Sister Louise Sharum, OSB, a member of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith and the founding director of Hesychia House of Prayer in New Blaine, died Oct. 26. She was 94.
She was born Elizabeth “Betty Lou” Sharum on Aug. 31, 1931, to Simon and Isabell Sharum in Massard (Sebastian County).
She entered St. Scholastica Convent in August 1945, during her sophomore year of high school. She had to wait until 1948 to be old enough to become a novice. She made temporary profession June 24, 1950, and perpetual profession June 24, 1953. She was given the name Sister De Sales, but returned to Louise, her baptismal name, in 1967.
She received her bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kan., her master’s degree from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., and her doctorate degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where she also taught. She received certification as a spiritual director from the School of Spiritual Direction in Pecos, N.M.
Over the years, she served in various educational ministries, from elementary school to college and being a principal.
She, along with two other sisters of her community, began Hesychia House of Prayer in 1981, and has served there ever since, except for 1985 to 1993 when she was the prioress of her community.
She celebrated her 75th jubilee this year. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed writing poetry, cooking, reading and word games.
The vespers service was held Nov. 2, and the funeral Mass was Nov. 3 at St. Scholastica Monastery with Father Jerome Kodell, OSB, and chaplain Father Joseph Chan presiding. Internment is in the columbarium in St. Scholastica’s cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Scholastica Monastery Continuing Care Fund, 1315 S. Albert Pike Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903.
