Sr. Grace Catherine Aufderbeck, S.C.

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Grace Catherine Aufderbeck died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 93 in Mother Margaret Hall on the Mount St. Joseph campus.

Sister Grace Catherine was born on Jan. 15, 1933, to Herman and Catherine (Walburg) Aufderbeck in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the middle child of three, with one sister and one brother. She was a Sister of Charity for 74 years. 

Sister Grace Catherine grew up in Cincinnati, attending Holy Family grade school and graduating from Seton High School in 1951, where she served as Student Council president her senior year. Taught by the Sisters of Charity in both schools, she admired their dedication and care for students. “I was inspired to offer my life to the Lord when a Sister asked me if I had ever thought of becoming a Sister. My immediate response was ‘yes,’” Sister Grace once shared. Her aunt, Sister Carlotta Walburg, was also a Sister of Charity, entering the congregation 25 years earlier.

Sister Grace Catherine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1963 and a master’s degree in administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1969.

Her active ministry spanned more than 50 years, all in Catholic elementary education, serving in Ohio, Maryland, Michigan and New Mexico. She began teaching at St. Brigid School in Xenia, Ohio, from 1953-1956, followed by Holy Redeemer School in Kensington, Maryland, from 1956 until 1965.

In 1965, she became principal of Queen of Martyrs School in Birmingham, Michigan, until 1973. Sister Grace recalled, “I had wonderful years in the parish and met many faith-filled families there.”

She then moved to San Felipe de Neri School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving as principal from 1973-1979. Following this ministry, she participated in the Global Community Program at the College of Mount St. Joseph during a sabbatical year.

 At this time, a new challenge was presented to Sister Grace. She was invited by Father Michael O’Brien to come to San Francisco de Asís School in Ranchos de Taos parish in northern New Mexico to re-open the parish school, which had been closed for 12 years. She willingly accepted the challenge with the help of Sisters of Charity Annette Frey and Coletta Marie Kearns, along with Sisters from other religious communities and devoted lay teachers. 

She began with kindergarten and added a class each year until they reached grades K-6. Sister Grace often reflected that over its 20 years, the school developed a strong reputation, though it was sometimes limited by financial constraints. She added, “I am proud of our little school that was made up of 90 percent children from Hispanic families, 75 percent low-income families, and 99 percent came from Catholic families.”

In 2001, San Francisco de Asís parish sponsored a trip to Rome in Sister Grace’s honor, which included Sister Grace’s family members as well as members of the parish. The trip also marked Sister Grace’s Golden Jubilee year. She remained deeply grateful to the Sisters of Charity for providing her with the education and opportunities that enabled her to serve so effectively in Catholic schools. She was admired as an excellent school administrator, known especially for creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for both students and teachers.

Sister Grace retired in 2003 but remained in New Mexico, living in Albuquerque. She taught RCIA classes at Holy Rosary parish and served as a hospice volunteer. As neighbors aged, she and Sister Annette Frey supported them by walking their dogs, providing rides to the grocery store or doctor appointments, and offering companionship. The Sisters were especially faithful volunteers and familiar walkers in the neighborhood, enjoying the beauty of the Southwest and discovering new places together. Sister Grace also enjoyed rafting, skiing, gardening and the Taos mountains.

She often shared, “The majestic mountains, clear streams and beautiful sky all speak to me of the beauty of God and the tremendous love God has for all of us. May we always praise God!” 

In 2015, Sister Grace moved to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse, where she volunteered as a lector for liturgy and enjoyed reading, playing cards and visiting her family in Northern Kentucky. She was grateful for the wonderful care she received from the nursing staff at Mother Margaret Hall. It brought her joy to keep the candy bowls filled for the nurses who stopped by.

Sister Grace Catherine is survived by her sister Kathryn “Kay” Schaller as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Aufderbeck. Sisters, family and friends will greet visitors in the back of the Motherhouse Chapel from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Sister Grace Catherine will be buried in the cremains section in the Sisters of Charity cemetery.

Memorials can be made in Sister Grace Catherine Aufderbeck’s name to the Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Retirement Fund, 5900 Delhi Rd., Mount St. Joseph, Ohio 45051.