Sr. Ruth Louise Busshaus – Obituary

ROCHESTER, NY- Sr. Ruth Louise Busshaus, ” Sr. Mary Aquinas”, was called home by her God on Dec. 29, 2016, during her 58th year as a Sister of Mercy. She was born on August 6, 1933 to Francis J. and Annie M Busshaus of Cross Fork.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by siblings, Elizabeth “Betty” Gaiss, Margaret “Peg” Dunmire, Frederick “Fritz”Busshaus, Francis “Joe” Busshaus II, and Mary Ann Helmle. She is survived by a brother, William “Bill” Busshaus of Cross Fork, several nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of Mercy.

Ruth did secretarial work for 7 years at Corning Glass before entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1958. She received her BS Degree in Education from St. John’s College in Cleveland, OH, and her MAT Degree in Religious Education from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT. She then studied and received certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from Regis College at the University of Toronto. Sr. Ruth”s ministries included service as a teacher, secretary, pastoral assistant, pastoral associate, clinical pastoral counselor, visitation ministry and teaching theology at the Academy of Our Lady of Guam on the island of Guam for 4 years. Sr. Ruth followed the maxim of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and tried to meet all with peace and ease.

Friends and family were welcomed on Wednesday, January 4th at the Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Rd., where her Vigil Service was held. Her funeral mass was celebrated Thursday, January 5th at Mercy Center. Interment will take place in the spring in Corning, NY. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Rd.
Rochester, NY 14610.