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Sr. Frieda Monhl September 2010 at Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI. |
Sr Freida Mohnl Interview 23 September 2010
* Listen to The Audio (hosted at Story Corps) Recording Number SSM-OHP-012
Private interview that requires FREE registration / login with The Story Corps Archive to listen.
This interview was memorable for me because this was the first interview I did by myself. Fr Bill was not able to attend, and he assured me I would be fine ... and it was largely due to the amazing woman doing the talking this day!
Highlights :
Like many of the Sisters I've interviewed, Sr Freida got caught up in WWII in Europe. She was a teacher for many years before she became a medical social worker. She basically pioneered the field of case management after her own difficult experience of being discharged from a German hospital far from her home in Austria, with no money to get home. She was in Frankfurt, Germany, the night of Crystal Night 11-9-10/1938 when all the Jewish places had their windows smashed out ... She was hurt and got help in a hospital run by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Sr. Frieda was not born Catholic, so it's an interesting story to hear how she decided to become a Sister. It's another interesting story to hear how she became friends with Sr. Regina and came to America,
Memorable Quotes from the session :
"History is Politics ; Politics becomes History."
Sr. Frieda had a rebellious spirit -- always a fire burning. She made a difference!
I had the great good fortune to talk with Sr. Frieda on several other memorable and enjoyable occasions, but this was the only session that was recorded. It's one that I treasure!
Sr. Frieda died Jan 27, 2014 at 90 years of age. Sr Frieda's Obituary.
Check out ALL the Sisters Stories posted to date at The Stories of the Sisters Project Website.
[Updated 27 February 2023.]
