After surviving polio as a teenager, Ann Stubbe knew God had something special for her life. She wanted to become a Sister. But after high school graduation and just 16 years of age, her mother thought she was too young and sheltered. A deal was made. Attend a year of college and then see how you feel. Ann admits she had a great year at a junior college and many good times, but becoming a Sister was still first and foremost in her mind. Her mother finally gave her blessing. Trained in Montessori techniques, Sr. Ann's early years were spent as a primary teacher in San Francisco, San Jose, Chico, Alameda and Carmel. "Young children are so life giving. I love working with them in their formative years." Contributing energy and enthusiasm everywhere she served, Sr. Ann remembers the challenge and pleasure of "recreating" two day care centers. One center had only seven students and two teachers when she took over. Three years later, the center was flourishing with 60 kids and six teachers.
Sr. Ann in a coal mine.
Her six years in West Virginia hold a special spot in Sr. Ann's heart. Poverty wasn't a stranger in the rural, coal mining community where Sister worked as a Head Start Supervisor, but she found the people warm and hardworking and loved seeing the children excel. Sr. Ann says, "Entering the Sisters of Notre Dame was a big risk for me; it was going into the unknown. But it was also a strong desire and I'm grateful for so many blessings this life has brought." Today, Sr. Ann lives in the Province Center. She enjoys volunteering at the Notre Dame High School, Belmont, library. | 