Sister Edane Volk

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, for Sister Edane Volk, 101, who died Monday, Dec. 21.

Sister Edane was a founder and the second prioress of Annunciation Monastery. By virtue of her role as prioress, she was also the first president of the University of Mary.

Sister Edane (Caroline), the youngest of 12 children of Joseph and Francisca (Miller) Volk, was born Oct. 12, 1908, in Rugby, ND. She entered St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minn., in 1926.

With the love of music in her heart, she spent 25 years teaching music and playing the organ in schools and churches in Dickinson and Mandan.

She served as prioress from 1953-66. Under her leadership, the Benedictines built a new monastery designed by noted architect Marcel Breuer, began the University of Mary, staffed a number of Catholic schools and opened rural hospitals. There were also expansion projects at St. Alexius Medical Center and Garrison Memorial Hospital.

As prioress Sister Edane was grounded in her love for monastic life and deeply reliant on the sustaining grace of God. She recognized others’ gifts and graciously delegated authority to sisters she appointed to various positions. An even temperament, a gentle and pleasant personality and firmness in self-discipline made her a trusted community leader.

After her tenure as prioress, Sister Edane taught private piano lessons and then retired to the monastery where she spent her time in prayer ministry. She will be remembered with gratitude by her monastic community.