Sister Mary Lucida Kollmann and Jr Meister, Damiansville, Illinois, 1910s

Writing on back reads:
"Mary Kollmann, Clem's girl
Jr. Meister"

The young lady in this faded photograph stands outside in a white dress, a simple string of beads, and a bow in her hair. Her smile is small and shy. She is identified as Mary Kollmann, or "Clem's girl." Mary stands beside a young boy, who is identified as "Jr. Meister." Unfortunately, I was not able to find anything else about him.

Mary Kollman was born on August 18th, 1908, in Damiansville, Illinois, to Clemens Kollman, a German farmer, and his wife, Josephine. Mary was the eldest of their nine children. Her sister, Anna, was born in 1910, followed by Rosa in 1912, Joseph in 1913, William John in 1915, Herman in 1918, Hermina in 1920, and Theresa in 1921. In 1922, Josephine gave birth to a baby girl, Katherina, who died shortly after birth. Josephine passed away days later on December 23rd, 1922. Mary was only 14 when she lost her mother and infant sister. Tragically, in March of the next year, she lost her father as well. Both parents were laid to rest in Saint Damian's Cemetery in Damiansville.

Mary was a member of the first graduating class of St. Damian's School. According to her obituary, it was here that she became aware of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She went to Ruma, Illinois, where the Adorers had established a house in 1875. Here she began her religious studies. She took her first vows and became Sister Mary Lucida on June 14th, 1927, at age 19. Two of her sisters, Anna and Rosa, also took their vows, becoming Sister Mary Clement and Sister Mary Sebastian respectively.

For the next several years, Sister Mary Lucida dedicated her life to teaching. She initially worked as a substitute teacher while she completed her own education. In the 1930 Census, she is living in Chester City, Illinois, with three other women, all Catholic school teachers. She taught there at St. Mary's School. Then, in 1931, she was sent with two other Adorers to Dupo to open the Sacred Heart School. In the 1940 Census, she is living and teaching in Fayetteville, Illinois. In 1950, she is in Oran, Missouri, teaching 3rd and 4th grade. She retired from teaching in 1973.

After retiring, Sister Mary Lucida worked at the Clementine Residence in Red Bud, Illinois, caring for senior Adorers. Both she and her sister, Anna (now Sister Mary Clement), celebrated their Diamond Jubilees of religious profession in 1987.

Sister Mary Lucida Kollman lived out her final days at the Clementine Residence. She passed away on January 13th, 1998, at the age of 89. She was laid to rest in the Ruma Convent Cemetery in Ruma, Illinois.

If you recognize Mary and Jr., let us know in the comments!