Sister Clare Ziegengeist

On Saturday morning, February 26, 2022, our beloved Sister Clare of the Incarnation, O.C.D., 97, went home to the God she had served so lovingly and well for over seventy years. Sister Clare (Marjorie Claire Ziegengeist) was born in Plymouth on August 11, 1924 to the late Paul and Anna (Mentzel) Ziegengeist. After her early education in Plymouth, she studied nursing at Saint Elizabeth’s School of Nursing. After a few years of working in hospitals on the South Shore, she chose to dedicate her life to God and the service of others in a different way by entering the Carmelite Monastery in Roxbury, Massachusetts. As a young Professed Sister, she joined with seven other members of her community who began a new foundation of Carmel in Danvers in November of 1958. Sister Clare gave herself most generously to all the extra work entailed in establishing a new foundation. As Turn Sister/Receptionist for many years, she made countless friends for the community through her gentle, thoughtful, prayerful presence, and her inspirational and encouraging letters. Families of those early friends, and even their descendants, have remained a beautiful testament to her special legacy. In the Carmel of Danvers, Sister Clare also served as Sacristan for many years, meticulous in her attention to details of the liturgy, sacred vessels, altar linens, etc. An accomplished seamstress, she made many of the altar vestments with lovely creativity. In addition, Sister Clare served for a time as Provisor, purchasing supplies and planning meals for the growing community. She also served as Infirmarian, and in particular as dental assistant to our friend Dr. Opolski on his regular visits to the monastery to take care of all of our dental needs. Even as her health grew more frail in her later years, Sister Clare was eager to be with her community whenever she could, to join us in our celebrations, recreations, and feast days. She always enjoyed a good meal! True to her Carmelite vocation, Sister Clare also loved her times of solitude. She enjoyed some programs on Catholic TV, but mostly she could be found alone in her room, reading and praying. Sister Clare was predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy Ziegengeist, RN, of Plymouth and Fr. Gerald Ziegengeist, MM, who served many years with Maryknoll in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Sister Clare’s memory will be cherished by her many devoted cousins and friends, as well as by her loving community. We will always remember her most fondly for her gentle spirit, her quiet wisdom, her endearing smile, and the twinkle of mischief in her eye. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 10AM in the Chapel of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd., Danvers. Burial will follow in the Carmelite Nuns’ Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Friday morning prior to the Funeral Mass, beginning at 8:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Clare may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 15 Mt. Carmel Rd., Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. www.LyonsFuneral.com.