Teresa Sticka

Teresa Sticka, 101, resident of the Leach Home, Wahpeton, ND, went Home to the Lord, Tuesday February 4, 2025, at 6:15 AM. Her Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 AM at Carmel of Mary Monastery, Wahpeton, ND. Visitation will begin at 9:15 AM.

Teresa was born April 7, 1923, the middle child in a family of 11, 5 boys and 6 girls. The family lived in New England, ND and attended St. Mary’s Church and School, taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame from Mankato, MN.

At age 22, Teresa decided she would never get married because she wanted to be “free and independent” and independent she became.

In the 1950’s Teresa moved to Oregon for a few years, then moved to a 20-story apartment downtown Los Angeles, CA; living on the 15th floor. She loved to travel: a tourist trip through Europe, then back in the United States. She took bus trips all over the country and up through Canada, all by herself thoroughly enjoying the sights.

While in Los Angeles, Teresa was employed as a secretary through an employment agency, which suited her well. She could work a couple of weeks here, and a few weeks there with free time in between.

When in her 90’s, Teresa became less agile. Her remaining brother and sister, a Carmelite nun in Wahpeton, urged her to move to an assisted living facility. They were met with a big “no,” she loved where she was. Finally, in September 2022, Mother Madonna, prioress of the Carmelite Community, traveled to Los Angeles in the hope of bringing her to North Dakota. Teresa’s immediate response was “no!” Mother Madonna stayed in a convent overnight and prayed that Teresa would change her mind. The next day, she returned to Teresa’s 15th floor apartment and Teresa was ready to go, carrying her little suitcase.

At age 99, in January 2023, Teresa moved to the Leach Home in Wahpeton. She loved her new home and the staff’s care and concern for her was the perfect amount, not too much and not too little. She especially enjoyed her milk, and the bacon served to her. The main attraction was the orange tabby cat named Louise, who always had perfect timing when Teresa needed a snuggle. In January 2025 she became more and more weak until the Lord came to take her to her heavenly Home where her large family was waiting for her.

Teresa is survived by her brother Ignatius, 97, and her Carmelite sister, Sister Margaret Mary, O. Carm. at the Carmelite Monastery.