SISTER ANTOINETTE CUSIMANO, ASC, 79, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Ruma Center, Ruma, Illinois, passed away at 2:53 am, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the Ruma Convent. She was born to the late Vito and Rose (nee Modica) Cusimano in Chicago, Illinois on June 9, 1936. She made her first vows as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 1956 and perpetual profession on July 1, 1961 and had been professed for 59 years. Sr. Antoinette served in elementary schools for 16 years, including the following schools in Illinois: St. Andrew in Murphysboro, Immaculate Conception in Centreville, Sacred Heart in Dupo, St. Joseph in Olney, St. Clare in O'Fallon, St. Teresa in Salem and St. Augustine in Belleville; Holy Rosary in Fort Dodge, Iowa and Visitation in Vienna, Missouri. As a missionary in Liberia, West Africa for 15 years, she served as pastoral minister, catechist and teacher. Returning to the states, she continued in pastoral ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Springfield, IL and later in Tucson, AZ for a total of 7 years. Her ministry of Home Care was the CSJ (Congregation of St. Joseph), St. Louis. Her final work was as a Healing Minister Practitioner, both in St. Louis and at the Ruma Center. She received her Bachelor's degree in Geography from St. Louis University in 1968, her Master's in education from Southeast Missouri State University and she was certified as Healing Ministry Practitioner. Survivors: 1 Sister-in-law: Pamela (Von) Korbitt Several Aunts, Uncles Nieces and Nephews Preceded in death by: Parents, 1 Brother - Frank Cusimano, several aunts and uncles Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am, Friday, July 24, 2015 Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois Officiating: Msgr. Daniel J. Jurek Visitation: Thursday - 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Friday - 9:00 am - 10:30 am Wake Service: Thursday at 7:00 pm Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois Interment: Convent Cemetery Ruma, Illinois Donations in memory of Sister Antoinette Cusimano may be sent to the ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109 or online at www.adorers.org, "Support Our Ministries".
