Dates
Giving the dates of Sister Imelda’s life is easy enough: born Loretta Ann Kenzinger, January 2, 1929; called Home to God: April 2, 2020, and all the dates in between.
But trying to compress the effects of such a big, loving, generous, prayerful heart and life into an obituary is a huge challenge. Not because she drew attention to herself, but because she didn’t. Her smile, words of encouragement, helping where she could (with the dishes up to the day before her departure – though she was not expected to help), her including virtually everyone in her prayers, is a legacy to us all. Some of her favorite causes to pray for were support for the wonderful work Covenant House (Houston) does for the children of the street; protection and help for our missionary friends in India; for those who are striving to keep the Faith alive in their families. These were some of her recent petitions, the tip of the iceberg of her genuine love for all God’s people. In her own words: “I hope to be or service in our Carmel in whatever way I can, and I hope for God’s protection and grace in My Carmelite life of praying for souls until the day of death. For me, Our Lady of Mount Carmel is my Model in my Carmelite life. Mary’s own life on earth was most hidden, while she lived in great love for Jesus. She will intercede for me and I will try to live my life in Carmel in imitation of her own faith, hope and love of the Divine Will.”
Loretta was born in Chicago, but her parents moved to Corpus Christi when she was 8 months old, because her father had a job opportunity there. She loved being close to the water and swimming. While in Texas, her two sisters, Margaret and Mary, and her brother, Martin, were born. At age 10, her family moved back to Chicago because of the war situation. She had completed her 5th grade at Incarnate Word Academy. Loretta always retained her love for Texas.
In Chicago, Loretta attended Saint Kilian’s Dominican Grade School and from there entered Aquinas Dominican High. She chose for her Confirmation name, Clare. It was Saint Clare’s devotion to prayer and the Blessed Sacrament that inspired her. During these years, she enjoyed helping out in her aunt’s flower shop.
WWII deeply affected Loretta, so much so that she seriously thought of joining the military. However, she was too young. She eventually found the best way to help: “As a Carmelite, my vocation touches the Church as I try to be always ready and available in a spirit of prayer to intercede for the needs of all people in the Church.” And not only in the Church, but in the world over. Her favorite game was “What in the World” – which gives information about all the nations of the world. She belonged to God’s “Secret Service” – and still does!
Loretta’s call to Carmel blossomed and on September 5, 1944, she entered the Carmelite Monastery in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is specially dedicated to Saint Therese of Lisieux (they also share a Birthday: January 2!). Besides being initiated into Carmelite contemplative life and prayer, she learned many a kitchen trick as she began her life-long post in the kitchen: canning, baking and cooking. Her kitchen work was always well seasoned with generosity, goodness, a willing smile, and most of all plenty of love for Jesus and her Sisters.
On June 18, 1950, after years of preparation, Sister Imelda (the name she had chosen), made her Solemn Profession “until death”. Four years later she was chosen to be part of a New Foundation going to the Fargo Diocese (Carmel of Mary, Wahpeton N.D.).
Sister lost her mother, Ann Kenzinger, in May, 1967 and her father, Frank Kenzinger, in June of 1971.
In 1986, the Community in Wahpeton was asked about the possibility of making a Foundation in the San Angelo Diocese. After much prayer, the Sisters agreed. Anyone who felt God’s call could volunteer after weeks of prayer by all. Sister Imelda did not volunteer. She confided later that she thought it might be selfish, because she loved Texas so much! But when one of the original group needed to be replaced, Sister Imelda was asked if she was willing to go. (God works in wondrous ways!) Of course, she agreed.
Sister Imelda found her joy in serving others. She also enjoyed doing artwork and loved geographical and historical books on the Bible and Carmelite Saints. She was gifted in painting and delicate artwork but didn’t spend much time at it. She was a precious Community person, and we thank God from the bottom of our praying hearts for the gift she was and IS to us!
Sister is survived by her sister, Mary Jakubieck, of McHenry, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
She will be entombed in the Carmelite Mausoleum of St. Therese's Valley in Coopersburg, (Allentown,) PA.
Family and friends may share condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com