Sister Josita Nahlen taught in Russellville for 31 years

Published: October 25, 2016

Sister Josita Nahlen

Sister Josita Nahlen, OSB, who served as a teacher and principal for 47 years, died Oct. 16. She was 99.

Born Christine Catherine on July 29, 1917, in Conway to Joseph and Christine Rumker Nahlen, she was the oldest of nine children. She entered St. Scholastica Convent in 1935 but had to leave upon her mother’s death to help care for her siblings. After her father remarried, she came back to religious life and made her monastic profession profession on June 24, 1942, taking the name Mary Josita. She spent 47 years as a teacher and principal, with the last 24 years at St. John School in Russellville. When she retired as principal, she continued work as the director of religious education until 1997. At 80 years old, she stepped down to work as assistant director of education for several years.

Sister Josita spent the past 14 years at St. Scholastica and at Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab. In retirement, she enjoyed sewing, making crafts for the St. Scholastica gift shop and managing the monastery periodical room.

She is survived by one brother, T.J. Nahlen of Conway; and one sister, Anna Marie Gunderman of Conway.

Vespers were held Oct. 20 at the monastery chapel. A funeral Mass was Oct. 21, with burial at the monastery cemetery.