Life through Love and Friendship: Sisters Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel and Timothy Ann Schroeder

“If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”

St. Louise de Marillac

By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern

In 2019, the Mount St. Joseph Post Office, operated under the North Bend Post Office, closed just before Sisters Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel (right) and Timothy Ann Schroeder (left) marked 20 years of ministry together.

In 2019, Sisters Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel and Timothy Ann Schroeder closed the chapter on nearly two decades of shared ministry at the Mount St. Joseph Post Office, where countless everyday moments deepened a lasting friendship. Now adjusting to a new chapter in Mother Margaret Hall, their bond continues to grow in the simple joys of retirement.

It was in 1991 that the two Sisters first became acquainted with one another after S. Ann was missioned to teach at Holy Family School in Cincinnati. S. Tim remembered S. Ann as “a good teacher and a good schoolmate.” She often visited S. Ann’s classroom to chat before leaving school on Friday afternoons, and the two regularly shared lunch.

It was easy for the two Sisters to connect with one another. As S. Ann recalled, “Almost the entire faculty was religious—it was a wonderful time because we were so like-minded in our expectations of what we wanted the kids to do.”

Their relationship deepened in 2000 when S. Ann began ministering in the Mount St. Joseph Post Office. When S. Tim joined her there, S. Ann was “really happy it was her,” knowing she would be working alongside someone she already knew and trusted.

From there, their friendship began to “unfurl itself,” as S. Tim described it. “It was nothing we could make or plan.” Instead, it grew naturally through shared ministry, daily routines, and countless conversations.

S. Ann went on to share, “The environment was different in a classroom. I think another aspect of our personalities came out in the post office because it was a freer atmosphere.”

The kindness and laughter they shared with patrons, mail carriers, and Motherhouse coworkers reflected the warmth that defined both their ministry and their growing friendship.

“We got to know lots of people,” S. Tim said. Among them were a handful of mail carriers, one of whom delivered a “priority” box filled with donuts just for the Sisters the morning after S. Ann jokingly remarked, “You know, we never get any of these packages.”

In 2012, Sisters Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel (center) and Timothy Ann Schroeder (right) were featured in the Summer issue of Intercom alongside one of their mail carriers, highlighting how their ministry of hospitality carried forward the spirit of Elizabeth Seton through their work in the Mount St. Joseph Post Office.

The joy that filled the post office for nearly 20 years followed them into retirement. Today, they stay connected to Community life not through the stories shared by postal patrons, but through the Price Hill newsletter, the biweekly Update that keeps Sisters informed of Community news, and Intercom, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati magazine. Since S. Tim’s vision has declined, S. Ann now reads each issue aloud, allowing them to continue sharing in the stories and happenings of the congregation together.

Reflecting on their life in Mother Margaret Hall, S. Tim explained, “During this time, she’s been so good to me. It means a whole lot that she comes over to pray in the morning together. Then, she comes over a little after lunch, and again after supper she comes back with all the news.”

“Some of the Sisters keep saying, ‘Oh, you’re so good to her,’ but to me it’s not a burden,” S. Ann said about visiting and reading to S. Tim in this new chapter of their lives. “It’s something I want to do.” For both Sisters, these daily visits are simply another expression of the friendship they have nurtured for decades.

S. Ann described them as “retiring” types who enjoy reading and other quiet activities. When S. Tim laughed, “Oh, we’ve had our wild days, too,” both Sisters erupted into laughter with S. Ann, revealing the playful spirit that has always been part of their relationship.

“Somebody asked us one time when we were going to have our first fight,” S. Ann replied, shaking her head with a soft smile. “But we’re very similar in a lot of ways.” Whether they are deep in conversation, sharing quiet companionship, or praying together, the “seasoned” friendship, as S. Ann describes it, remains rooted in mutual respect, humor and faith.

The life they have led through love and friendship, as the Community Charism calls, has changed throughout the years. But it has never faltered.

S. Tim attributed the ease of their friendship’s formation and evolution to the nature of their Community life. “Family, Community, and friendship, I think it all goes together,” she said. “I think for friendships to develop, you have to spend time together. And we had no control over that!”

As the interview came to a close, S. Ann gently nudged S. Tim from her chair, a quiet reminder that even though their post office days are behind them, there is still joy to be found in each day they share. Then she joked, “See, you didn’t think you’d have anything to say!” S. Tim smiled, comforted by a quiet friendship that has lasted a lifetime.

Today, S. Timothy Ann Schroeder (left) remains closely connected to Community life through S. Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel (right).

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