Benedictine Sister Romayne
Schaut died June 8 at Saint Benedict Monastery in Bristow. She was 61 years
professed as a Benedictine Sister when she died.
She was born Mary Ann Jan. 1,
1929, in St. Marys, Penn., to Romayne Edward and Mildred (Bryndle) Schaut. She
entered Saint Joseph Monastery in St. Marys Sept. 8, 1957, and professed
perpetual vows there Aug. 18, 1962.
As a member of Saint Joseph
Monastery, Sister Romayne studied at both Villanova and Duquesne Universities,
and served as a teacher and principal in elementary and high schools in St.
Marys and Warren, Penn.
She held positions in her
monastic community as secretary, councilor, formation director and local
convent superior. In 1986, Sister Romayne embraced a call to serve God’s people
in Tanzania. For five years, she was the dean of studies at Oldonyo Sambu
Seminary in Arusha, teaching the young men English and liturgy, caring for the
sick and immersing herself in the local culture.
Upon returning home from the
Tanzanian mission, Sister Romayne served her monastic community as guest
mistress and in personal care of the elderly infirm. In 1997, she began the
process of transferring to Saint Benedict Monastery in Bristow. Her final
incorporation as a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia was held in
2000.
Sister Romayne was preceded
in death by her parents, Mildred and Romayne; sister Teresa Schlimm; and
brothers Alfred, James and Edward. She is survived by sister Gertrude Caruso
and several nieces and nephews.
A public celebration of Sister
Romayne’s life will take place at Saint Benedict Monastery at a future date,
due to the current health restrictions.
