Sister Mechtilde Fennimore, OSB, a long-time member of Queen of Angels Monastery, died in the morning of Jan. 25, 2024 at Providence Benedictine Nursing Center’s Orchard House, Mount Angel, Oregon. She was 93 years old. She was a Benedictine Sister for 74 years.
Sister Mechtilde was born on a farm near Mount Angel to Edgar Fennimore and Madeline (Gilman) Fennimore and given the name Charmaine. She was the only girl in a family of five brothers: Charles, Emmett, Gilman, Edgar, and Cyril, all of whom are deceased.
Sister Mechtilde was baptized and received the sacraments at St. Mary Church in Mount Angel. She attended Thomas Public School and high school at Mt. Angel Academy, graduating in 1948. She was accepted into the Benedictine community on Aug. 9, 1947, and became a novice on Feb. 10, 1948. She professed her vows on Feb. 10, 1950, taking the name Sister Mechtilde.
In Sister Mechtilde’s early years she took care of the bee hives, farm and garden; served as director of housing for Sisters and guests; kitchen manager for the monastery and the Mt. Angel College cafeteria, 1950-1970; sub-prioress from 1968-1977 and 2005-2007; infirmary director, 1971-2001; monastic council, 2002 and 2006-2012; the monastic community owner’s representative for the renovation and building projects of 1986, 1996 and 1998; and in her last years (until 2015) she was procurator, kitchen coordinator, and maintenance director.
She is survived by her many nieces and nephews, cousins and her monastic community, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel.
A vigil was held on Jan. 30 in the chapel at Orchard House, with receiving and viewing held on Jan. 31 at the Queen of Angels. Gifts can be sent to Benedictine Sisters, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362.
