S. Bennett Fasbender OSB, 82, died Sunday, March 20, 2011, the eve of her Feast Day, at the Sacred Heart Monastery Care Center.

    A wake service will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be in the Monastery cemetery.

     Alice Teresa Fasbender was born May 21, 1928 at Hendricks, MN to Ben and Florence (Davis) Fasbender.  She was the oldest of five children.  The family lived on a farm in a valley east of White, SD. In her autobiography, she says “this farm being the most precious place in my memories.”  She attended a one-room rural school for eight years and then attended Good Counsel Academy, Mankato, MN for her first three years of high school.  Feeling a call to be a Benedictine Sister she transferred to Mount Marty High School for her senior year.  She and her three sisters were all students at Mount Marty that year. 

    On August 20, 1947, Alice entered Sacred Heart Monastery.  She credits her parents and Fr. Clarence Trautner as being influential in her decision.  She was invested as a novice the following year and received the name, Bennett.  She made first profession in 1949 and final profession in 1952.  Her ministry encompassed many years in elementary and higher education.  She taught in Nebraska, North and South Dakota and also served as principal in Constance and Omaha, NE.  She taught scripture at Mount Marty College for 30 years.  She also served on the formation team at the monastery and was sub-prioress from 1977-1981. She earned a BA degree from Mount Marty College and MA degree in religious studies from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.  Two highlights of her life were a three-week study tour in Israel in 1981and later a sabbatical year at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.

Following her retirement from teaching, she ministered for two years at Avera St. Benedict Health Center, Parkston.

      S. Bennett was a gentle woman who loved nature and was known for her green thumb in growing violets. She also enjoyed baking, especially bread.

      S. Bennett is survived by her Benedictine community; three sisters, Veronica Reilly of Huron, S. Veronica Fasbender OSB and S. Ann Fasbender OSB, Yankton; one brother, James (Mary Ann) Fasbender, Paynesville, MN, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

   Memorials may be directed to the Mount Marty College Scholarship Fund, 1105 W. 8th St., Yankton, SD, 57078. 

                                           Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her O Lord,

                                        and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her.

                                                        May She Rest in Peace.