NORBERTA HUNNEWINKEL Obituary

SISTER NORBERTA HUNNEWINKEL, O.S.F., SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE NEUMAN COMMUNITIES Judith Ann, known as Sister Norberta, was one of two children in the Hunnewinkel family. She was born on February 10, 1941, in Evanston, Illinois, to Norine and Albert Hunnewinkel. She finished high school, while boarding at St. Francis Convent School in Syracuse, New York. Judith joined the Sisters of St. Francis and taught in inner city Camden and then in Hoboken, New Jersey where she instructed the children of recent immigrants, primarily from Puerto Rico, who came with truly little, seeking a better life. She was instrumental in founding The Hoboken Shelter and served as its director for twenty-five years. She advocated for the rights of the poor, serving on the city's Rent Control Board. During this time Sister Norberta became the foster mother of two sibling children, raising them to adulthood. She stated that none of her previous ministries could have prepared her for "...the daily, hourly, by the minute challenges of foster parenting." In 1987 she was named as a Jersey Journal Women of Achievement. In 2002 the Franciscan Federation honored her with a Peacemaker Award and in 2007 the Hoboken Shelter recognized her with a Lifetime Achievement Recognition. In 2011 she received a proclamation of gratitude from the mayor of the City of Hoboken. In Hawaii she ministered in various areas through St. Francis Healthcare System until her retirement. Her life of faith, service, and compassion continues to inspire all who knew her. Her celebration of life will be at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe on August 20, 2024, viewing at 9:00 am followed by Liturgy at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 46-068 Alaloa St. #207, Kaneohe, HI, 96744. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel