Back to NewsWe honor these three Presentation Sisters for their over 215 years of service to those in need: Sister Annrita Johnson, 75 years; Sister Gabriella Crowley, 70 years; Sister Paulette Garry, 70 years. Daily, they continue living out their vocational call, working for justice, alleviating oppression and speaking out for those without a voice. We thank them for their dedication to making our world a better place for all to live. They celebrated their jubilee with family and friends on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Sister Annrita (Rita Mary) Johnson was born in McIntosh, S.D., and graduated from McIntosh Public School. She attended Presentation School of Nursing and Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wise., receiving a bachelor’s in nursing. She received a master’s in nursing from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo., and completed post-graduate work at the University of Utah.
For 25 years, Sister Annrita taught Nursing at Presentation School of Nursing and Presentation College. She served on the congregational leadership team from 1974-1978 and then became the director of Home Health Agency in New Mexico. She, along with Sister Corita Dickinson, founded Barrett House, a shelter for homeless women and children, half-way home for older mentally ill women and thrift store in Albuquerque, N.M.
She also ministered at a retreat center in Albuquerque and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Sister volunteered at Avera McKennan’s information desk prior to retiring at Presentation Convent in 2008. She is grateful she could follow the congregation’s charism and respond to the needs of the poor.
An avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, Sister Annrita enjoys watching sports and a great game of Bingo.
Sister Gabriella Crowley was born and raised in Henry, S.D. After graduation, she attended Presentation Junior College and then St. Catherine College in St. Paul, Minn., earning a bachelor’s in Foods and Nutrition.
Sister Gabriella served as a dietitian for 14 years at Presentation-sponsored hospitals in Montana and South Dakota. Her ministry work transitioned and for the next six years, she ministered to the Native American people around Mobridge, S.D.
Sister Gabriella’s ministry led her to catechetical missionary work in Guerrero, Mexico. For 17 years, she shared her compassionate spirit while training men and women to carry out the faith in their villages.
In 1997, upon returning to Sioux Falls, S.D., she ministered as an assistant director at the Good Shepherd Ministry Center, serving the poor and homeless with her loving smile and welcoming heart.
For the next 13 years, Sister Gabriella welcomed and walked alongside newly arriving Latinos at Caminando Juntos, the Sisters’ sponsored Hispanic ministry.
Now retired, Sister Gabriella continues her love and compassion for all through her prison ministry work. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing letters.
Sister Paulette Garry was born and raised in Huron, S.D., graduating from Huron High School. She went on to earn a teaching certificate from Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D., a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in education from Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D.
Sister Paulette’s dedication and love of education was evident throughout her life, often referring to her students as “cherubs.” For over 45 years, she shared her warm smile and enthusiasm for learning with elementary and junior high students in Catholic Schools in Mound and Willmar, Minn.; Madison, Woonsocket, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and Dell Rapids, S.D. She also served as principal of Sacred Heart, Aberdeen, S.D. from 1972-1978.
Upon retirement, Sister Paulette returned to Presentation Convent in Aberdeen. She continued serving others as the community life and hospitality director, as well as sacristan and as a member of the Sisters’ care team. Her welcoming and joyful spirit was seen and felt through her daily actions of caring for others.
Currently fully retired, Sister Paulette is engaged in prayer ministry. She also enjoys puzzles, Bingo and visiting with family and friends.