Sister Martha Rose Lange, CDP
June 18, 1933 – November 29. 2022
Sister Martha Rose (formerly Sister M. Melania) Lange, CDP, entered eternal life November 29, 2022 at the age of 89. She was born June 18, 1933 in Harper, Texas. She was the oldest of eight born to Anthony “Anton” Raymond and Frances Katherine (Staudt) Lange. Sister Martha Rose answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on September 10, 1949 and professed first vows on June 22, 1952. She described herself as an introvert and workaholic. Her deep connection with nature was a gift she shared with her congregation and places of ministry. Her photogenic and radiant smile, the work of her hands and her “behind the scenes” service reflected her love and dedication to her Provident God.
She cherished her wholesome and healthy childhood for many reasons but mainly because she observed how her parents treated the earth with great reverence and respect. This became part of who she was, an advocate for the care of the earth. During her 14 years at Agnes Cotton Elementary in the San Antonio Independent School District, she instilled in the children this appreciation of God’s creation through gardening. As a founding and active member of the congregation’s Earth Care Committee she led through example. She was the caretaker of the convent’s gardens, and led the effort to have 21 trees planted on campus in 2008.
For almost 50 years she served the Sisters of Divine Providence in numerous capacities during different time periods in supportive services, such as, Director of Housekeeping, Maintenance Supervisor, community driver, book bindery assistant to name a few. She was also Dorm Mother at Our Lady of the Lake University from 1952-1972. In 1981 she was hired as the Director of (Kitchen, Grounds and Camp) Personnel and Maintenance at the Maryhill Retreat Center in Pineville, Louisiana and worked there until 1983.
Her favorite ministries were the ones that involved children and nature. She was energized by the eagerness and enthusiasm of the children she took care of. Nature was a place of growth, solace and peace for her. She nurtured many plants back to health and fed hundreds of birds during her years at the convent. She had a special touch and possessed a deep knowledge of God’s creation. Although dearly missed, all who knew her rejoice at the thought of her tending to God’s eternal garden.
She is survived by her siblings Sister Frances Lorene Lange, CDP, Helen Frances Jenschke, sister-in-law Joan Lange, brother Patrick (Teri) Lange, numerous nieces and nephews, all her Sisters of Divine Providence and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Anton Raymond and Frances Katherine (Staudt) Lange and siblings Mary Lorene Lange, Elgin O. Lange, John Lange, Henry Lange, brother-in-law Benno Jenschke.
The Rosary is Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. (after Evensong at 6:00). Mass of Resurrection is Monday, December 5, 2022, 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 wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.