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Eight nuns died of complications from Covid-19 last week at a Wisconsin convent – four of whom died the same day.
The convent, School Sisters of Notre-Dame of Elm Grove, about 10 miles west of Milwaukee, said there were confirmed cases among the 88 sisters living at the facility, but did not clarify the number, reported NBC affiliate TMJ4.
Debra Sciano, provincial head of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Central Pacific School, told the station that the eight sisters were all educators and “role models” who have dedicated their lives to the community.
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“To me, they are figures of wisdom – women that I have known for over 40 years in the community,” she said. “Each of our sisters is really important, not only to us, but she feels like she has touched a lot of lives that we will never be aware of.
The facility was first established as an orphanage, which later evolved into a retirement home for elderly and sick sisters, according to the organization’s website.
Across the United States, many nursing homes for the elderly have been ravaged by the coronavirus.
The congregation said all sisters followed public health guidelines set out by the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing masks, social distancing and regular hand washing.
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, the convent said it is isolating and testing the remaining sisters for Covid-19 twice a week.
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The School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.
The deaths came several months after 13 sisters died from Covid-19 at a Michigan convent, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Livonia, about 20 miles west of Detroit.
Less than a week before Christmas, Sciano said the congregation celebrated with a heavy heart.
“Was there ever an easy time? she said. “No, but trying to celebrate the lives of these women as we mourn their lives. They will be sorely missed.
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