Sister Mary Antonee, SND
November 12, 1945 – June 6, 2026
Professed August 16, 1966
Born Helen Marie on November 12, 1945, to Joseph and Katherine (Armbruster) Pfenning, Sister Mary Antonee began a journey of faith and service. As a result of an early childhood hip dislocation, she struggled with significant mobility issues for the rest of her life. The family lived on Cleveland’s West Side belonging first to St. Stephen parish and then to Blessed Sacrament Parish. She attended Blessed Sacrament elementary school and then St. Stephen High School. Helen loved learning, participated in many activities and served as first page editor of the paper. The school was known for its excellent business program; Helen excelled as she prepared for her future.
Helen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant on September 8, 1963. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Antonee, a name she treasured. St. Anthony became a trusted friend and constant companion. Building on her business training from high school, Sister Mary Antonee earned a degree in business education from Notre Dame College in South Euclid and began teaching high school students for the next ten years. Later she received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. Her strengths in the area of business were recognized when she was assigned to the SND community finance office where she ministered as assistant treasurer and medical benefits administrator for over twenty years.
Sister was known for being the guiding force behind the annual ND Chicken BBQ and Boutique for many years. Her ability to relate to others, especially via phone, was legendary. No detail escaped her attention!
After serving in the sisters’ finance office, she ministered for more than twenty-five years as business manager at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. Her work was accomplished with a conscientious, loving spirit. Sister Mary Antonee was a woman of quiet prayer whose life was dedicated to the service of others. She treasured her family, her many friends and colleagues, and her Notre Dame Sisters.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Antonee will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center. It will be live-streamed here. Visitation will be from 9:30 until Mass begins.
To make a donation in memory of Sister Antonee, please click here.
