Sister Teresa Hinker, OSB

Sr. Teresa Hinker, age 92, died on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Good Samaritan Village where she resided.

Sr. Teresa was born on June 6, 1934, the seventh of ten children of Edward and Lena (Watznauer) Hinker of Watauga, SD. Her childhood was spent on a farm that straddled the North Dakota/South Dakota state line. Summer catechetical sessions introduced her to the Sisters of Loretto of Toronto, Canada and nourished her desire to join them.

Sr. Teresa entered the sisters of Loretto community on September 8, 1949, made temporary vows on May 31, 1952, and her Perpetual vows on August 15, 1958. She was one of three daughters to enter religious life. In her time with the Loretto Sisters she ministered in many capacities including housekeeping, cooking and baking. Much of her time was spent caring for the sick sisters and she was eventually sent to Rapid City, SD to obtain her degree in nursing.

While working on her nursing degree, Sr. Teresa lived at St. Martin Monastery and began discerning a possible transfer to the Benedictine Sisters. This transfer took place on August 25, 1990. Sr. Teresa ministered as their health care supervisor for many years. In later years, she also supervised the Monastery kitchen. She enjoyed making many kinds of jams, jellies and pies and also enjoyed reading and crocheting.

Sr. Teresa was a deeply spiritual woman and had a love of prayer. As a Benedictine sister, she was faithful to the Liturgy of the Hours and found great solace there. She loved her family and community with all her heart. She had a gentle spirit and all felt at home in her presence.

She is survived by her Benedictine community, her sister, Sr. Margaret Hinker, a sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Holy Cross Chapel at the Terra Sancta Retreat Center (2101 City Springs Rd.,) beginning with the greeting of the body at 9:00 am, Morning Prayer, at 9:15 am followed by visitation from 9:45 am - 10:45 am.  Her Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Martin Cemetery. There will be a lunch held at Terra Sancta Retreat Center following burial.