March 28, 2024

Sister Mary Jane Gaspar, 91, a sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died on September 23, at the Presentation Convent, Aberdeen.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated September 27 in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Presentation Convent, Aberdeen; interment followed at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Cecilia Gaspar was born July 24, 1928, in Orient, South Dakota, to John William and Veronica (Hardes) Gaspar. Cecilia graduated from Fairview High School, (Polo) Orient in 1946. She entered Presentation Convent September 8, 1948, and professed her vows on August 11, 1954, receiving her religious name of Sister Mary Jane.

Sister Mary Jane earned a bachelor’s in education from Northern State College in 1964, a master’s in education from St. Louis University, Missouri, in 1969, and a master’s in Christian spirituality from Creighton University, Nebraska, in 1988.

Over a span of 40 years, she taught in Anoka, Minnesota, and several schools throughout South Dakota, serving as principal at St. Mary’s School, Sioux Falls, Holy Family School, Mitchell, and St. Ann’s, Omaha.

She ministered as formation director and served on the leadership council for the congregation. She worked in pastoral ministry and director of religious education at Holy Spirit and Christ the King parishes in Sioux Falls.

She shared her gifts with others as hostess at the Presentation Sisters’ Marian House in Sioux Falls and served on boards and committees prior to full retirement in prayer ministry at Presentation Convent.

She is survived by her community family of Presentation sisters; her sister Dorothy Bernard, brother Vince (Darlene) Gaspar and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Sister Janette Gaspar PBVM and Irene Bode.