Sister Gloria Ann Fielder, CDP
December 1, 1937 – September 10, 2025
Sister Gloria Ann Fiedler, CDP, age 87, entered eternal life on September 10, 2025. Born Elorine Ann on December 1, 1937, in Cain City, Texas, she was raised in a devout Catholic home by her beloved parents, Chester Joseph Jacob and Margaret Mary (Hulfmann) Fiedler, alongside four siblings. Her vocation to religious life began at the age of six, inspired by her First Holy Communion. She formally entered the Congregation of Divine Providence in 1957 and professed her first vows on June 22, 1958, beginning a lifelong ministry of faith, service, and connection.
Sister Gloria Ann was deeply grateful to her congregation for supporting her academic pursuits. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Education from Our Lady of the Lake University, followed by a Master of Divinity and an Advanced Master’s degree in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. She applied her education to a distinguished career in Catholic education and ministry, serving as an educator, principal, and leader in parish, youth, campus, diocesan, and vocation ministries, as well as with her congregation’s lay Associates.
Her teaching ministry began at St. Ann’s School in Houston, Texas, and continued at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria, Louisiana. She returned to San Antonio, where she spent most of her educational ministry at the three institutions founded by the Congregation of Divine Providence: St. Martin Hall, as a 1st – 3rd grade teacher and Providence High School where she taught Latin. She moved into educational administration and served as the principal of St. Mary’s School, in downtown San Antonio, from 1972 – 1980. Her transition to parish ministry at a local parish, near Our Lady of the Lake Convent: St. John Berchmann Church marked the beginning of her enduring commitment to young adult ministry. She was also proud of helping reopen the parish’s Catholic school.
Over the course of 19 years, Sister Gloria Ann served as a campus and youth minister in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Dioceses of Brownsville, Texas, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her final 18 years of ministry were dedicated to the Congregation of Divine Providence, where she promoted vocations and mentored women and men discerning religious and Associate life. She remained actively engaged with the Providence Leadership Program at Our Lady of the Lake University and the congregation’s Associates program.
Her extensive involvement in workshops, retreats, and publications reflected her passion for ministry and her unwavering commitment to serving the people of God. Her legacy is one of leadership, collaboration, and a profound love for her Provident God.
Sister Gloria Ann is survived by her siblings: Elroy (Connie) Fiedler; sister-in-law Gerri Fiedler; Carolyn Nichols; Valerie (Joe) Baskin; nieces: Diane (Richard) Layne, Jana (Danny) Bezet, Lee Ann (Cameron) Waltz, Melissa Fiedler, Lana (Tim) Coleman; nephews: Kurt (Liza) Nichols, Brian Nichols, David (Cheryl) Nichols, Kevin (Kami) Fiedler, Kyle (Carrie) Fiedler, Kelton (Angela) Fiedler, Rob Baskin, Rick (Karen) Baskin, Clint (Angela) Fiedler; and the Sisters of Divine Providence. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenneth Fiedler, and brother-in-law Leo Nichols.
Loved by her family, the Sisters of Divine Providence, Associates, and friends, Sister Gloria Ann will be honored with a Rosary on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Wake at 6:00 p.m. The Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. All services will take place in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 603 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.