In Loving Memory
Sister Benet (Agnes Theresa) Robertson, OSB, 84, of St. Scholastica Monastery, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, on Benet Hall at the Monastery. Born in Benson, Minnesota, February 2, 1924, into a family of six boys and three girls, she entered the Duluth Benedictine Community September 12, 1943, and professed her monastic vows July 11, 1945. On August 15, 1970, she celebrated her Silver Jubilee, her Golden Jubilee on July 9, 1995, and her Diamond Jubilee August 14, 2005.
A graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Graceville, Minnesota, in 1942, Sister Benet obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of St. Scholastica where she majored in Elementary Education. She had a Lifetime Teacher Certification from the State of Minnesota. Sister Benet’s teaching years were spent at various schools in Minnesota: St. Clement’s, St. Margaret Mary’s, and St. James in Duluth, and St. Joseph’s, Grand Rapids, Our Lady of Victory, Minneapolis, and St. Thomas in International Falls. In May of 1990 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis for “outstanding and dedicated educational service” in the Catholic schools. Out of state, she taught at Our Mother of Sorrows in Cincinnati, Ohio, and St. Timothy’s in Chicago, Illinois. One year she served as a house mother at St. James Children’s Home in Duluth (now Woodland Hills).
In 1995 she returned to the Monastery where she helped at the information desk and as clerical assistant in the mailing room. For the last few years of her life she was a resident of Benet Hall.
At her wake, many commented on her gentle, quiet ways and her ever-ready smile. Though a tiny person she had a big heart and would help anyone. Her family, especially her younger relatives, remember the famous oatmeal cookies she made for them. One brother recalled how Sister Benet liked to fly kites, so much so that he dubbed her “the flying nun.” She always seemed to be in a hurry, yet she spent many hours praying in Chapel. The words of one of the hymns she chose for her funeral seem quite appropriate: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him.” Now this unobtrusive Sister sees and hears fully!
Sister Benet was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Nagler) Robertson; two sisters, Leona Hansen, and Doris Ferry; and four brothers: Father Tom, Roy, Vincent, and Joseph. She is survived by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, two brothers, Francis and Victor, and many nieces and nephews.
A wake service was held on Thursday, May 22, at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, St. Scholastica Monastery. The Mass of Christian Burial followed at 11 a.m. with Father Ron Gagne presiding. Burial was in Gethsemane Cemetery.
MINISTRIES
Education Ministry
- St. Clement’s, Duluth, MN
- St. Margaret Mary’s, Duluth, MN
- St. James, Duluth, MN
- St. Joseph’s, Grand Rapids, MN
- Our Lady of Victory, Minneapolis, MN
- St. Thomas, International Falls, MN
- Our Mother of Sorrows, Cincinnati, OH
- St. Timothy’s, Chicago, IL
Hospitality Ministry
- House Mother, St. James Children’s Home, Duluth, MN
- Information Desk, St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN
Clerical Ministry
- Clerical Assistant in Mailing Room, St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN
Prayer Ministry