Remembering the recently deceased in the Archdiocese of Seattle

Sister Diana Bader, OPLYNNWOOD

Sister Diana Bader, a Dominican sister for 64 years, died May 10. She was 83.

Born Gloria Bernadine Bader on July 9, 1933, in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Martin and Marjorie Bader, she graduated from St. Patrick High School in Vancouver and received a Bachelor of Education degree from Seattle University and a Ph.D. in theology from St. Mary College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She was also certified in post-doctoral studies by Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

She spent 51 years in the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds, and was in her 14th year in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

She ministered for five years as a teacher at St. Dominic High School in Everett and Holy Angels High School in Seattle, nine years as a professor at the College of Sister Formation in Issaquah and Seattle University, one year as postulant mistress, five years as juniorate mistress in Edmonds and 21 years in religious education and adult faith formation in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

She also served for five years as senior associate in clinical ethics for the Catholic Health Association in St. Louis, Missouri, and for seven years as senior vice president of mission for Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver, Colorado. She ministered for the Sisters of Providence Health System in Seattle for nine years as director of health and human values and vice president of mission leadership. Since 2004, she served on numerous Catholic health care boards and committees in the United States.

She is survived by a brother, John; and a sister, Betty Matthews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated May 16 at St. Patrick Church. 

Sister Maryann Benoit, SPSEATTLE

Sister Maryann Benoit, a Sister of Providence for 72 years, died May 9. She was 94.

Born April 27, 1923, to Frederick and Anna Kathryn Benoit, in Yakima, she was the 10th of 12 children. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in Yakima, she entered the Sisters of Providence in July 1940 at Mount St. Vincent in Seattle and became a novice in January 1941. In July 1942 she professed first vows and received the name Sister Valerie, and in July 1945 she professed final vows.

In 1953 she earned a B.A. from the College of Great Falls, Montana, and in 1963 she received her M.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame. She also studied at the University of San Francisco, Gonzaga University, the University of Washington and Centro Intercultural de Documentación in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In 1984 and 1986 she taught an intensive English as a Second Language program for the International Educational System in Tokyo, Japan, then served as advisor to Japanese college students.

She taught for 50 years (1942-92), including at Sacred Heart School in Tacoma, St. Catherine School in Seattle, Providence Academy in Vancouver and St. Michael School in Olympia, as well as in Walla Walla, Yakima, California and Montana.

From 1973-92 she taught English at the University of Great Falls, Montana. In February 2000 she received the University of Great Falls Alumni Association Award for her outstanding leadership, professional achievements and scholarly work. In 1993 she retired from teaching and began volunteer work in Great Falls as a professional mentor for writers, editing books and articles for publication, and as a tutor advocating for economically challenged individuals.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles, corresponding with friends and family, and exploring modern technology. In February 2015, she moved from Great Falls to St. Joseph Residence in Seattle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and three sisters. She is survived by two brothers, James and Larry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated May 15 at St. Joseph Residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Ave. S.W. #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016.

Florence Maria D’AmbrosioBURIEN

Florence D’Ambrosio, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, died May 13, of breast cancer. She was 68.

Born July 22, 1948, in Seattle, she lived most of her life in Burien. She graduated from Highline High School and Western Washington University, majoring in history and political science. She was a director of worldwide treasury for Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

At St. Francis of Assisi, she taught CCD. She also volunteered with Young Democrats and United Way.

She was a self-taught gemologist and enjoyed sports, old movies, travel, history and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph; and sister-in-law Mary.

She is survived by her mother, Maria; sisters, Luann and Carol; brothers, Jerry, Joe, John and Anthony; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St Francis of Assisi Church. 

Submit an obituary with this form.