Sister Marcella Schmalz, OSB, a Benedictine sister at St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith known for her love of baking bread and gardening, died July 29. She was 104.
Born Marcella Carolina to Ed and Helen Agnes Blunk Schmalz, She became a beautician as a teenager in California but felt the call to religious life when she was 8 years old.
Sister Marcella entered St. Scholastica as a candidate Aug, 11, 1943. She was given the name Mary Benoit and made her first profession June 24, 1946. She made her final profession on June 24, 1949.
During her mission work, Sister Marcella often worked in cooking in Arkansas and Missouri assignments, including Lake Village, Atkins, St. Joseph Orphanage and the bishop’s residence in Little Rock.
In 1971, she moved to Canyon, Texas, to found St. Benedict Monastery, staying there until 2017 when she returned to St. Scholastica.
She is survived by nieces and nephews and Benedictine sisters.
A vesper service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20. Both will be held at St. Scholastica Monastery. Memorials can be made to the monaster’s Continuing Care Fund, 1315 S. Albert Pike Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903.
