SISTER MARY BERNARD BRAUN, ASC, 97, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Ruma Center, Ruma, Illinois, passed away at 1:30 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2015 at the Ruma Convent, Ruma, Illinois. She was born to the late Aloysius and Mabel (nee Carron) Braun in Renault, Illinois on June 25, 1918. She made her first vows as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 1937 and perpetual profession on July 1, 1942 and had been professed for 78 years. Sr. M Bernard served in education for 49 years. Elementary schools included Saints Peter and Paul in Waterloo, St. Mary in Chester, St. Mary in Taylorville, St. George in New Baden, St. Cecilia in Bartelso, St. Ann in Nashville and St. Rose in St. Rose, all in Illinois. She taught at St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis, Illinois, at Precious Blood Institute in Ruma, Illinois and at Gibault High School in Waterloo, Illinois. While at Gibault, she also taught in the Advanced College Credit Program in conjunction with Saint Louis University; students received college credit for their history classes with her. She served in the Senior Companion Program affiliated with Southwestern Illinois University. This helps seniors stay in their homes rather than need nursing home care. Her ministry to seniors continued for many years at Guardian Angel Parish in Oran, Missouri; where she visited the homebound and did errands for them. Sr. M. Bernard gained her bachelor's degree in 1948 and her master's in 1958, both in History from St. Louis University. She was an avid writer, contributing to local and diocesan papers, reporting on International meetings of her religious community, writing brief histories, one on St. Patrick Parish, Ruma, and another on Father Pierre Gibault, the namesake for the high school where she taught for 20 years. She was also known for writing humorous toasts and brief dramatic pieces for special events. Survivors: Many Nieces and Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews and members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ and numerous former colleagues, students and friends. Preceded in death by: Parents, 1 Brother - Arnold and his wife Dottie, her sister - Janette and her husband Jim Turner, and 1 nephew - James Bernard Turner Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am, Monday, September 14, 2015 Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois Visitation: Sunday - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday - 8:00 am - 10:15 am Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois Prayer Service: Sunday at 7:00 pm Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois Interment: Convent Cemetery Ruma, Illinois Donations in memory of Sister Mary Bernard Bruan may be sent to the ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109 or online at www.adorers.org, "Support Our Ministries".
