Sr. Ann Willits

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Sister Ann Willits, OP, died Jan. 26, 2024, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her wake will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at St. Dominic Villa. Her funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at St. Joseph Church, Sinsinawa, with a reception to follow in the school cafeteria. Casey-McNett Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Sister Ann was born Feb. 20, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Dr. Henry M. and Kathleen (Tracy) Willits. She professed vows with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa in 1958 and received the religious name of Sister Caitlin. Her home parish was Nativity, Dubuque. She attended Visitation Grade School, Dubuque; St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa; and Rosary College, River Forest, Ill., where she received a BA in speech. She received an MA from St. Thomas College, St. Paul, Minn., and also studied at Marquette University, Milwaukee.

Sister Ann's ministry was dedicated to teaching and preaching. She taught English and religion for eight years. She ministered in Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and led retreats and parish missions all over the United States and abroad. She served on the Leadership Council of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation from 1973 to 1982. Sister Ann was a codirector of the Parable Conference for Dominican Life and Mission for 21 years and developed programs, retreats, and parish missions to address the needs of the contemporary Church and world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a twin brother in gestation; a brother, Mark; and a sister, Mary Lorenz. She is survived by her Dominican Sisters.

Memorials may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, Wis., or given online at sinsinawa.org/donate.