Tending to God’s Garden
As Sister Elizabeth Sohler celebrates her 75th jubilee as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon, she reflects on a life guided by faith, service and a strong sense of community. From her early days growing up on a farm outside of North Plains, Ore. to her long career in education and elder care, Sister Elizabeth has approached each chapter with gratitude, humility and a steady commitment to her calling.
Born and baptized in North Plains, Sister Elizabeth grew up in a Catholic household where faith was part of daily life. She attended public school, as there were no Catholic schools nearby, but received religious instruction from the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon after Sunday Mass and during summer programs. That early connection to the Sisters made a strong and lasting impression. “My great-aunt was the Superior General, and we had many visits from Sisters who were friends of the family,” she recalls. “It was just part of life — growing up around the Sisters and learning from their example.”
When Sr. Elizabeth came to St. Mary of the Valley as a boarding student in high school, the seeds of her vocation took root. By her junior year, she knew she wanted to join the community. “We saw how the Sisters lived and served. We went to Mass with them, we were part of their world,” she said. “It just grew in me. I decided I wanted to be a part of it.”
She entered the community during her senior year at age 18. She says she may only be four years younger than her blood Sister, Sr. Angeline Sohler, but points out that she is seven years younger in Religious years. Sister Angeline celebrated her 80th Jubilee in 2023.
“We are close as blood sisters but also very different so our paths went different directions most of the time,” said Sr. Elizabeth. “She [Sr. Angeline] was adventurous, artistic and loved the outdoors. I have always enjoyed being closer to home in the garden or reading a good book.”
After joining the SSMO Community, Sr. Elizabeth went on to dedicate two decades to service in education. She taught music for nine years at schools in Milwaukie and Portland, including St. John the Baptist, Holy Cross, and Our Lady of Sorrows. Later, she transitioned into the classroom as an elementary teacher at St. Pius X, St. Francis in Roy, and St. Agatha.
Still, it was Sr. Elizabeth’s 27 years in the business office at Maryville where she found her favorite ministry. “I liked it much better,” she shared with a laugh, noting how her path shifted from music to administration. “Even though I worked alone, I knew everybody — the residents, the families. It was more of a family-type thing. I really enjoyed it.”
Today, Sister Elizabeth resides at the Motherhouse, where she tends lovingly to a flower garden and prepares guest rooms for visitors. She remains actively involved in community life and continues to find joy in prayer, hospitality, and simple acts of service. “I enjoy just being here with the Sisters. I think it’s very special,” she says. “You have time to pray, to be with God, and to serve others. It is a calling.”
Now 93, Sister Elizabeth is still full of grace and good humor. “What does this Jubilee mean to me? I’m getting older!” she jokes. But she quickly adds, “I’ve been blessed to reach this age and I thank God for calling me to be a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon.”
