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St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. — Sister Petra Daschbach, 92, died Jan. 13, 2012, in Mother Theodore Hall, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

She was born on July 8, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Albert and Estelle McCloskey Daschbach and was baptized Mary Elizabeth.

She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 1, 1939, and professed final vows on Jan. 23, 1948. She earned a bachelor's degree in Latin from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master's degree in Latin from DePaul University.

Of her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 42 years, teaching 41 years in high schools in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. She taught Latin and religion at Immaculata Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., from 1965 to 1986. Hundreds of former students kept in touch with Sister Petra over the years.

Retiring from teaching, she ministered for three years in St. Mary's Parish in Fredericksburg, Va. In 1989 Sister Petra returned to Washington, D.C., where she taught Latin in St. Ann's Academy and served in the parish office until retirement.

In February 2010, Sister Petra moved to Lexington, N.C., where she dedicated herself to the ministry of prayer and presence in the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary.

In August 2011, Sister Petra came to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence, committing herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

She is preceded in death by three sisters, Rosemary Daschbach, Mildred DeWitt and Barbara Doherty, all of whom graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College; and five brothers, Joseph, Bert, Charles, James and John Daschbach.

She is survived by nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Daniel R. Hopcus on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. Burial was at the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence in St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

Callahan-DeBaun Funeral Home of Terre Haute, Ind., was in charge of the arrangements.