Sister M. Laurus (Theresa Slee) was born in Davenport, IA, to the late Lloyd Francis and Elizabeth Agnes Welsh Slee. Three sisters and a nephew preceded her in death, Betty Claire Slee, Mary Louise Bonte and Sally Ann Slee, and nephew Joseph De Bisschop. She is survived by a sister, Faye De Bisschop, four nephews, Thomas, Pete, John and Rev. Jim De Bisschop; and two nieces, Mary Beth Kopko and Mary Cowser. Sister is also survived by 14 great nieces and nephews. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1948, and made final profession of vows in 1955. Sister Laurus received a BS degree in elementary education with a minor in art from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, and a Masters degree in visual design with a minor in photography from the Illinois Institute of Technology. For over fifty years, Sister Laurus was a dedicated and creative teacher. She was especially gifted in art, music and drama. In 1951, she began teaching at Most Holy Redeemer elementary school in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Her ministry continued in elementary schools in Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. In 1972, Sister was assigned at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, as Audiovisual Coordinator. After this, she developed programs in studies and activities at Boysville of Michigan, a correctional facility for young men. Beginning in 1978, Sister taught senior high school students at St. Cecilia’s Academy and Holy Spirit High School in Washington, DC. Then she was assigned to Saint Bernardine’s Parish, Baltimore as principal of the school for two years, and taught in the elementary school until 1997, when she was again named principal of the school. In 1998, Sister Laurus began teaching at Holy Trinity High School, Chicago. During her many years in Washington and Baltimore, Sister Laurus was blessed with a faithful companion and close friend, Sister M. Matilda (Bievenour), C.S.C. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Reception of the body will be Tuesday, July 25, 2006, 4 p.m., Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 10:30 a.m., Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is handling the arrangements.
