Sister Ramona Bezner, CDP
December 22, 1927 – July 24. 2023
Sister Ramona Bezner, CDP, entered eternal life on June 24, 2023 at the age of 95. She was the fifth of nine children (the second of four girls) born to Jake and Elizabeth (Wiese) Bezner. Sister Ramona was born December 22, 1927 in Lindsay, Texas.
She answered God’s call to become a Sister of Divine Providence on September 8, 1945 and professed first vows on June 22, 1948. Throughout her life, Sister Ramona, cherished the blessings that came from her wonderful family, the communities she lived in, and her beloved Congregation of Divine Providence.
Sister Ramona possessed a wealth of qualifications and unique gifts, which she wholeheartedly utilized to enrich the lives of those around her. Her academic journey included earning a B.A. in English from Our Lady of the Lake College in 1951, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, in New York in 1956, and a Supervisor’s Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin in 1962.
Throughout her more than four decades of devoted service as an educator, Sister Ramona made an indelible impact on the lives of countless students and parents. From 1948-1982 she held teaching and principal positions in schools within the Archdiocese of San Antonio, including St. Henry’s, St. Mary’s, St. Martin Hall, and St. Mary’s in West, Texas. She also served as Principal of Providence High School from 1992-2000. Her commitment to her students was unwavering, and she would often pose the question, “What is best for our students?” when faced with decisions. Sister Ramona’s enthusiastic leadership and her willingness to embrace change for the betterment of all set her apart.
For her tireless dedication to education, Sister Ramona received a commendation from the City of San Antonio, signed by Mayor Howard Peak. She was bestowed the prestigious Yellow Rose of Texas Education Award by the Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc of San Antonio and honored at Our Lady of the Lake University’s 87th Founder’s Day celebration.
Her dedication extended beyond the classroom as she assumed roles in the Congregation as Director of the Office of Ministry, and Formation Director for new members of the Congregation. Sister Ramona also served as an ACTS retreat Spiritual Companion and on numerous Congregational and University committees. Most recently she served as Director of Pastoral Care.
While Sister Ramona’s professional achievements were remarkable, it was her embodiment of charity, wisdom, understanding, patience, and friendship that endeared her to those who knew her. Her smiling face provided strength and reassurance to those seeking guidance. In 2008 Sister Ramona said, “I pray that I will be able to live the rest of my life in thanksgiving to God for God’s gracious goodness to me.”
Sister Ramona Bezner will be remembered as an extraordinary educator, a devoted servant, and a gracious woman of Providence. Her lifelong commitment to education and her unwavering dedication to the mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence continue to inspire and guide others. Sister Ramona leaves behind a profound legacy of leadership, compassion, and devotion.
She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Caponi, sister-in-law Joan Bezner, and all her Sisters and Associates of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Jake and Elizabeth Bezner, siblings Lambert, Wilfred, James, Sister Anna Rose, CDP, Viola, Arnold, and Weldon Bezner; brother-in-law Mike Caponi, and sisters-in-law Rose, Johnann, and Laurie Bezner.
The Visitation is Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.; The Rosary, at 4:00 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m.; Visitation is Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.; Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 603 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.