Sr. M. Anselma Biskach

“How can I make a return to God for all the good God has done for me.” (Ps. 116) Sr. Anselma Biskach,OSB, (nee Sophie Elizabeth), 99, died at St. Gertrude Monastery, Ridgely, Maryland, on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of March. Born to Louis and Elizabeth Miller Biskach in Baltimore in 1914, Sister Anselma moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland when she was five and attended schools in Dorchester County. In 1931 she entered the Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, and once professed, began a long career as an educator. She taught for many years at both St. Elizabeth and Sacred Heart Elementary Schools and at St. Elizabeth High School in Wilmington, DE. She earned a BS from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and a MS from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Always wanting to improve her knowledge, she even earned a certificate in menu planning as an octogenarian. Elected the Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters at the age of 43, she served the community in that capacity for twelve years. Following this period of administration, she took on several positions at the Benedictine School – dorm mother, counselor, bookkeeper, and payroll clerk. For many years she did the weekly grocery shopping for the community, and every one at the Food Lion knew and loved her. She was the consummate communicator and kept in touch with many, many people. In fact, she still hears from a few of her former (male) students who have to be octogenarians themselves. She also attended more funerals than could be counted! Predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Louis, Frank and their wives, she leaves to mourn her loss her Benedictine Sisters and her many faithful nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St. Gertrude Monastery on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Interment will follow immediately in the community cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Benedictine Sisters’ Retirement Fund, 14259 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD 21660.

Sr. M. Anselma Biskach

March 31, 1914 - January 8, 2014