Celebrating Diamond Jubile
On August 12, 2026, seven members of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, MN, will celebrate their 60th Diamond Jubilee with the Congregation.
Standing: Sisters Elaine Frank, Mary Eliot Crowley, Patricia Himmer and Jennifer Corbett.
Seated: Sisters Martha Mathew, Joan Lewison and Jan Reisdorf
Sister Jennifer Corbett was born in South Bend, IN, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from St. Joseph Parish in South Bend. She professed her first vows in 1966. She received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN. She continued her studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where she earned a Master of Theological Studies with a specialty in Biblical Studies. She was also the administrator of the Israel Study Program for six years. Her work as a nurse spanned eight years at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, MN, and 40 years in Chicago, where she worked as a public health nurse, parish nurse director, patient advocate in long-term care, and as the Dementia care nurse in two adult day programs. When she returned to Minnesota, she joined the staff at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Janesville, MN. She served in Congregational Leadership from 1994-2000, and again from 2018-2022. Currently, she is the co-convener of the congregational Working Group for Palestinian Human Rights.
Sister Mary Eliot Crowley was born in Milwaukee, WI, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from Church of the Visitation in Minneapolis, MN. She professed her first vows at Assisi Heights in 1966. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, as well as a Master of Science in Community and Organizational Development at Loyola University in Chicago, IL, and a Master of Science in Bioethics at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. Early in her career, Sister Mary Eliot taught at St. Adrian Catholic School in Adrian, MN. Her years of ministry were also spent at the Center for Community Organization and Development (CENCOAD) in Sioux Falls, SD; the Archdiocesan Consultation Service in Cincinnati, OH; and as the Coordinator of the Franciscan Sponsorship Board at Saint Marys Hospital Campus – Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Sister Mary Eliot is currently honing her skills of retirement through volunteering, quilting, and reading.
Sister Elaine Frank was born in Caledonia, MN, and entered a religious community from St. Mary’s in Caledonia, MN. She professed first vows as a Daughter of Mary in Miami, FL, in 1966, and transferred to the Rochester Franciscan Congregation in 1975. Sister Elaine received a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in religious studies from Barry University in Miami, FL. She also completed Clinical Pastoral Education in 1990 and became a Certified Chaplain. Sister Elaine’s primary ministry was spent serving at retreat centers and offering spiritual direction in Winona and Janesville, MN. In addition, she served as a social worker in Miami, FL, and as a hospice/hospital chaplain in Mason City, IA. Sister Elaine has been a member of the national board of directors for Retreats International and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. Sister Elaine also served as the Congregational Secretary for the Sisters of Saint Francis at Assisi Heights in Rochester, MN, before moving into volunteer ministries at Assisi Heights.
Sister Patricia Himmer, formerly Sister Donna, was born in Stewartville, MN, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from St. Bernard’s parish in Stewartville. She professed her first vows in 1966. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, and studied Spanish language and Pastoral Ministry in Lima and Chulucanas, Peru. Her early years of ministry were spent teaching in Rollingstone and St. James, MN, and Ironton, OH. The majority of Sister Pat’s ministry was spent living and working among the marginalized poor in various parts of Latin America and the U.S. She served in parish ministry in Vanceburg, KY, from 1971-1979, then in Chulucanas, Peru, from 1979-1991. In 1992, Sister Pat began pastoral work at the Rochester Franciscan mission in Bogotá, Colombia, until 1999. She then served at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Janesville, MN, followed by serving at the Homeless Shelter for Women and Children in Albuquerque, NM. Before moving back to Rochester to work as a receptionist for the Gift of Life House, Sister Pat performed pastoral work in Metter, GA, for five years. Currently, Sister Pat resides at Assisi Heights, participates in various ministries, and enjoys life.
Sister Joan Lewison, formerly Sister Nordeen, was born in Adams, MN, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from Sacred Heart Parish in Adams. She professed her first vows in 1966 at Assisi Heights. Sister Joan received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, and a Master of Science in School Administration and Psychology from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX. The majority of her career was spent as a teacher and principal for Catholic Schools in Aurora and Colorado Springs, CO; Silver Springs, MD; Vista and El Cajon, CA, and Mission, TX. Additionally, she held several Congregational positions at Assisi Heights, including: Coordinator of Human Resources from 1983-1987; Co-Director of Assisi Heights from 1999-2007; and as an Associate Minister on the Leadership team from 2012-2015. Prior to retiring, she served as an Administrator for a retirement center in Chicago, IL. Currently, Sister Joan is retired from active ministry and volunteers at Assisi Heights.
Sister Martha Mathew, formerly Sister Cecil, was born in Barnesville, MN, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from Assumption Parish in Barnesville. She professed first vows at Assisi Heights in 1966. Sister Martha received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of California in San Francisco, CA. The majority of her career was spent in nursing and nursing education in Winona, Duluth, and Rochester, MN; Charleston, SC; and Bogotá, Colombia. Sister Martha is currently retired from active ministry, but continues to volunteer in healthcare at Assisi Heights.
Sister Jan Reisdorf, formerly known as Sister Gerald, was raised in St. Charles, MN, and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from St. Charles Barromeo Parish in St. Charles. She professed her first vows in 1966. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, and a Master of Pastoral Ministry in Theology from Seattle University in Seattle, WA. The majority of her career was spent in Education and pastoral ministry, serving in Fairmont, Winona, and Owatonna, MN, as well as spending 28 years at the Diocese of Pueblo, CO. Additionally, Sister Jan was the Director of Residential Life at Assisi Heights from 2006-2011. Recently retired, Sister Jan volunteers and serves in various ministries.