The funeral Mass for Sister Emma Goeckner was celebrated Sept. 1 at the Ruma Center in Ruma, Ill. A professed member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for 72 years, Sister Emma died Aug. 27 at the Ruma Center. She was 88 years old.
Born in Bishop Creek, Ill., her five sisters also became Adorers. Sister Emma earned a certificate in food service supervision from Fontbonne College in St. Louis and worked in dietary services more than 60 years, including at small convents in Vienna and Zell, Mo.; Olney, Ill.; and Fort Dodge, Iowa.
She supervised kitchens in large institutions such as the Catholic Children’s Home in Alton, St. Henry Seminary in Belleville, St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, and the Ruma Center, all in Illinois, and at De Mattias Hall, the House of Studies for Adorers and other sisters on the campus of Saint Louis University.
Sister Emma was one of the last of the regular quilters at Ruma. She also did needlework and enjoyed card games, reading and her prayer life.
Survivors include a sister, Sister Laura Goeckner, ASC. Burial will be in the Ruma Center cemetery.
