Pezold, Sister Mary William, 1928-2020
Biographical
Sister Mary William, Geraldine Pezold, born February 17, 1928, was the first of three children of Herman and Barbara (Neuroth) Pezold-Keim. Baptized at Holy Cross Church in St. Louis on February 26, she entered our novitiate on July 25, 1947, and professed first vows on August 10, 1949. She studied art, earning a bachelor’s from Fontbonne and a master’s from Notre Dame. An accomplished artist, she created art in various media, including a 1964 woodcut titled “Profiles in Peace” with symbols of JFK, one sent as a gift to Mrs. Kennedy. In 1982, she reflected on art sharing, calling her classroom a place to nurture beauty and creativity in students. She taught at elementary schools in NE and MO, served as a teaching principal at several MO schools, and shared her love of art with high school students at Bishop DuBourg, St. John the Baptist, and St. Mary’s Academy. She also worked in the Ecclesiastical Art Department. After retiring from classroom teaching, she provided individual art lessons at our O’Fallon Motherhouse, featured in the 1997 St. Louis Review. One student, Dan Prize, who learned about detail, now studies architecture at Notre Dame, applying her lessons.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Chalice and Paten, Silver Sterling Silver
The hammered sterling silver and wood chalice and paten was created by Sister Mary William Pezold Sister Mary William Pezold received an MA degree at Notre Dame University where she studies metal sculpture The chalice is 55 H x 48 D and the Paten is 7 Diameter.
Glory Be to the Blood of Jesus, Wood Crucifix
The enamel on copper disc mounted on wood entitled Glory Be to the Blood of Jesus Crucifix was created by Sister Mary William Pezold The cross was the central piece for the wall art in the small chapel on the third floor of the infirmary now Abbey Health constructed in 1975 The Mondrian like grid of brass and colorful plastic glass was also made by Sister Mary William The size of the piece is 31 L x 24 W.