Sister Helen Urban dies after 75 years in congregation

Sister Helen Urban died Sept. 17, 2009, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia. She was 95 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 75 years.


She was born in Topeka on July 10, 1914, to John J. and Appolonia Urban, the first of four children, and was baptized Helen. She lived her early childhood in Pfeifer, Kan. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia on Feb. 10, 1934. On March 14, 1934, Helen received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Mary Alexia. Later, she changed to her baptismal name Helen. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 15, 1935, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1938.

Sister Helen received a bachelor’s degree in education from Marymount College in Salina, and a master’s degree in education from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb. She taught in elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Kansas cities of Gorham, New Almelo, Herndon, Cawker City, Aurora, Junction City, Plainville, Manhattan and Salina, and in Gladstone, Mich., and Grand Island, Neb. In 1991 she retired to Medaille Center in Salina, and then moved to the Motherhouse in 2002.

Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings. A Bible Vigil Service will be held Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Motherhouse with Sister Bette Moslander as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel with Father Frank Coady as presider. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials for Sister Helen Urban may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia KS 66901.