock and wild game developed and deepened the faith in a Provident God. It sparked the connection with nature and importance of loving and tending to the soil and relishing all its provisions.
Sister Clemence learned about sound planning and good common sense from her parents. Over a span of 22 years, she carried out her environmental and food service tasks and jobs efficiently and impeccably. She served as cafeteria manager at St. Anthony School in San Antonio (1961-1964) and at St. Joseph’s Academy in Abilene, Texas (1964-1967.) Her intelligence, aptitude for accuracy and impeccable organizational skills were most evident when she served as Director of Physical Facilities and Assistant Finance Officer for her congregation, and in her various roles during her 17 years with Edgewood Independent School District (E.I.S.D.) in San Antonio.
She began with E.I.S.D. as a Reading Aide, set up the media center at Las Palmas School and later maintained accurate records of all Chapter I inventory for the 25 campuses within the district boundaries. At the end of her years with E.I.S.D. (1973-1990) she was commended by her supervisor for her outstanding service, and her pleasing personality. All who knew her will agree that she was blessed with a compassionate heart, and a gentle, friendly and generous spirit. Sister Clemence was also known for her meticulous and creative arts and crafts and handiwork. She readily shared this talent with those interested in learning.
She is survived by her siblings Margaret Leshikar, Dorothy (Joe) Rucka, Rose Ribitzki, and Elizabeth (Harold) Berndt, and all her Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Veronica Ribitzki, brothers Joseph, Frank, Paul (Flo), Adam (Mardell), Alois (Lillie), and Anton “Sonny” (Boni) Ribitzki; sisters Martha and Annie Ribitzki, Gertrude (Lee) Spencer, Theresa (David) Donaghue; and brothers in law Richard Leshikar, and Raymond Vybiral.
The Rosary will be recited Monday, August 19, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. and the Wake will be at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Resurrection will be Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 11:00 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.
Obituary (pdf)